A glimpse of her past

"Don't make a big deal about it. I just found the painting a little similar to one an old friend made," Allie said, lying smoothly. She wanted Evan to drop the subject but also didn't want to sound too elusive and arouse suspicion.

"As someone who loves art, I'm sure you can understand. Sometimes a certain piece just evokes emotions."

Evan nodded. "Well, I do agree."

It was the usual night. They lay on the bed on different sides when they got home, didn't talk to each other, and just kept their silence the whole night.

Allie had trouble sleeping, but she just lay there in bed, closing her eyes until darkness overcame her mind.

The next day, the paintings they bought from the auction were delivered. Evan got an old painting from almost a century ago, which he hung in the second-floor hallway.

Evan had left for a business trip and said he wouldn't be home until night. Meanwhile, Allie stayed and planned to just work at home.