"A woman's sketch is a delicate dance of lines, capturing both the grace and depth of her essence in every stroke."
Author's pov
The study is an elegant sanctuary of warmth and sophistication. Rich wood panelling, a grand bookcase brimming with leather-bound tomes, and an expansive desk covered with art supplies create a refined setting. The golden light of the setting sun filters through the large window, casting a sombre, reflective glow over the room.
Adrian sits at the desk, absorbed in his work. His attire is meticulously elegant, though slightly dishevelled, betraying his deep focus and intense concentration. He is working on a large sketchpad, his pencil moving with careful precision.
Beside him on the desk is a framed photograph of Eliza. The image captures her in a rare, vulnerable moment: her cheeks flushed, tears streaking down her face, and her bare shoulder exposed. The photograph contrasts starkly with her usual composed demeanour.
Adrian's eyes flicker with a mix of contemplation and frustration as he examines the photograph. The photo was obtained under less-than-ideal circumstances—during a tense moment when Adrian was ordering his staff to delete security footage. It was a chance glance at the screen that revealed Eliza's distressing moment, and he had taken the opportunity to capture it before the footage was erased. She was a fucking temptress in the photo.
Adrian's pencil hovers over the sketchpad, the graphite tip grazing the page with meticulous precision. The gentle scratching sound punctuates the otherwise silent room, filled only with the occasional rustle of pages and the distant hum of the city outside. His eyes dart between the photograph and his sketch, seeking to capture something ephemeral and elusive.
The photograph of Eliza, though incongruous with the elegant decor of Adrian's study, commands the centre of his attention. The contrast between her usual controlled composure and the raw emotion caught in the image is jarring. The photograph's existence, a consequence of a morally dubious act, now feels like a haunting reminder of the power and vulnerability she wields.
Power over him and vulnerability while being under him
As Adrian's pencil skims the sketchpad, his thoughts churn with conflicting emotions. Eliza's expression—torn between distress and defiance—seems to seep into his work, transforming it from mere artistry into a reflection of his internal turmoil. Each stroke of the pencil feels like an attempt to reconcile with the image's deeper implications.
The room's dim lighting casts shadows over Adrian's face, accentuating the tension in his features. He shifts uncomfortably, pushing his chair back and rubbing his temples as if to dispel the thoughts clouding his mind. His gaze returns to the photograph, his eyes lingering on Eliza's tear-streaked face. The photo, now a part of his secret, carries a weight he hadn't anticipated.
He pauses, looking closely at the photograph, then at his sketch, trying to capture the delicate interplay of sadness and vulnerability. His gaze is intense, and his jaw tightens as he works to faithfully reproduce the tear-streaked emotion on the paper.
The pencil strokes are careful and deliberate, especially around the flushed cheeks and the tear-filled eyes. He is determined to portray the raw, unfiltered emotion he sees in the photograph.
As Adrian works, he occasionally glances at the photograph, trying to reconcile his feelings with the image of Eliza's distress. The more he draws, the more the sketch reveals not just her physical likeness but the emotional turmoil she is experiencing.
He shades in the areas around her eyes and cheek, aiming to convey the depth of her sorrow. Each stroke seems to carry a piece of his own conflicted feelings about her—a blend of hate,obsession, frustration, and a yearning to connect on a deeper level.
