Chapter 3 A Chance Encounter

• Julian Lee adjusted the weight of the art supplies in his arms, shifting the heavy bags as he walked along the bustling downtown streets of California. His steps were quick but careful—he couldn't afford to drop anything. Every dollar spent on supplies was precious, and every sale at his uncle’s small shop, Kim’s Art Supplies, was a step closer to keeping the business alive.
• Julian had been working for his uncle, Mr. Kim, for as long as he could remember. It wasn’t just a job; it was survival. The store barely made enough to stay open, especially with Mrs. Jenkins’ Studio dominating the market. Unlike his uncle's struggling shop, Mrs. Jenkins’ Studio catered to the town's wealthiest clientele—privileged students who could afford the best art supplies and top-tier instruction.
• As Julian neared the studio, he let out a small breath. He had only been here a handful of times to deliver supplies, but every visit left him in awe. The walls were lined with expensive paints, pristine canvases, and delicate brushes—things Julian could only dream of affording for himself. He had learned to make do with scraps and secondhand materials, painting late into the night in the back of his uncle’s shop, driven by a dream no amount of hardship could shake.
• His dream? To open his own art studio someday.
• But dreams didn’t pay the bills.
• Julian pushed open the glass door to the studio, the soft chime of a bell announcing his arrival. The air inside was thick with the scent of oil paints and turpentine, a familiar and comforting aroma.
• "About time you got here, Julian."
• The sharp voice cut through his thoughts like a blade. Julian turned to see Mrs. Jenkins standing near the front desk, her sharp eyes scanning the boxes in his arms. She was a stern woman, with a no-nonsense attitude and a reputation for being ruthless in business.
• Julian nodded politely, shifting the supplies onto the counter. "Apologies for the delay, ma’am. Had to double-check the inventory before heading over."
• Mrs. Jenkins barely acknowledged his response. She was already busy inspecting the supplies, muttering under her breath.
• "I need these for my students' lesson today," she said, her tone making it clear she wouldn’t tolerate mistakes.
• Julian kept his expression neutral. "Everything should be there. Let me know if anything’s missing."
• As she sifted through the items, Julian took a moment to glance around the studio. Several students were seated at easels, their canvases filled with unfinished paintings. Among them, one person caught his eye.
• A young woman sat near the large window, her blonde hair catching the sunlight as she frowned at her canvas. She was clearly struggling with her painting, her brush hesitating in mid-air before pressing onto the canvas with uncertainty.
• Julian recognized her instantly. Lexi Martin.
• He had heard her name before—everyone in town had. She was the daughter of one of the wealthiest families, a woman who seemingly had it all. But here, sitting at her easel with frustration etched across her face, she looked anything but perfect.
• She cared about this, Julian realized. She wasn’t just some spoiled girl dabbling in art for the sake of appearances. She wanted to be good.
• Julian was so focused on watching her work that he almost missed the way she suddenly glanced up, her blue eyes meeting his. For a second, the world seemed to slow.
• Lexi blinked, slightly surprised, before quickly turning her attention back to her canvas.
• Julian felt an unexpected spark of amusement. So, the heiress isn’t used to being watched.
• "Julian!"
• Mrs. Jenkins’ sharp tone snapped him back to reality.
• "Make sure these are delivered on time tomorrow." She shoved a checklist into his hands. "I won’t tolerate any more delays."
• Julian took the list, his jaw tightening slightly, but he nodded. "Understood."
• With that, he turned to leave, glancing once more at Lexi. She wasn’t looking at him anymore, too focused on her painting.
• Still, something about the way she held herself, the way her fingers gripped the brush like she needed to get it right, stuck with him.
• Julian walked out of the studio and into the afternoon sun, his mind buzzing with thoughts.
• Lexi Martin wasn’t what he had expected.
• And for the first time in a long while, Julian found himself wondering—was she just another privileged girl? Or was there something beneath the surface?