Chapter 5 A Portrait Of Courage

• Julian Lee sat at the counter of Kim’s Art Supplies, his sketchbook open, pencils scattered around him. He had spent hours working on the portrait of the girl from Mrs. Jenkins’ Studio, determined to capture her essence—her intensity, her quiet frustration, the way she had bitten her lip in concentration.
• He wanted it to be perfect.
• Across from him, Alex leaned in, peering over his shoulder. “Dude, you’re making her eyes too big. She looks like an anime character.”
• Julian laughed, shaking his head as he grabbed an eraser. “I’m trying to make her look beautiful here.”
• Alex smirked. “She’s already beautiful, man. Just don’t turn her into a cartoon.”
• Julian rolled his eyes but took his friend’s advice, adjusting the proportions carefully. As the hours passed, the portrait came to life. He captured the delicate curve of her jaw, the intensity in her gaze, and the slight crease in her brow—proof of her struggle with the painting she had been working on.
• Finally, he set his pencil down and exhaled. “Done.”
• Alex whistled, impressed. “Damn, Julian. You really nailed it. If this doesn’t impress her, nothing will.”
• Julian studied the drawing, pride swelling in his chest. He had poured something of himself into this piece, and he hoped she would see that.
• Carefully, he slid the portrait into a protective folder and placed it in his bag. Tomorrow, he’d deliver another batch of supplies to Mrs. Jenkins’ Studio, but this time, he had a different mission—he was going to give her the portrait.
• As he lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling, he wondered how she’d react. Would she like it? Would she even care?
• He didn’t know.
• But he was ready to find out.
• The next day, Julian arrived at Mrs. Jenkins’ Studio with a stack of supplies, but his real focus was on the folder tucked safely inside his bag.
• As he stepped inside, he scanned the room, searching for her.
• She wasn’t there.
• His heart sank a little. The studio was bustling with students, all absorbed in their work, chatting and laughing as they painted. But the one person he had come to see was nowhere in sight.
• Swallowing his disappointment, he approached Mrs. Jenkins, who was correcting a student’s brushstroke with her usual sharp criticism.
• “Excuse me, Mrs. Jenkins. I brought the supplies you requested.”
• She barely looked up. “Good. Put them over there.” She waved vaguely toward a table.
• Julian sighed, setting the boxes down carefully. He had been hoping for even a glimpse of her, but it seemed like she wasn’t coming in today.
• As he worked, he couldn’t help but notice the stark difference between this place and Kim’s Art Supplies. The studio oozed wealth—pristine white walls, expensive artwork on display, students who probably had never struggled to afford a single tube of paint in their lives.
• He felt out of place here.
• Still, he couldn’t shake the image of the girl. He wondered if she ever felt out of place too, despite being born into privilege.
• Just as he was about to give up and leave, a noise outside caught his attention.
• The unmistakable hum of luxury car engines.
• Julian turned toward the window and saw a convoy of sleek black vehicles pulling up. Bodyguards in sharp suits moved into position as chauffeurs opened the car doors.
• And then—she stepped out.
• Lexi Martin.
• She looked effortlessly stunning in an elegant white dress, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her makeup subtle but flawless. She had the kind of presence that made people turn their heads without even realizing it.
• Julian barely breathed as she walked toward the studio, her movements poised and deliberate, bodyguards flanking her like a human barrier.
• But then—something unexpected happened.
• As she entered, her eyes flicked across the room.
• She was looking for someone.
• For a brief moment, their gazes locked.
• Julian felt a jolt of something electric, something unfamiliar but exhilarating. His pulse hammered in his ears as she held his gaze.
• And then—she smiled.
• It wasn’t a big smile, just the slightest curve of her lips, but it was enough to make Julian’s stomach flip.
• Before he could react, she turned and disappeared up the stairs to her private studio, leaving him standing there, stunned.
• Alex, who had just finished unloading a box nearby, nudged him. “Dude… what just happened?”
• Julian shook his head, still dazed. “I have no idea.”
• But one thing was clear.
• This wasn’t just any encounter.
• This was the beginning of something.