Chapter 47

"I didn't know you could paint," Alexander said casually. He glanced at the easel, curiosity sparked as he wondered what Clara had been working on so late at night. Clara noticed his gaze and instinctively shifted to the side, blocking his view. For some reason, the thought of anyone seeing her unfinished, messy work filled her with discomfort. It was a harsh reminder of how much she had lost, how she could no longer paint the way she once did. Alexander caught the subtle movement and paused for a moment before redirecting his attention. "As long as you're okay," he said, his usual stoic expression slipping back into place. Though his face gave nothing away, Clara couldn't help but sense a slight change in his demeanor. Remembering how he'd stepped in to help her multiple times now, she felt a flicker of warmth. She smiled at him, a genuine smile that seemed to chase away the lingering shadows in her heart. "Thank you, Alexander." "No worries." Alexander looked away quic