LOGIN~NATE~“We believe you arrived with one of the contestants, Miss Ava Sterling, correct, sir?”The second security officer’s question only deepens the frown already pulling at my brow as I follow them into the security office.Several monitors line the walls, each displaying footage from different sections of the building.“Yes,” I answer. “Why?”The two men exchange a glance before one of them steps toward a monitor and begins rewinding the footage.“Actually, sir, there appears to be a problem.”The video stops.A hooded woman appears on the black-and-white screen. She’s inside the gallery.At first glance, nothing seems unusual. Then I notice the way she keeps looking over her shoulder before approaching one of the displayed paintings.Her movements are hurried and nervous like a thief as she lifts the artwork and quickly leaves the room.My confusion grows.“What’s this supposed to mean?”The officer turns toward me. “Does she look familiar?”I study the footage, but the hood obscu
~NATE~“Congratulations on winning, Lori. You were incredible out there.”“No, that’s too much.” I drag a hand through my hair and pace near the building’s exit.“Congrats, Lori.”I stop. That sounds stupid too.For the past ten minutes, I’ve been standing here like an idiot, rehearsing different ways to talk to my wife while she remained inside accepting congratulations from literally everyone at the competition.The irony isn’t lost on me.I have spent years convincing myself Lori wasn’t talented, ambitious or worthy enough. Only for her to walk onto that stage and prove me wrong in front of hundreds of people.Not only is she talented, but she’s also exceptional.Even Ava, who had attended one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, wasn’t able to move the audience the way Lori did.Heavens, why am I overthinking things?I’m sure it’s just that I feel it’s right to congratulate her. Or maybe I simply want an excuse to properly look at her.Because ever since she’d stepp
~LORETTE~ Despite the humiliation threatening to swallow me whole, I somehow manage to stay seated. The old me would’ve run out of this hall long ago. I would’ve hidden in the nearest restroom and cried until everyone forgot I existed. But for Ella’s sake, I sit quietly and watch as the judges continue scoring the remaining paintings. When participant twelve’s artwork is revealed, a few judges nod in approval. Participant nineteen earns impressed murmurs from the audience. Then participant twenty-two’s painting is brought forward, and I don’t need anyone to announce the artist’s name before I know who it is. One look at Ava’s face and I already know it’s hers. The confidence radiating from her is a dead give-away. The moment the covering cloth is removed, appreciative gasps ripple through the hall. At the center of the painting stands a massive ancient tree, its branches stretched toward the sky. As the eye travels across the canvas, the seasons change around it—spri
~LORETTE~ Within minutes, everyone is seated and the hall falls into a tense silence as the final round officially begins. My heart is pounding so hard that I can barely hear anything else, but I still manage to keep myself together. Thankfully, Ella is beside me. She reaches for my hand beneath the table and gives it a reassuring squeeze, offering me a small smile. At the center of the stage, the host steps forward with a microphone. “As stated in the rules communicated to all finalists,” he announces, “all paintings were submitted yesterday and collected ahead of today’s event. To ensure fairness, every artwork will be judged anonymously, with only participant numbers attached to each piece.” Excited murmurs ripple through the hall. “No names will be revealed until the scoring process is complete. The judges will evaluate each painting based solely on creativity, execution, and interpretation of the theme: Time.” I swallow hard. Yesterday, after finishing my paintin
~LORETTE~ “We’re really sorry we can’t be there to cheer you on today, Lori.” Lucas’s voice is filled with regret as he speaks to me early the next morning. “It’s a pity that our brothers and I all ended up having important work commitments on the same day.” He shakes his head before offering me an apologetic smile. “But I promise I’ll make it up to you. In fact, I have a surprise waiting for you.” “It’s okay, brother. I understand.” I smile reassuringly. As much as I would have loved to have Lucas, Hunter, and Jace there with me today, I can’t expect them to jeopardize their jobs because of a competition. The job market is already difficult enough without risking unemployment over something like this. “Just wish me luck, okay?” Lucas chuckles softly. “All the luck in the world, little sis.” After my brothers leave, Ella takes over. She helps me into my dress, fixes my hair, and somehow manages to transform my face with makeup without making me look like a complete
~LORETTE~“B-Brother…” Bentley’s voice comes out shaky as she stares up at Nate as though he’s suddenly speaking a different language.Beside her, Ava looks equally stunned.To be honest, I’m not doing much better myself. Even Ella looks seconds away from bursting into laughter.“I recently reviewed your spending records,” Nate continues. “And after seeing the ridiculous amount you’ve wasted on unnecessary luxuries over the past few months, I decided it was time to step in.”Bentley’s face burns red.Around us, her friends immediately begin whispering.“How embarrassing.”“I thought she said nobody questioned her decisions.”“She acts like she’s untouchable.”Bentley forces a smile that looks painfully strained.“But, Brother… you’ve never done this before.”“And that’s exactly why I’m doing it now,” Nate replies. “I’ve realized we’ve spoiled you far too much. It’s time you got a job and learned the value of money.”“Nate, don’t be so hard on her.” Ava slips to his side, wrapping an a
~NATE~ “What the hell?” I stop short the moment I step out of the bathroom, water still dripping faintly from my hair. My eyes narrow at the empty space on the bed. Every single morning, without fail, my suit and tie are always neatly arranged there, pressed to perfection and ready for me to wea
~LORETTE~ A smile spreads across my lips as I glance over my shoulder at Lucas and Ella, who are just stepping into the kitchen. The omelette sizzles softly in the pan as I flip it with ease. Beside me, buttered toast and warm bagels have already been neatly arranged, while the potatoes and veget
~LORETTE~ “Not so many,” Lucas answers, his eyes fixed on the road. “I’m the eldest. Then, Marcus. He’s a doctor and based abroad. Then, there’s Hunter. The lawyer of the family. And finally, Jace. He’s a singer and the sweetest, most outgoing one of us all. He’s the youngest of the family.” “Oh.”
~LUCAS~ “I can’t believe that asshole did all that to you. I’m going to make sure he pays dearly for this.” Lucas says with gritted teeth as he grips the steering wheel tightly. His insides boil with hot rage. Lori has just finished explaining everything that happened to her, and although Luc







