“As for the secrets of the art gallery, I’m not just seeking a materialistic treasure cove. This is also my pursuit of the beauty of art. I believe the true value of art is more valuable than money could ever buy.”
A mix of emotions flurried in lan’s eyes. He seemed to be both surprised by me and felt that my determination was commendable.
This was the first time in many years that I felt like he was slightly impressed by me. Maybe because I’ve lived another life, that was why I could express what I wanted in the way I desired.
“Your courage and determination are commendable, Ms. Wiley. But remember, you’re the one that had chosen this path. No matter if it will be a smooth path or one filled with thorns ahead of you, you’ll have to bear with the consequences of your choice.”
I stood up and bowed slightly, signifying my gratitude towards lan. “Thank you for your reminder and help, Mr. Grayson Senior. I’ll be cautious with what I will do and will bear responsibility for my choices till the end.
“As for Ethan, I believe that as long as we share the same ideals, nothing will be able to keep us apart.”
I turned and was about to leave the study. My heart was filled with hope and determination for the future like never before.
I believed that I could find answers with my capabilities. It would just be a matter of time. I had more than enough time.
A voice suddenly rang from behind me.
“You’re really very brave, that was why I was willing to tell you all of these. However, whether you’re able to be with him till the end is not something that is up to me.”
Of course, I knew lan didn’t comprise the entire Grayson family. Ethan had many relatives who were also intolerant of my presence because I couldn’t bring the gains to these people like how they had desired. lan told me the answer but didn’t name any terms.
“I hope you can overcome every stage of things since this is only the beginning.”
The moment I stepped out of the study, I took a deep breath and filled myself with fresh air from the outdoors. It almost felt like even the air was laced with the smell of freedom and hope.
lan’s words reverberated in my ears as a warning and as a silent approval.
I knew well that the path ahead of me would not be a smooth sailing one, but just like I had said, I have made the necessary preparations to face all of it head-on.
As I returned to where I lived, I eagerly flipped through the yellowing photo album and glided my finger through every photo. Each photo had bear witness of former glory and dreams made.
There would be a lot of people who would assume that I was doing all of these for Jack, but what they didn’t know was that my mom was an excellent artist once upon a time as well.
However, she had chosen to give it all up for her family.
At that time, I was sure that both Jack and my mom had loved each other, and their love was loud and vibrant.
However, as time passed, the passion had died down. The mundane of everyday life and the stress of reality had caused that pure love to be tainted and drowned.
My mother’s sacrifice and efforts didn’t seem to result in the long-lasting happiness and peace she desired, instead, she had slowly lost herself as time passed.
Every time I flipped through these old photos, could almost always feel the unfinished dreams and regrets that were evident in my mother’s eyes. They were like. bright, shining star in the night, guiding me forward.
What I was after was not only the secrets of the art gallery, but also to finish what my mother couldn’t, to make sure these forgotten, beautiful art see the light once more.
This wasn’t just a remembrance of my mother, but also an insistence that I had for the pursuit and love for art.
My journey of pursuing art in the form of becoming an excellent designer was also one of the embodiments of this dream.
I hoped to lead a different life than what my mom had.
However, I also wished for a loving home-a safe haven that all those who had grown up with a lack of love would dream to have.
lan stuck to his word. He had given me enough answers and surprises to lead me to that little town with the clue he had given to me.