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Chapter 42: An Unexpected Hope – Part 1

Author: Alexia Praks
last update Last Updated: 2023-03-08 12:09:42

“You’re frowning,” Ned Fabre said from across the room. “It doesn’t become you. Stop frowning.”

From across the studio, Sakura glanced at the man who had been like a second father to her. She saw that he wasn’t actually looking at her. He was concentrating on his painting. She knew he was teasing her because he had a smile on his wrinkled face as he concentrated on his work, moving the paintbrush ever so gently as if he were caressing the canvas with each stroke.

“How did you know I was frowning when you’re not even looking?” she asked, returning her eyes to her canvas. She cocked her head to one side, wondering if she had overdone the green leaves.

“I can tell when you’re frowning,” he said, carefully moving the tiny brush downward. Ah, the rose looks perfect now, he thought with a smile.

“Really?” Sakura asked, eyeing the photo she’d clipped to the side of the canvas. It was of the cherry tree she had taken that day before she met the brothers. She picked this particular picture bec
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