Chapter 121: His Gift

When Benjamin returned to Oakleaf Estates, the living room was bright but lacked the soft smiling face to greet him.

In the past, when Sophia still loved him, every time he came home, she would be sitting on the living room sofa.

As soon as she saw him enter, she would flutter over like a butterfly and ask to be held and to have her hair stroked.

Benjamin lowered his eyelids. He missed those moments now more than ever.

"Sir," Laura descended the stairs and greeted him politely.

Benjamin looked up towards the second floor, his gaze deep and wistful.

"How did she fare today?"

He had to ask Laura this question every day as soon as he got home.

What did Sophia do today?

Did she eat on time?

Did she miss him?

Why hadn't she replied to his messages?

When would she forgive him?

Never had Benjamin thought he would become so clingy.

Unfortunately, the person who could answer his questions no longer wanted to respond.

"Sir, rest assured, Mrs. Taylor had a fulfilling and happy day. She ate her meals properly and spent time painting in the studio. She really appreciates the teacher, Ms. Collins, that you found for her. In the past couple of days, we've often heard Mrs. Taylor and Ms. Collins laughing together in the studio," Laura reported diligently.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, "She likes the painter Rebecca Collins?"

"Yes, sir," Laura continued, "Mrs. Taylor even had dinner with Ms. Collins tonight. They were both very cheerful."

Benjamin could imagine Sophia liking Rebecca, a somewhat renowned painter.

That woman was nearly fifty and unmarried.

There were rumors that Rebecca had once loved a married man and that the affair ended with no resolution, after which she decided to focus solely on her art and chose not to marry or have children.

Rebecca was a choice he had made deliberately for Sophia.

Her life experiences were remarkably similar to those of Sophia's mother, Evelyn.

If Evelyn were alive, she would be about Rebecca's age.

Sophia didn't often show it, but whenever she was sick, vulnerable, or hurt, she would sit holding a photograph of her with Evelyn as if clutching the frame could invoke the sacred power of maternal love.

He wanted to find a "substitute mother-in-law" who could speak on his behalf.

Once Sophia and Rebecca's relationship deepened, perhaps Sophia might listen to Rebecca more.

"I see. You may go and rest now."

Benjamin dismissed Laura and strode upstairs.

In the studio, Sophia was carefully outlining a picture with a palette in one hand and a brush in the other.

Designed to welcome spring, this painting was named Flourishing Blossoms.

She stared at the paper painted in a myriad of colors, reflecting on Rebecca's guidance.

"Mrs. Taylor, you are very talented and skilled. You just lack experience."

"What kind of experience?" Sophia queried.

"Competition experience," Rebecca smiled gently.

Sophia frowned slightly.

She had only collaborated once with Jasper during college, and although they had won an award, it wasn't solely her achievement.

Rebecca pulled out a registration form for an art competition themed around spring from her bag and handed it to Sophia.

"If you want your work to be seen by others, you need to enter it in competitions to gain recognition. Your first assignment is to register for this competition and complete a piece."

Sophia took the form hesitantly, "Can I paint whatever I want?"

"Exactly," Rebecca chuckled. "Paint what you feel in your heart, a story about spring."

...

Sophia, thinking of painting for the competition, felt both excited and nervous.

She dipped her brush in the red paint, only to find it nearly gone.

She then picked up a bottle of paint and realized she was almost out of red.

It looked like a trip to the art supply store was in order for tomorrow.

Knock, knock...

The gentle, rhythmic knocking at the door was unmistakably Benjamin.

Lately, he had taken to knocking on her door frequently, and she had become familiar with his pattern.

Sophia picked up her palette and brushed again, intent on ignoring him.

"Sophia, it's me."

Used to her lack of response, Benjamin made his presence known whenever she deliberately ignored him.

"Could you open the door? I have something for you."

Still focusing on her painting, Sophia treated him as if he were thin air.

"I heard you're entering a competition. I bought you some paints and brushes that you might need."

His voice penetrated the silence again.

Sophia paused and eyed the nearly empty red in her palette.

Click.

She set down her brush and palette, walked to the studio door, and opened it.

Benjamin's handsome face brightened into a smile as he appraised her.

Tonight, Sophia was as beautiful as ever, though slightly messy.

Her fair cheeks smeared with red and yellow, her chin dotted with blue and green, she looked like a playful kitten that had accidentally tipped over a palette.

She was so adorable.

Sophia stared fixated at the box in his hands, filled with paints, brushes, a new easel, and paper.

She only saw the gifts, not him.

Noticing her eagerness, Benjamin handed her the gift.

As Sophia reached out with a small smile, Benjamin playfully pulled them back.

Sophia paused, frowned, and stared up at him.

What was he implying?

Benjamin leaned closer and met her gaze at eye level.

"I've brought you a gift you needed. Don't you think you should give something in return?"