C17 Everyone Has A Past

After the auction, Sophia was still plagued by a persistent sense of discomfort. In her already complicated relationship with Lucas, the picture bearing his name had seemed like a bizarre turn of events.

Despite their comparatively quiet journey to his mansion, her mind was roiling with unresolved questions.

When they entered the study, the tension finally subsided. A staff carefully placed the artwork against a wall so that the warm light from the lamp would catch its vivid hues.

Once they were alone, Lucas stated in a controlled tone, "I assume you have questions."

Sophia's voice was stern as she crossed her arms. “That would be an understatement. Would you mind describing why that painting seems like something I'm working on? or why it bears your name?”

Lucas faced her with a composed yet solemn attitude. “It is not what you're thinking Sophia. I didn't steal from you.”

"So what is it?" She pushed.

With a groan, he paced the room while explaining, "A few years ago, I saw that piece. It belonged to a private collection. I was enthralled by the work's unadulterated emotion when I analyzed it. It seemed….recognizable.”

“Recognisable, how?” Sophia asked, tilting her head to the side.

“At the time,” Lucas replied, "I didn't understand it, but the piece reminded me of something I couldn't place—a memory, a feeling and I knew it was going to be there tonight. So, I bought it because I couldn't let it go.”

"And that's why you gave me the commission?" With a hint of incredulity in her voice, Sophia inquired.

Lucas gave a nod. "I was motivated to find the artist behind that painting. But I couldn't, then I found a gallery that had displayed your early pieces. I saw the similarity in your portfolio. For this project, I knew you were the artist I wanted.”

Sophia blinked as she tried to comprehend what he had said. She was both flattered and uneasy. It was overwhelming to think that her work had affected Lucas so much, yet it didn't fully account for everything.

"Why didn't you inform me earlier?" Her voice grew a little softer as she asked.

Lucas answered, "I didn't think it mattered. Not until I saw your response to the painting tonight. I understood how it may appear.”

Still feeling unsteady, Sophia shook her head. "You ought to have told me right away. I've been wondering why you chose me."

Lucas took a step closer and said, "You're right." His voice became softer, and his eyes grew softer. “But I honestly didn't think much of it. I should have given more consideration to your feelings. And there shouldn't be a question as to why I hired you. You're talented Sophia. You have a unique gift and viewpoint.”

Sophia gulped forcefully, her feelings battling inside of her. Despite the sincerity of his comments, Lucas's seclusion still bothered her.

Sophia raised her hand to her forehead, signing, not knowing what to do.

Lucas extended his hand to her hair, caressing it gently. He rolled a strand around his finger in a sensuous manner while speaking, “I know you feel uneasy but consider this: Sophia, I have faith in you. More than you think. And I hope you will eventually believe in me as well.”

Sophia leaned into him, giving in to her want at that moment. Lucas wrapped his arm around her, inviting her in.

Soon after, his hands are roaming her back, down to her curves, to her round ass.

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

As Sophia worked, her thoughts kept returning to Lucas. He was like a mystery she couldn't quite solve or let go of and his remarks had a way of getting stuck in her head…

By afternoon, she decided to stroll through the estate's gardens to decompress.

She allowed herself to get lost in the beauty of the fresh air and colorful flowers, which provided a much-needed diversion.

She almost bumped into a stranger as she turned a corner, a tall, wiry man in his early thirties wearing a sharp blazer.

She was instantly on edge by his penetrating eyes and assured manner.

“I assume you're Ms. Lynns?” The man spoke in a silky voice.

Sophia furrowed her brows. "Who is asking?"

She declined the man's hand when he extended it. Unfazed, he grinned. “You can call me Ethan Keller. I’m a journalist.”

She felt sick to her stomach. "Mr. Keller, I have no interest in interviews."

Ethan lowered his hand and added, "Oh, I'm not here for an interview. I'm here to discuss Lucas Hawke."

Sophia tensed. "How about him?"

After looking around, Ethan lowered his voice and leaned in a little. You appear to be close to him. I thought you might want to know who you're dealing with.”

Sophia's tone was reserved as she said, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ethan stated, "Let me put it this way. Lucas Hawke is more than just an art enthusiast and billionaire. He has a past, and it's not as perfect as he would like people to believe.”

Sophia's pulse accelerated, but her face remained expressionless. "Everyone has a past, Mr. Keller. You've got the wrong person if you're looking for information about Lucas."

Ethan shrugged and answered, "Perhaps. But I would look further if I were you. You should be aware of certain facts that may cause you to reconsider your connection with him.”

Ethan gave Sophia a business card while saying, "Call me if you're curious," and then he left, leaving her alone in the yard with her mind racing.

Sophia sat in her room that night, gazing at the card that Ethan had given her. Every potentiality that crossed her mind was more unnerving than the one before it.

Even though Lucas had been candid about some parts of his life, many questions remained.

And now a reporter was implying that Lucas might be concealing secrets. Sophia, unable to get rid of her uneasiness, put the card in her notepad and decided to face Lucas again.

She needed to know, before it was too late, whether there were any truths he was keeping from her.