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My eyes widened “Thank you very much, sir…”

Meh his hand “Your use of color and space is highly co a physical fantasy for the viewer to exist within You pull ht And when I am there, all I feel is warmth, and love” He turned back toward us “I can feel the love you have forThat is the work of a true artist”

The blood drained fro I felt naked and vulnerable, standing there in front of the Al-Zayns My instinct was to protest against Mehs behind the portrait I didn’t love Rafiq; this was all business No, he was seeing so He had to be

Despite every part ofterrified to do it, I looked over at Rafiq His expression was so I hadn’t seen on his face before; it was true astonishment, almost a realization

No matter how badly I wanted to deny his assuue with Mehmet I was supposed to be in love with Rafiq, after all, and it certainly wouldn’t inspire confidence if I protested

“Thank you,” I said “I don’t kno to respond to such a compliment I’m honored that you enjoy my work”

“And I a my family”

I blushed and looked away, the pressure of e toocup of tea Rafiq had placed before me

Mehmet returned to his seat on the couch as Rafiq joinedan arm around my shoulders

“You see, father? I told you she was priceless All this worry you’ve had for ”

“Yes, and for once you are delivering on your promises My worry did not develop out of thin air, Rafiq It comes from years of unfortunate experience”

“Oh, coht, but I could hear the pain in his voice “Just be happy you’re going to have such a talented daughter-in-law, after so many years of ‘unfortunate experience’”

“I hope she will help you beco of which, are you finally ready to give soht to business school? My luncheon today, incidentally, is with the dean of admissions at Renault Academy”

Tension began to creep back into the roout, but it was obvious that this wasn’t about me

Rafiq took a breath before he answered, as if he was trying to keep froain, father? Perhaps we could wait and talk about this alone, away from Evie” He caressed my shoulder

“Yes, this again, son—until the situation has been resolved to its proper conclusion,” Mehmet said sternly He turned his attention to ain the education he will require to e the empire he will one day inherit—the empire I built for the Al-Zayn faeline is here to add creativity to the family, there is no need for you to keep up this charade any longer Let her paint, and you, take your place at the head of the family, as you should”

I had never heard anyone talk to their child this way My parents didn’t fully understand my artistic life, but they had certainly never tried to tellto—what creative charade was Rafiq living? He had admitted that he didn’t want to be a businessman, sure But what did art have to do with it?

“Father,” said Rafiq, shaking his head “Please Can we discuss this later?” Hebetween father and son seemed to be received

Mehive into his son’s request

As he fixed up his tea, Mehed the subject “You don’t look well today, son You see well?”

Mehover, so I quickly chi very well the last few days” I turned to him with a sympathetic look, and he blinked slowly ataround the building I’ve been trying to get hi be perfect for your arrival”

Mehood cheer I had cultivated earlier had apparently evaporated into the atmosphere He took a few sips of tea, and then with a sly voice said, “I don’t remember some of those tattoos”