C15 Snooping Like A Thief

That night, Sophia couldn't sleep. The image hung in her head every time she closed her eyes, complete with Lucas's mysterious statement, the date, and the brush strokes.

The more she thought about the brush strokes, the more they seemed familiar. But how can that be? Why would Lucas's brush strokes look familiar to her? She had never seen him paint before.

And the date, 2020.

How did he draw someone who resembled her without knowing her? When she first saw a replica of that painting in his estate, she had brushed it off as a coincidence; it wasn't signed anyway, but the one she saw today?

It didn't seem like a coincidence anymore.

How could he have drawn that? And why? She came closer to a conclusion she didn't want to accept the never-ending questions: Lucas Hawke had been following her for far longer than he acknowledged.

She decided to face him in the morning, but Lucas had left, leaving just a brief letter with the housekeeper. "There are important things to do. I'll be back tonight. Stay at home and make yourself comfortable.”

Sophia's annoyance flared as she gazed at the note. Make herself comfortable? That's all he had to say after all that had happened?

Before she could vent her displeasure, a familiar voice broke the silence as she balled the paper in her fist.

"You are the epitome of domestic bliss, aren't you?" With a sudden turn, Sophia saw Shirley Westbrook resting nonchalantly against the doorway.

"What are you doing here?" Sophia's tone was rougher than she meant when she inquired.

With a sly smile, Shirley strode into the room as if she owned it. Every stride she took was a reminder of the power she possessed, as her high-end shoes clicked on the marble floor.

With a dismissive wave of her manicured hand, Shirley remarked, "Lucas and I have….mutual interests. But, sweetheart, I'm here for you."

Sophia spat out a sour laugh and folded her arms. "I don't know which is worse, that you think I care or that you think I'd believe that."

"I'm trying to help you, believe it or not," Shirley replied, her voice becoming softer. "Lucas is not who you believe him to be."

Sophia stiffened. "And you'd be aware?"

Shirley took a step forward, her face unreadable. “Sophia, Lucas has a secret agenda. Your past is connected to everything he has done, including bringing you here and commissioning your work.”

Even though Sophia's heart missed a beat, she remained strong. It wasn't like Shirley was going to give her all the information she needed. Moreover, if there was anything she had noticed between Lucas and Shirley, it was that they had a penchant for giving cryptic explanations and confusing her the more. Maybe it was time for her to call their bluff.

"You're telling lies." She said deliberately to gauge Shirley's reaction.

Shirley's brow arched into a flawless shape. "Am I? Consider it. Why else would Lucas Hawke, a billionaire who can hire the most successful and renowned artist, come for a struggling one who can't even pay her rent? Like you?”

Sophia hesitated to let Shirley realize the hurtful implication. After a moment she retorted calmly instead of screaming as she felt like doing.

“You made me that way. I became a struggling artist despite how talented I am because your betrayal ruined me. I wasn't getting jobs because your silly bickering destroyed my reputation. But you stand before me now and stylishly insult me? You do not know how to be ashamed? Do you?”

Shirley heaved a sigh and looked down at her toes. She muttered in a low voice, “I'm sorry.”

But Sophia was past caring, she continued, “Listen, I'm not sure what game you're playing, but I'm not playing it with you."

Shirley looked up, she opened her mouth to protest but decided against it. She shifted her weight and stated, "Adjust yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you, though.” She then turned on her heel and left, leaving Sophia to ponder on her own.

***********************************************

The hours passed slowly, each one adding to Sophia's mounting skepticism. She thought about Shirley's remarks, which blended with Lucas's enigmatic actions.

What if Shirley had been correct though? What if Lucas wasn't as innocent as he appeared to be?

Sophia's curiosity had evolved into resolve by the time night time arrived. She needed answers, and she would discover them on her own if Lucas refused to provide them.

The study was faintly lighted, with the room glowing golden from the setting sun. Sophia's heart was pounding as she halted at the door.

Lucas had given her no other option, even though she knew this was a betrayal of trust.

Silently, she crept inside and started looking. His desk was spotless, with every document and item carefully placed on it.

She rummaged through drawers, looking through papers and notebooks, but she didn't find anything unusual.

She turned to look at a locked cupboard by the desk. Unsurprised when the handle didn't move, her heart raced as she tried it again. But still, no movement.

As she looked around the room, she noticed a tiny key on a shelf close by. Going for it, she returned and inserted the key in the keyhole.

She was just about to turn the key with her left hand on the drawer handle when a deep voice broke the silence in the study.

She froze. Did she just get caught? Her eyes bulged and her mind whirled with

“What do you think you're doing?"