Chapter 50: The Female Protagonist [1]

Auden finally turns to Lexzandra, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He whispers the word "Mother" as he gently touches the painting, his fingers tracing the lines of his mother's face with reverence.

Lexzandra watches, her heart swelling with relief and pride. Every detail of the painting seems to come alive under Auden's touch, the love and tenderness in his eyes mirroring the expressions captured by the Baron.

"Do you like it?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly, betraying the mix of anxiety and hope she feels.

Her breath catches as she waits for his reaction, the silence stretching out between them. Auden turns to her, his face breaking into a radiant smile, eyes shimmering with gratitude. "It's perfect," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "I love it."