Ellinor never took them on long trips, fearing the potential dangers. She'd 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.
"Even the painted version is breathtaking. How much more beautiful would it be in reality? If only I could see it with my own eyes."
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.
"I'm not the best at painting, but my art teacher's work is closer to the real thing. Wait here, I'll show you."
Lea, still a child herself, couldn't 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.
"Look at this. My art teacher painted it. It's much more realistic than my work."
"Wow!" Adrian's 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.
Lea, moved by Adrian's situation, agreed without a second thought. "If you like it, it's yours. But you must take good care of it. Frame it and keep it safe. My teacher's work sells for a hefty price out there."
Lady Lotus' paintings were expensive, but the artist herself didn't seem to care, often gifting her sketches to her students.
Lea had many of her teacher's paintings, so giving one to Adrian wouldn't be a problem.
Adrian was overjoyed. "That's great! My mom loves Lady Lotus's paintings! She'll be so happy!"
Upon hearing this, Lea immediately frowned. "What did you say? You want to give this painting to your mother?"
Adrian nodded. "Yes, my mom loves Lady Lotus' paintings."
"Well, in that case, I can't give it to you." Lea suddenly changed her mind, taking back the painting and putting it back into her collection.
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