The next morning, sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of Lisa's apartment, bathing the room in a warm glow. She sat on the edge of her bed, her sketchbook resting on her lap. The previous day's events played on repeat in her mind—seeing Jennie, her ex, standing there, radiant and composed, had shaken her more than she wanted to admit.
Lisa took a deep breath, trying to ground herself. It's been years, she thought, tracing invisible patterns on the cover of her sketchbook. Jennie has clearly moved on. She's happy, successful, and engaged to a man who's as equally impressive as she is.
The rational side of her brain told her that she should feel relieved—happy, even, that Jennie was thriving. But her heart, traitorous as always, felt heavy with unresolved emotions. She wasn't sure if it was regret, longing, or just the shock of being thrown back into memories she'd locked away.
After a few minutes of sitting in silence, Lisa grabbed her phone. She stared at the screen, hesitating before composing a message to Ms. Aiko.
Lisa: Good morning, Ms. Aiko. I'm feeling much better now and ready for the next session. Please let me know the schedule.
She pressed send before she could second-guess herself. If there was one thing Lisa knew, it was that she couldn't let personal feelings derail her professional commitment. She had taken this project to challenge herself, and she was determined to see it through.
Moments later, her phone buzzed with a response.
Aiko: Good to hear, Ms. Lisa. The next session is tomorrow at 10 a.m. We'll meet at the Sakura Gardens. The couple is looking forward to working with you again.
Lisa stared at the message, her chest tightening at the thought of seeing Jennie again. You can do this, she told herself. It's just work.
Lisa spent the rest of the day pouring her energy into her sketches. She wanted the portrait to reflect the couple's dynamic—their connection, their story. As much as the situation was difficult for her, she couldn't deny the artistic challenge it presented.
As she worked, her thoughts drifted to Jennie and Yoki. They looked perfect together—like they belonged in a magazine. Lisa had always admired Jennie's strength and elegance, and Yoki seemed to complement her in every way. Still, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered questions she dared not answer.
By late afternoon, Lisa decided to take a walk to clear her head. The crisp air and the gentle rustling of leaves helped calm her nerves. She reminded herself of why she took this job in the first place: to grow, to push herself out of her comfort zone.
When she returned to her apartment, she felt a renewed sense of focus. She opened her laptop and began researching more about the Sakura Gardens, envisioning how the setting could enhance the portrait.
The next morning, Lisa arrived at the Sakura Gardens early, her sketchbook and camera in tow. The place was breathtaking, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, their petals creating a soft pink carpet on the ground. The tranquil atmosphere helped ease some of her nervousness.
Aiko greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ms. Lisa. You're early," she said, glancing at the vibrant gardens. "The couple will be here shortly. You'll love this setting—it's perfect for the portrait."
Lisa nodded, her professional mask firmly in place. "It's beautiful. Thank you for arranging this, Ms. Aiko."
Before long, Jennie and Yoki arrived, their presence commanding attention. Jennie looked effortlessly elegant in a pale pink dress that matched the blossoms, while Yoki's tailored suit exuded sophistication.
