CHAPTER 2 — The Truth in Stone

They moved into Victor’s private study—walls lined with rare sculptures, each one a piece of history… or a piece of power.

Victor poured himself a drink but didn’t touch it.

“Your father,” he began carefully, “wasn’t just an artist. He was… uncontrollable. He refused commissions, rejected buyers. Including me.”

Lily folded her arms. “So you punished him?”

Victor’s eyes flashed. “I offered him everything.”

“And when he said no?”

Silence.

Behind them, the Artist paced like a man unraveling.

“I studied him,” the Artist said suddenly. “Everything about him. His techniques, his philosophy… I built my entire reputation on understanding his genius.”

He turned toward Lily, voice cracking.

“But this sculpture—this was supposed to prove I surpassed him.”

Lily looked at him—not with anger, but with clarity.

“You didn’t understand him,” she said. “You copied his surface… not his soul.”

The words landed harder than any accusation.

Victor stepped forward, placing the photograph on the table between them.

“There were rumors,” he said. “That your father discovered something… a method. A way to make sculptures that felt alive.”

Lily’s eyes flickered.

“He wasn’t chasing perfection,” she said softly. “He was chasing truth.”

Victor studied her carefully.

“And where is he now?”

A long pause.

Lily reached into her cardigan again—this time pulling out a small, worn key.

“He left me this,” she said. “And an address.”

Victor’s expression shifted instantly.

“Where?”

Lily hesitated… then spoke.

“A studio. Outside the city. Abandoned—at least, that’s what everyone thinks.”

The Artist stepped forward. “Take me with you.”

Lily glanced at him.

“Why?”

His voice dropped.

“Because if he’s alive… I need to face what I’ve become.”

May you like

**My Husband Smashed a Plate Against My Head Because I Refused to Give H...

My husband smashed a plate over my head during a family dinner because I...

"Trapped for 7 Hours in the Elevator, My Husband Saved His Mistress. I,...

Victor set his drink down, untouched.

“We leave now,” he said.