Chapter 203 Is It Your Lover?
Olivia never expected that buying a painting would lead to someone asking her questions.
However, the elderly person before her had kind features and a thin frame. Though wearing makeup, it couldn't hide the sickly appearance underneath.
Based on Olivia's medical training, she felt that this person seemed seriously ill.
Although asking her questions, the tone was very polite, so Olivia politely told them, "I don't think I thought that much about it. I just felt that this painting really spoke to me, like someone I know.
Although he appears cold and unapproachable on the surface, he has a reserved tenderness and thoughtfulness inside, a side that others haven't discovered.
The surface of this painting is indeed covered in ice and snow, but the pine tree under the frost and snow isn't bent by the snow on its branches - you can still see the green leaves.
When he looks up, I feel his eyes are gentle. As for why...
I think it's because the artist poured intense emotion into the painting.
For example, the upper part shows breaking daylight, warm and dazzling, looking like it's about to melt the ice and snow.
Also, the figure's belt is red - if he truly cut off all feelings and love, why would he wear such a vibrant color?
Besides, the church door is tightly closed, and the figure is facing the opposite direction. To me, he doesn't seem to be yearning for it, but rather leaving this place. That backward glance is a farewell, not lingering attachment."
She shared all her feelings about the painting.
After hearing this, the elderly person suddenly started laughing for some reason.
Hearing the laughter, Olivia thought she'd said something wrong and looked a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, I don't really understand painting. I was just sharing my own view. I hope you don't mind."
The elder's laugh wasn't mocking - there was even a sparkle in their eyes. "Miss, I'm not laughing at you. I'm happy."
Olivia looked stunned. "Happy?"
"Yes." The elder nodded and smiled. "This is the first time I've heard such an interpretation, and it's the correct interpretation."
Olivia was confused for a moment - there was a lot to unpack in those words.
It was then that Olivia vaguely felt this person looked somewhat familiar.
At that moment, Evelyn poked her with a finger and handed over her phone.
Olivia glanced back and saw personal information on the phone.
The information was about the artist of this painting - the very elderly person standing before her.
Olivia looked a bit surprised and also embarrassed. "So you're Seraphine Lawson."
Seraphine nodded and said kindly, "That's me. I came personally today to see the painting sold, hoping to meet someone with the right connection. Looks like I'm lucky!
Your interpretation just now matches exactly what I wanted to express.
The person in the painting is my lover, and it's a portrait of our emotions when we were young.
I thought I couldn't paint anymore, but in my later years, I remembered our past, and so this work was born."
After hearing Seraphine's words, Olivia felt very embarrassed.
She never expected her simple interpretation would reach the artist herself.
Good thing she got it right and didn't embarrass herself!
Seraphine looked very happy, with more light in her eyes, as if she'd met someone similar to herself.
She said, "Miss, you're also very lucky. You've also met such a person. Is he your lover?"
Hearing this, Olivia's mind went blank.
Olivia instinctively shook her head in denial. "He's not..."
Her ears started burning.
How did Seraphine even reach that conclusion?
How could she and Andrew possibly be lovers?
Olivia felt her cheeks starting to burn.
Seraphine was somewhat surprised at this.
She smiled and said, "Really? I thought so, because the way you talked about him seemed different."
Even her eyes became gentler, which was why she made that guess.
Olivia thought to herself, 'Really? I didn't notice that myself.'
However, this topic really couldn't continue, so she could only keep denying it, saying, "No, we're just friends. Please don't misunderstand."
Seraphine, seeing her like this, smiled meaningfully and said, "It's okay. Just because it's not now doesn't mean it won't change in the future, right?
I won't take up more of your time. You probably have other paintings to see. I'm very glad to have met you."
Seeing that she finally dropped the topic, Olivia secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled back, "Me too. It's an honor to meet you in person."
They shook hands in a friendly manner, and Seraphine left first.
The staff continued to lead Olivia to sign the paperwork.
The gallery would help package the painting and have it delivered to her door.
Just as Olivia finished the procedures, a familiar little voice suddenly reached her ears. "Mommy."
Olivia turned around in surprise and saw Andrew holding Bianca, standing not far away. Bianca was happily waving her little hand at her.
Evelyn also saw them and teased, "Oh? What a coincidence - it's Mr. Hamilton!"
Andrew's lips curved in a faint smile as he said warmly, "It is quite a coincidence."
Then he looked at Olivia and asked, "So the thing you mentioned today was coming here?"
Olivia inexplicably felt the awkwardness of being caught, as well as the nervousness of worrying her secret might be discovered. Her palms even started sweating.
Andrew was here too!
How long had they been here? Did he hear what she said earlier?
Olivia's ears, which had been warming up, instantly turned red.
She felt that if he had heard what she said, it would definitely be a super embarrassing situation.
Now she could only pretend to be calm, walk over and say, "So today you were bringing Bianca to see the art exhibition?"
"Yes." Andrew nodded and said, "Bianca likes painting. If nothing unexpected happens, she'll probably develop in this direction in the future. She can't just practice - her appreciation ability needs to keep up too.
I didn't expect my plans would coincide with your schedule."
His deep gaze swept over the counter as he asked curiously, "You came to buy a painting?"
Seeing his attention fall on the counter, Olivia felt even more uncomfortable.
But there was no way to lie now, so she could only nod and say, "Yes, I happened to like one painting."
Andrew didn't ask which one she liked, but instead asked, "So are you leaving now?"
Before Olivia could speak, Evelyn beside her immediately said, "We were about to leave, but just me. I just got a call - something came up and I need to go first.
As for Olivia, she hasn't finished looking yet. We only just got here. Since you happened to meet, why doesn't Olivia go with you, Mr. Hamilton? That way I won't feel guilty about leaving."
Hearing this, Olivia looked somewhat shocked. "When did you..."