Love Like You Never Loved Before

Christopher wasn’t aware I had made my way back as he was in a deep slumber when I reached the ward. The doctor told me he would be sleeping for quite some time since he had just taken pills that would induce sleep.

I arranged the things I brought along with me and took a seat next to him. Although he had a disheveled appearance after spending a few days in the ward, the fact remained he was a handsome man.

After all, he was seriously injured because of me and his comrades. He had sacrificed himself for a great cause, including keeping me safe.

I couldn’t suppress the urge to turn the memorable moments into a keepsake of mine. Thus, I made up my mind to turn it into something tangible—a painting.

Someday in the future, I could show those around me the man I was proud of with my chest held high. I could share his tales with our descendants, including the great qualities he had as a righteous man.

As soon as I had the easel ready, I unpacked the brushes and paints Christopher bought me. Staring at him in the eyes, I felt inspired to finish the painting because of the idea that came flooding out.

Oil painting would take a long time to complete. As it had been a long time since I last painted anything, I thought those skills were no longer accessible. However, I was wrong—I hesitated no more and started painting once I retrieved the brush.

Soon, I had the outlines of Christopher’s face drafted. Immersed in finishing the painting, I wasn’t even aware he had been roused from his sleep, staring at me in the eyes.

Once I had his jawline outlined, I caught him tilting his head. Thus, I instructed, “Stop moving around and close your eyes!”

Seconds after I returned to my senses, I put my brushes aside and shot daggers at Christopher. “Hey! Are you trying to mess with me again?”

He chuckled and reached over, grasping my hand to bring me closer to him. Placing my hand on his cheek, he said, “I just don’t want to interrupt you when you’re in the middle of something. Speaking of which, it’s going to cost a fortune to hire me. Are you ready to compensate me in return for my service?”

I rebuked with my chest held high in an attempt to tease him, “Hey, you’re the one who needs to consider yourself lucky to be a model of mine, okay? You’re about to be painted by a talented painter!”

“Alright, I’ll consider it a pleasure of mine. Why don’t you show it to me?” Christopher suggested.

“No! You’re only allowed to take a look once it’s done!” Since he was the person of interest, I would never show him the unfinished painting.

Afraid of ruining the masterpiece, I had to exercise caution while putting everything aside, including the unfinished painting.

Staring at me with his lips pursed, Christopher asked, “Hey, those are merely replaceable goods, aren’t they? How can you ignore me and tend to those when I’m here?”

I found his words hilarious and returned to him, kissing him on the cheek once I had everything put aside. “Those precious gifts from you aren’t replaceable. It’ll always be irreplaceable as long as it’s something from you. I’ll hold on to it as if my life depends on it.”

I got on top of him and confronted with my brows furrowed, “Now, why don’t you tell me the reasons you have bought me paintbrushes?”

He once mentioned he couldn’t suppress the urge to get me the high-quality paintbrushes he saw. Thus, I refused to believe it was just a mere coincidence. Occasionally, I think he knows me better than I do.

That man is well aware of my preferences, my goals, my ambitions, and everything about me! Although I may get on his nerves for insisting on getting to the bottom of the rationale behind his action, I can’t stop myself from being curious!

He had his arms wrapped around my waist and asked, “Do you still remember the banquet held at Tanner residence? You lost yourself in a train of thoughts while staring at Crystal’s painting. Thus, I thought you might have a thing for painting. I mean, no ordinary person would lose themselves, staring at a painting.”

It was an understatement because I hadn’t just lost myself in a train of thoughts—my desire to paint again must have been written all over my face.

Otherwise, it would be impossible for Christopher to figure out the things I had in mind when we were merely acquainted for a short while.