Unsolved pieces of puzzle

Nicolai's sudden question stiffened Ariana. She turned her head and looked at him. While suppressing the panic in her heart, she questioned, "How do you know that I paint, Mister De Luca?"

The man turned to look at her as if he were staring at a fool. He raised a brow and answered, "You were covered in paint when I found you in your apartment the last time."

When Ari heard his response, she heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. She thought that Nicolai found about the small room in her apartment, though she didn't care if he looked at her differently… Ari didn't want him to find what lurked inside of her heart.

With a stiff smile, she said, "It's nothing but a small hobby of mine, Mister De Luca. Occasionally when my head is filled with thoughts, I paint a little once in a while."

As for the things that she painted… it was better to not say anything.