Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

Epilogue: Chapter LXXVIII: Choices

In the quiet, sunlit space of Martin's studio, Isabel stood in front of an easel, her brush poised in the air as she tried to focus on the canvas before her. The soft scent of oils and pigments filled the room, and the only sound was the gentle scrape of brushes on canvas. But her mind wasn't on her work—it was elsewhere, distracted by the conversation between her teacher, Martin, and the lingering presence of her mother, Alice.

"You know, Isabel," Martin's voice broke the silence, "your mother used to stand exactly where you are now. She was quite the muse. Though, I dare say, she had a different kind of beauty—matured, more... ethereal." He smiled, his eyes drifting toward the door as if remembering something distant, something more intimate.

Isabel's heart clenched at the mention of her mother. It wasn't the first time Martin had spoken about Alice during her training, but today it seemed relentless. She tried to ignore it, focusing on the strokes of her brush, but her hand trembled slightly.

"And her cooking," Martin continued, stepping closer to inspect Isabel's progress. "Ah, your mother's meals were unforgettable. The way she would roast the meats, bake the bread, everything seasoned to perfection. She always insisted on preparing everything herself, even when she didn't have to. I imagine you must have inherited some of those talents."

Isabel forced a smile. "I'm not much of a cook, really."

Martin chuckled softly, patting her shoulder. "Well, you certainly have her eyes. That same piercing, gaze—so full of life, just like Alice's."

The comparison stung. Isabel felt the familiar ache of being constantly measured against her mother, a woman who seemed to capture everyone's admiration with ease. She tried not to let the bitterness show, but it gnawed at her as Martin spoke of Alice with such warmth, such affection. It was as if she wasn't even there, as if all he saw was her mother.

Suddenly, the door to the studio creaked open, and Isabel's heart sank as Alice stepped inside, her presence commanding the room without effort. Her golden hair caught the light in a way that made it almost glow, her features as delicate and captivating as ever. Martin's face lit up instantly.

"Alice," he greeted, his voice soft and full of warmth, "what a pleasant surprise."

Isabel watched as her mother smiled, her attention entirely on Martin as she crossed the room to join him. "I was in the area and thought I'd stop by to see how Isabel was doing with her training."

But as the two of them began to talk, exchanging pleasantries and memories, Isabel felt herself fade into the background. They seemed to forget she was there, caught up in their own world. Martin praised Alice's beauty, her talents, the way she inspired him. He spoke of her as if she were some goddess, untouchable, perfect—and all the while, Isabel stood by, feeling invisible.

A pang of hurt shot through her chest. She wanted her mother's love, her attention, but it always felt out of reach. Alice, so wrapped up in her own life, in the affection of others like Martin, never seemed to see Isabel for who she was—just her mother's daughter, not her own person. The thought of Alice possibly marrying Martin crossed Isabel's mind, and it filled her with a strange, hollow feeling. Would her mother finally be happy? Would Martin choose Alice over anyone else?

Yet, as much as the idea hurt, Isabel couldn't shake the belief that her mother didn't belong with Martin. She belonged with Albert.

Isabel's thoughts drifted back to Albert, her brother that she called papa, the man who had always been a constant figure in her life. He had been the one to take her in, care for her, and give her the kind of love and attention that Alice never had. Memories of Albert flooded her mind—the way he'd read to her at night, the gentle hand on her shoulder whenever she was upset, the firm but kind presence he always carried. Albert had loved her, had been there for her when no one else was. And Alice... Alice had taken her away from him.