Lawrence's POVThe sweet floral scent of Stella's perfume enveloped me as I pulled her close, our fingers interlaced. Her touch was electric, sending tingles across my skin. I gazed into her emerald eyes, losing myself in their depths."So, got any wild plans for us today?" I asked, my voice low. Stella smirked, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Oh, I've got some ideas."I raised an eyebrow. "Do tell, princess.""Well, it involves a scenic hike, picnic lunch, and maybe some skinny dipping if you're lucky," she said, tracing a finger down my chest. A pleasant shiver went through me."I like the way you think," I said with a smile.We drove out to a secluded hiking trail, the morning air crisp and clean in my lungs. Birds twittered brightly in the treetops as we strolled hand-in-hand down sun-dappled paths strewn with fallen leaves that crushed underfoot.At a gurgling stream, Stella spread out a picnic blanket and tempting spread - juicy strawberries, creamy brie, crispy baguette. Sweet
Stella I practically floated out of Lawrence's sleek black sedan, barely hearing his reminder to text when I was ready to be picked up later. "See you later, love. " I shouted heading out.My thoughts swirled with giddy exhilaration at the incredible opportunity awaiting inside the understated stone gallery.Lawrence had somehow arranged for me, a complete artistic unknown, to study painting under the great Andre Dubois himself! I still couldn't believe it. Andre was renowned in elite art circles for his lush forest landscapes and minimalist urban scenes that fetched outrageous sums. His works were even displayed in national museums!The other students I glimpsed hauling canvases and equipment into the studio all seemed so polished and artsy. I suddenly felt self-conscious in my thrift store smock and faded bag covered in acrylic stains from amateur experiments at home. Lawrence did have connections for me to be accepting patronage from someone like Andre Dubois.But when the sta
Lawrence's POVI tensed seeing Jameson's expensive Italian loafers propped casually on my pristine glass coffee table. How had he breached the penthouse security again? Surely he hadn't charmed my guard detail this time. Unease prickled beneath my businesslike veneer. Nothing good ever came of my wayward brother's unannounced visits. I strode into the living room prepared to forcibly remove him, only to pull up short. There stood Stella before a wide canvas, laughing brightly at something Jameson had murmured. He lounged on the sofa behind her looking utterly at ease. I shouldn't have been surprised he would foist his questionable charms on Stella given half an opportunity. Was he really so arrogant as to presume no doors barred to him? Or was there a murkier purpose behind this charm offensive?"Hope I'm not interrupting?" I clipped out by way of announcing myself.Stella glanced over her shoulder, face brightening. "Lawrence, you're home! Where have you been all day?" Her deligh
Lawrence's POVI tensed as Jameson's voice carried over the ambient music, his careless laughter grating like nails down a chalkboard. So much for a rare peaceful evening alone with Stella. I glanced up to see my little brother sauntering through the exclusive restaurant as though he owned it, making himself at home at our table."Oh wonderful, you're both here! What a lovely coincidence," Jameson exclaimed with mock delight. "Don't mind if I join you, do you?" Without waiting for a reply, he spun a chair around and dropped into it. "We were rather hoping for some privacy," I bit out, wrapping a protective arm around Stella's bare shoulders. To her credit, she took my brother's intrusion in an amused stride, merely arching one perfect eyebrow."Lawrence, where are your manners? We'd be happy to have James join us," she gestured expansively. Ever the diplomat. As if on cue, our waiter arrived eyeing Jameson curiously. I intervened before he could question the audacious seating shift
Stella's POVI awoke before dawn, tingling with inspiration. Slipping from Lawrence's sleeping embrace, I tucked the sheet around his bare shoulders and pressed a feather-light kiss to his temple. Even relaxed in slumber, power and intellect radiated from him. But vulnerable too in these unguarded moments shared only with me. I would capture that compelling duality today in paint if my humble talents sufficed.Selecting a small canvas and vivid oils, I ensconced myself at the suite's sunlit windows overlooking the awakening city below. My brush darted and swooped, blending hopeful golds and passionate crimsons suggestive of last night's tender intimacy. Though abstract, the emerging image felt alive, my own quickened heartbeat pulsing through each impassioned stroke. Creating has become intensely personal, a conduit for spirit.Some while later, strong arms enfolded me from behind as Lawrence propped his bearded chin on my shoulder. His refreshed scent mingled tantalisingly with pa
LawrenceI strode into the gleaming office tower, renewed purpose fueling my steps. Having Stella by my side filled me with profound satisfaction. I remembered the turmoil and loss preceding our union, the harrowing accident nearly stealing her away before she fully knew happiness. Those grim days were behind us now. Together we would craft a future brighter than either could alone imagine.My assistant met me by the elevators, perfectly professional in her crisp suit as she held out the morning's schedule and messages. "You have a 10 AM budget meeting and conference call with the Singapore branch at noon. Also your 2 o'clock appointment canceled due to a conflict."I scanned the meticulous agenda, nodding. "Very well, let's get started. Be sure to order something for Stella's birthday while things are quiet."The morning passed swiftly handling administrative tasks and corporate demands, the work second nature after long years building this empire. But part of my thoughts perpetua
Lawrence's POVI practically floated through Andre's studio doors, buoyed by an intense wave of inspiration. The abstract piece I had poured my heart into this morning seemed to pulse with life forces of its own, colors and textures still dancing across my inner eye. I couldn't wait to show my enigmatic mentor how his lessons were already bearing fruit.Andre turned from arranging bouquets along the sun-drenched windows, eyebrows lifting as he spotted my concealed canvas. "Well, someone could not stay away it seems! What have you brought to show me, little star?"With suddenly shy hands I unveiled the intensely personal painting depicting Lawrence and I tangled passionately against an impasto background of shadow and light. Viewing it here outside our private haven made me feel unexpectedly exposed, nerves jangling. Would he discern too much of my soul woven bare across the layers of paint?"Mon dieu," Andre murmured, angling the canvas to catch the warm light. He traced the textures
LawrenceI couldn't keep the smile from my face as I left home that morning, Stella's radiant expression of joy lingering vividly in memory. Her artistic talents were finally gaining deserved recognition after long frustrating years doubting her abilities. I would move heaven and earth itself to shelter the fragile creative awakening taking wing within her now. No more hiding away unfinished offerings as though they held no worth beyond fleeting emotional release. The world would now share in her vision's unique power, made richer by one bold spirit daring to stand vulnerable beneath revealing light.I headed downtown toward the sleek high rise housing my trendsetting modelling agency, a familiar well-oiled machine after years building it into a premier launching pad for new talent. My thoughts drifted back across the years to another open casting cattle call just like hundreds seeking fresh young hopefuls hungry for discovery—where a willowy blonde with haunted emerald eyes had aw