Olivia was bent over her canvas, adding the final strokes of cerulean blue onto the wings of a painted butterfly, when the soft chime of the studio door echoed through the room.
The gentle bell, usually comforting, made her hand pause mid-air. Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of unease crossing her calm expression.
After all, she hadn't told anyone that she owns the studio.
She slowly turned toward the entrance.
A beautiful woman with chestnut-colored hair stood framed by the doorway.
Her complexion was pale, almost porcelain-like, and her eyes held a delicate sparkle that reminded Olivia faintly of someone... but she couldn't place who.
The moment their eyes met, something like anticipation flashed across the woman's gaze before it quickly disappeared under a mask of practiced indifference.
Olivia blinked, uncertain. Still, she set her brush down, wiped her hands, and offered a polite smile. "Hello… may I ask who you are?"
