Chapter 22 The Right Eyes
Sarah looked up and met the man’s gaze.
Her heart skipped a beat.
But she quickly composed herself and smiled with poise. “Of course. Mr. Grayson is undoubtedly handsome -easy on the eyes, and even more rare, noble in character.”
He had helped her multiple times without expecting anything in return.
And in all their interactions, he’d always maintained the perfect balance of closeness and distance.
To her, he was genuinely… a good friend.
Grayson didn’t reply, simply looked at her with quiet, unreadable eyes.
Soon after, he escorted her home.
After he left, Sarah leaned back on the sofa, deep in thought.
In just a little over ten days, she’d be leaving Astrovia.
Once she said her final goodbye to Shane, she’d return to Capital City–and begin a whole new chapter.
But before that, there were still a few things she wanted to do.
Ever since moving here with Shane, she had rarely spent time on herself. She’d always wanted to attend a particular artist’s exhibit.
She’d originally planned to go with Shane. But he always said he was too busy. So they never made it. Now, in these last few days, she could finally make up for that regret.
The things he never had time for—she would do alone.
Over the next two days, aside from focusing on her recovery, she kept an eye on the artist’s schedule.
By coincidence, the very exhibit she’d wanted to see was opening in Astrovia.
Just as she was about to book a ticket, her phone lit up with a message.
It was from Grayson.
“Ms. Sarah, there’s an art exhibit nearby. A well–known artist’s work is on display at the cultural center. Want to go together?”
Sarah paused, surprised.
She hadn’t expected Grayson to invite her to an art show.
But she didn’t dislike him. In fact, she had a very good impression of him.
She was going to go alone anyway. Having someone accompany her didn’t sound bad.
After a brief moment of consideration, she typed a reply:
“Sure.”
Chapter 22 The Right Eyes
The next day was a weekday, but the exhibit was still bustling with visitors.
+8 Pearls
The two of them strolled through the corridors, viewing painting after painting. Eventually, one particular piece caught Sarah’s attention.
It wasn’t beautiful.
In fact, it was bleak–borderline ugly.
Agrim, desaturated canvas, yet in the middle of all that ruin bloomed a single small rose.
Rough, almost harsh strokes, but with unmistakable precision.
Sarah understood art. She had studied it for years. Back then, she had often tried to share her thoughts with Shane.
But Shane never cared.
He never once came to a gallery with her. In his eyes, her love of art was just a tool–to marry better.
He had never seen that she truly loved it.
Sarah sighed softly, her gaze lingering on the canvas. She understood the symbolism completely.
Rebirth through ash.
It was her, in a way.
Still as a statue, she stood before the painting, a quiet melancholy curling around her.
Grayson glanced at her, then looked at the painting, his expression thoughtful.
Just as Sarah hesitated, debating whether to buy the piece, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“If you like it, I’ll buy it for you.”
She turned around.
It was Shane.
But he wasn’t speaking to her.
He was looking at another woman–his gaze soft, warm, and brimming with affection.
Nora.
Sarah froze.
She was standing just far enough behind them that Shane hadn’t noticed her.
But from where she stood, she could clearly see his expression–patient, gentle, entirely unlike how he’d ever looked at her.
They’d been together for years. She had begged him to come see exhibits like this.
He had always brushed it off as a waste of time.
But here he was, standing next to Nora, willing to attend with her.
Chapter 22 The Right Eyes
+8 Pearls
So it wasn’t that he hated art.
He just didn’t care enough about her.
Nora chuckled lightly. “Thanks, Shane. But I think the rose would’ve looked prettier if it were bigger.”
In one breath, Sarah knew–Nora hadn’t understood the painting at all.
She curled her lips faintly and let out a quiet sigh.
What a shame.
Such a meaningful piece, about to be bought by someone who couldn’t even see it.
Then, beside her, a calm, deep voice rang out–cool, casual, and yet absolute:
“Apologies. We’ve already purchased that piece.”
Startled, Sarah turned and locked eyes with the man beside her—
Grayson, his gaze composed, sharp, and regal.
