The 48th Lie

tistic patronage, had sponsored a solo photography exhibition for Seraphina at the city's most prestigious and influential a

ight, a deliberate contrast to the glittering, celebratory atmospher

lery owners, and fellow artists. Liam stood by Seraphina's side, playing the part of the proud, support

stepped up to the podium. She began by thanking Liam, her voice trem

"I suffered from a debilitating creative block. A darkness I couldn't seem to overcome. Because my so

and diary entries appeared. On the other, high-resolution photos of my finished paintings. The dates on her sketches, I knew with a sickening certainty, wer

terpiece of manufactured vulnerability, "and she called it her art.

of the art world, plagiarism was the ultimate sin, a crime punishable by immediate and permanent excommunication. My career, my passion, my very