Ellinor never took them on long trips, fearing the potential dangers. Sheâd always say they had to be a bit older before they could go.
Neither Adrian, his older brother, nor his younger sister had ever seen the majestic mountains or the vast rivers.
âEven the painted version is breathtaking. How much more beautiful would it be in reality? If only I could see it with my own eyes.â
Lea looked at Adrian and could feel his sorrow. She thought of how strict Sophia had been with him.
She hardly ever allowed him to leave the house.
Poor child.
After he was born, he was taken away from his biological mother and placed under the care of a stepmother, who kept him sheltered from the world.
âIâm not the best at painting, but my art teacherâs work is closer to the real thing. Wait here, Iâll show you.â
Lea, still a child herself, couldnât take her young nephew to see those breathtaking scenes, but she could show him through the art she had.
She found her collection and gently took out a painting, carefully bringing it to Adrian.
âLook at this. My art teacher painted it. Itâs much more realistic than my work.â
âWow!â Adrianâs mouth dropped in awe. He was truly amazed by the painting.
There were such beautiful places in the world?
One day, he would take his mom and siblings to see this beautiful place depicted in the painting.
Adrian then noticed the signature on the painting: Lady Lotus.
Lady Lotus?
Adrianâs eyes sparkled. âAuntie, is your art teacher Lady Lotus?â
Lea was surprised. âYes! Wow, youâre so young and can already recognize words!â
Adrian did recognize the words, but he wasnât trying to show off. It was because his home was filled with Lady Lotusâ paintings. They were cherished treasures for his mother.
His mother had told him that these paintings were the works of his grandmother, his motherâs mother.
He had seen his grandmotherâs signature before, and it was exactly the same as the one on the painting in front of him.
Could it be that Auntie Leaâs art teacher was his grandmother?
âAuntie Lea, can I have this painting?â Adrian asked as his innocent eyes sparkled with sincerity.
Lea, moved by Adrianâs situation, agreed without a second thought. âIf you like it, itâs yours. But you must take good care of it. Frame it and keep it safe. My teacherâs work sells for a hefty price out there.â
Lady Lotusâ paintings were expensive, but the artist herself didnât seem to care, often gifting her sketches to her students.
Lea had many of her teacherâs paintings, so giving one to Adrian wouldnât be a problem.
Adrian was overjoyed. âThatâs great! My mom loves Lady Lotusâs paintings! Sheâll be so happy!â
Upon hearing this, Lea immediately frowned. âWhat did you say? You want to give this painting to your mother?â
Adrian nodded. âYes, my mom loves Lady Lotusâ paintings.â
âWell, in that case, I canât give it to you.â Lea suddenly changed her mind, taking back the painting and putting it back into her collection.