Chapter 81

I nodded, a bittersweet smile playing on my lips. "I'm sure," I said, stepping closer to the painting. "Look, right there in the corner. That's her signature. I'd recognize it anywhere,"

Vincent leaned in, his eyes narrowing as he examined the delicate swirl of initials in the bottom right corner of the canvas. The strange look in his eyes disappeared almost as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by a warm smile.

"You must be very proud of your mother," he said softly, his gaze shifting back to me.

Yes, I knew my mind should have lingered on how strange the exchange between us slowly became, but when it came to my mother and the memories she left behind, it was easier to just block everything out.

I felt a lump form in my throat. "Yes, I am," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "And I miss her... so much."

Vincent opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a melodic voice interrupted us.

"Vincent! There you are!"

We both turned to see a tall, strikingly