Fair play

hat gave passersby a glimpse of the creative energy inside. It was a far cry from the simple life they had known back in their small town. As she walked towards the studio, she noted th

trying to push the weight of her troubles to the back of her mind. "I needed to see you. I hope I'm not interrupting anything." "Not at all," Adam assured her, coming around the counter to greet her. "You're always welcome here." She looked around, taking in the space. It was beautiful-modern but with an artistic charm. Large canvases lined the walls, some painted, others waiting to be touched by creativity. There were comfortable chairs scattered around, inviting people to sit and lose themselves in the world of art. She could see why Adam loved it he

back, "I started this stud

and I had the passion for

more of a silent partner. A

nd rarely comes here. Thoug

o runs the studio. It's my

our calling," Catherine sai

thing meaningf

oved painting and drawing b

drew the grass field wher

inting even

tiful girl in that picture. I

n a comfortable couch. "Ever

. So it's best we ignore h

sit close to her. "I may not

e sure she loo

e said laughing. "Okay, you

ssion shifted, a flicker of

his voice softening. "How

were back in that little to

you in this town. You didn

and the heavy burden she h

again. Adam's kind, familia

she could stop herself, t

" she whispered, her voice tre

t never

oncern. He leaned forward,

rine? You can t

at tight with emotion. "My f

ldn't pay it off, and James.

debts, but in return.

on hung in the air, and Ad

ftly, his voice bar

she had been holding back th

, Adam. It was a transactio

unt. And now, he treats me li

t ma

s tightening at his sides. "C

ou don't de

meet his gaze, the shame

I've tried to be the wife he

... now he's cheating on m

trip to Bali with one of th

He humiliated me, ri

anger. "That bastard," he

he do tha

, her voice barely holding

trapped. I feel like

er to her, pulling her gent

herine melted into it, finall

e in years, s

whispered softly. "You ha

i

er voice breaking. "It's no

all the

ooking into her eyes with de

ow what... a delicious meal

think so," sh

say a good bowl of soup is

I'm offering you now," he

heart aching. "That was

t. So let's go and

said. "I don't know w

" Adam said, his voice soft

deserve so much better tha

*

just behind the art studio,

m remained palpable. Adam i

the kitchen stool as he m

but delicious meal. The scen

Catherine forgot about the

iniscing about their childho

ars, and for the first time

felt a sen

the gravity of their situati

wine glasses were nearly

avy with uns

e, taking her hand in his. "

his voice full of em

er heart torn between the

sire for the life she

he whispered, her voice th

to? He left for Bali with hi

on

ne. I'm right here," he tuc

ttle girl I drew years ago h

hope you

ds struck something deep wit

and kissed him. The kiss was

ping his arms around her,

ssion. They pulled away an

il

o his arms again, and their

the world seemed to fade a

m, lost in the he

me in years, Catherine felt

ets, the warmth of Adam's b

y for a moment, that happi