The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

You know how my brother is he'd rather have nothing than settle for less. If he's not truly interested, there's no way he'd compromise. Back then, Summer was probably just starting out, so her paintings weren't too expensive. At least the prices were within my brother's range, allowing him to indulge in his hobby without much strain.

Later, when he started paying a fortune for Summer's work, it was his way of showing gratitude for what her art had meant to him.

But..."

Simone smiled at Aurora. "You really are his weakness, the one who can wound him deeply without even trying. For you, he'd give up a passion he's held for years."

Aurora glanced at the painting hanging on the wall. "I wanted to buy this one because the figure from behind reminded me of myself. But it's just a silhouette. From the right angle, with similar clothes, anyone could look alike. It's entirely possible the person in the painting isn't me at all."

Simone shrugged. "Even if it isn't, does it matter? My brother didn't buy this painting because of that supposed resemblance."

She worried Aurora might misunderstand, so she quickly added, "Aurora, my brother started collecting Summer's paintings long before this one even existed. He's always loved Summer's work-not because of this silhouette, and not because he thought it was you."

Even if this painting were just a landscape, Leonard would have paid just as much

to add it to his collection. Besides, Leonard never thought the figure in the painting was Aurora. Frankly, she might be the last person he'd guess-it probably never even crossed his mind.

He was simply drawn to the atmosphere in Summer's latest work, the mood it conveyed. And as Aurora said, maybe the person really isn't her. But so what? Whether it's her, someone else, or just a figment of the artist's imagination, none of them saw it as a big deal.

It's just a silhouette. Mistaken identity or not, it makes no difference as long as Aurora likes it, that's all that matters. It's not about the painting, and it's not about who's in it.

Simone paused, then continued, "My brother has only ever loved one person- always you."

Leonard fell for Aurora that night in the garden, when he realized she'd lived through the same hardships as he had, yet remained strong and unbowed. They talked about their pasts, their dreams, their favorite things. It wasn't some

love-at-first-sight story; they truly got to know each other, even if it was just for a single evening. That was all it took for Leonard to make up his mind to fight for her.

Simone wanted to be sure Aurora understood she didn't want her worrying that Leonard had mistakennoveldrama

her for some idealized memory of someone else. That never

Э.

happened. Leonard was already in love with Aurora long before he ever saw this painting. In fact, he only noticed the supposed resemblance after he'd bought it, and that was just recently. How long has it really been? Leonard's loved Aurora for five, maybe six years now.

Aurora caught Simone's meaning and smiled. "I never misunderstood. It's nice, actually, that Leonard and I both appreciate Summer's art. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to meet the artist in person."

Simone grinned. "Leonard admires Summer, too-he's even trying to track her down to commission a portrait of you. I'll let you know if we hear anything."

"Thanks. I'd like that."

As soon as Joshua Gardner spoke, Neville Connolly immediately tried to reach Stella and Abby Murphy. Just as Joshua had warned, neither of them could be reached.