Chapter 20 A Gift for You
Iliana was surprised.
She hadn’t anticipated that Maurice would ask her to a painting exhibition.
She didn’t dislike Maurice.
Actually, she had a favorable opinion of him.
Regardless, going alone was still an option, and having someone to go with seemed better.
After thinking for a bit, Iliana typed a response and agreed to Maurice’s invitation with a “yes.”
The following day was a workday, yet many people were at the exhibition.
As they walked through the corridor, a painting drew Iliana’s attention.
The painting wasn’t attractive; it had a dark and somber color palette, and could even be seen as completely unremarkable.
The painting depicted a broken and gloomy environment, conveying sense of despair, but a small rose was blooming.
The brushstrokes were careless yet detailed.
a
Iliana understood art; she had studied it extensively and used to enjoy sharing her insights with Bryson.
But Bryson always dismissed it.
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He had never even gone to an exhibition with her.
To him, her studying art seemed only useful for marrying a better man.
He didn’t realize she genuinely loved art.
Iliana sighed softly, gazing at the painting with a dazed look, fully grasping the artist’s message.
It was “rebirth from ashes,” just like her.
Iliana’s face was calm, and a slight sadness was surrounding her.
Maurice glanced at her casually, then focused on the painting, thinking for a moment.
As Iliana hesitated and was about to say she wanted to buy it, a familiar voice spoke.
“Do you like it? I’ll buy it for you.”
She turned and saw it was Bryson.
But he wasn’t talking to her.
His eyes were filled with affection, laced with a hint of charm, as he gently gazed at the woman next to him.
It was Bryanna.
Iliana was stunned.
She stood further away, so Bryson didn’t see her.
Iliana clearly saw Bryson’s expression; he was so patient and gentle with Bryanna, without any hint of impatience.
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Over the years, Bryson had always known Iliana loved going to exhibitions, but he consistently referred to them as a waste of time and never accompanied her.
Now he had come, but it was to accompany Bryanna, and his eyes were filled with tenderness and affectionate indulgence.
It wasn’t that he thought attending art exhibitions was a waste of time; rather, he was unwilling to accompany her.
Over there, Bryanna chuckled, “Thanks, Brys. However, the rose would look better if it were painted bigger.”
Upon hearing this, Iliana realized that Bryanna hadn’t understood the painting.
She forced a bitter smile and sighed softly.
What a pity.
This painting was going to be sold to someone who couldn’t appreciate its value.
Maurice’s deep voice sounded beside her, calm yet firm, “Sorry, we’ve already purchased this painting.”
The deep voice was so sudden that Iliana quickly turned around, her gaze meeting Maurice’s attractive and reserved eyes.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Hearing this, Bryson and Bryanna looked over.
Seeing Iliana standing beside Maurice, her eyes downcast, Bryson frowned, and his face suddenly became cold.
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Especially when Maurice calmly smirked at him, Bryson’s eyes darkened, and he gave Iliana a forced smile, “Lia, why are you with him again?”
Though he was smiling, his eyes revealed a hint of threat.
Iliana lowered her gaze and didn’t respond.
Bryanna’s expression tightened, and she tugged at Bryson’s sleeve, addressing Iliana, “Iliana, I saw this painting first. You wouldn’t be trying to take away something I’ve chosen, would you? But if you really like it, I can let you have it.”
Her eyes were red, looking at Iliana with a look of frailty.
Bryson said, “Lia, I’ll buy you another one. Let this one go to Bryanna, okay?”
Iliana glanced at him indifferently and forced a smile, “Forget it, just…”
Maurice scoffed and interrupted abruptly, “This lady, buying a painting you don’t understand to decorate your home is really unnecessary.
After all, this isn’t cheap.
“If it’s just for decoration, wouldn’t a prettier one be better?”
Bryanna’s eyes immediately reddened.
“Iliana, I said I can let you have it. Why did you let your friend talk to me like that?”
Playing the victim was her specialty, and every man would feel sympathy for her.
Maurice casually lifted his eyes and glanced at her, saying, “No need. I
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already bought this painting.”
The staff immediately stepped forward, respectful and polite. “Yes, this gentleman has already reserved it.”
With that, he quickly instructed someone to package the painting and handed it to Iliana.
Then he swiftly exited, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead as if relieved.
He wondered if such skillful pleasing of the generous buyers would lead to a raise.
Looking at the painting in her hands, Iliana was a bit surprised.
When had he bought it while talking to her?
Maurice’s tone was unusually gentle.
“A gift for you.”
Bryanna’s face turned dark. “Iliana, are you deliberately trying to embarrass me?”
The painting in her hand felt heavy, and Iliana’s mood improved significantly, a smile forming on her lips.
Observing Iliana smile softly, Bryson frowned deeply, and his typically smiling eyes now showed a cold glint.
His face still had a faint smile. “Lia, have you started hiding things from me?”
Bryson moved closer and instinctively tried to tuck Iliana’s hair behind her ear, but she avoided his hand.
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“Lia, I don’t mind you befriending others, but shouldn’t you tell me? Have you forgotten how much I care about you?”
Bryson’s words implied more.
Iliana instinctively looked at Maurice but saw that he remained unaffected, his eyes serene.
“Also, you should be aware of who you’re befriending,” Bryson said with a smile.
As he finished, his gaze seemed to intentionally shift towards Maurice.
“I’m not a child; you don’t need to worry about me, Bryson.”
Iliana’s voice was steady, and the way she said “Bryson” seemed to establish a clear separation between them.
Hearing this, Bryson felt a sudden, unexplained anxiety.
“Lia, I won’t argue with you about what happened at the art exhibition today, but I hope you’ll seriously consider what you should do next after you return. Do you really want to see our relationship become so strained?”
Her affection for him had long faded; it was more than just a strain.
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