Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rowan Vale 36

Chapter 36 

Olivia planted two loud, smacking kisses on Briana’s cheeks. 

Briana stood frozen in place. 

“Why do you look so stunned? Aren’t you happy to see me?” Olivia sighed dramatically. “See? Two years apart and we’re already awkward. Even childhood friends can grow distant, I guess.” 

Briana finally blinked, still dazed. “Olivia, when did you graduate? How long have you been back? And what’s going on with you and Mr. Dean?” 

Briana and Olivia were childhood friends who grew up next door to each other, practically inseparable. Olivia had even been Briana’s bridesmaid when she married Shepard. 

But their paths soon diverged. Briana married soon after graduation and settled into life as a homemaker, while Olivia continued her studies, all the way to a Ph.D. Over the last two years, she’d been abroad pursuing her degree and rarely returned home. 

So, running into Olivia at Leonard’s welcome party left Briana both stunned and overjoyed. 

“Okay, let me introduce you,” Olivia said, pulling Briana toward Leonard. “Briana, this is Leonard Dean, my godfather.” 

She then turned to Leonard with a grin. “And Leonard, this is Briana, the best friend I’m always telling you about.” 

Leonard smiled warmly. “I recognized her at the airport. She has even more charm and presence in person than in your photos.” 

“Right? Briana was the queen bee back in school,” Olivia added, giving Leonard her best pleading look. “Leonard, whatever matters to Briana matters to me. So, you’ve got to make an appearance and help draw a crowd for her new gallery, okay?” 

“How could I say no when you ask like that?” Leonard replied, spreading his hands, “To be honest, I’ve been considering moving to Belaris this year. The climate is ideal, the arts scene is thriving, and quite a few of my old friends have settled here.” 

Briana was so stunned that she forgot to blink. She’d been racking her brain, trying to figure out how to impress Leonard, win him over, and earn his approval. Then Olivia waltzed in and pulled it off with just a few words. 

‘But… wait. Since when did Olivia have a godfather? And not just some random guy. That’s Leonard, the living legend of the art world,’ she thought. 

Olivia nudged Briana’s shoulder. “You hear that? Stop spacing out and thank Leonard already.” 

“Oh, right.” Briana snapped back to attention. “Thank you. And welcome to Belaris. Dreamscape Gallery will always keep a studio open for you. Feel free to drop by anytime.” 

Leonard nodded. “Olivia mentioned you paint?” 

“Yeah, I’ve painted since I was little, so opening a gallery just made sense,” Briana said, smiling. “But talking art with you here is like showing my doodles to Picasso. Kinda embarrassing.” 

Olivia’s eyes twinkled. “Leonard, you’ve never had a student, right? So, what’s the verdict? Think you could make an exception for your last and greatest protégé?” 

Leonard grinned and pointed a finger at her. “You naughty girl.” 

Olivia smiled, “I’m just looking out for you. With me and Briana in Belaris, your golden years are set. And think about it, passing everything on to someone who truly loves painting? It’s perfect.” 

18:26 Fri, Dec 19 M 

Chapter 36 

“You think she’d even want an old mentor like me?” Leonard joked. 

“She’d 

say yes in a heartbeat,” Olivia cut in instantly. 

Briana was in complete shock. Dinner hadn’t even been served, and just like that, her gallery was settled and she had a world–class mentor. It was too much good luck at once. She was totally speechless. 

“See?” Olivia teased, catching Briana’s dazed look. “She’s too happy to find her own voice. 

Leonard burst out laughing. 

‘Is this actually happening?‘ Briana wondered, her mind racing. “This is a dream I wouldn’t even let myself have! 

She pinched her thigh under the table. Taking a steadying breath, she finally found her voice. “It’s an incredible honor. I should do this right. Let me just wrap my head around it first.” 

“Fine,” Olivia interjected. “Just don’t forget to invite me. I want a front–row seat as your witness. Now come sit.” She nudged Briana gently into the seat beside Leonard. 

When Henry entered the private room, the conversation was already lively. He carried two bottles of premium wine. When it came to socializing, he certainly knew how to make an impression. 

Spotting Olivia, he did a genuine double–take. “Olivia? You’re back already? Did you graduate?” 

“Sure did,” Olivia replied with a wide grin. “Henry, years later and you’re still just as handsome.” 

Even as she said it, she leaned toward Briana and whispered sharply, “Why is he here? Where’s Shepard? Your husband can’t even be bothered to show up for you? He’s sending some other guy to handle this?” 

“I… he…” Briana stammered, thoroughly flustered. 

Seeing her struggle, Olivia frowned in quick understanding. “So, after all this time, he’s still completely checked out? Some things never change. Does he still blame you for what happened to Vivian?” 

“Not now, Olivia,” Briana pleaded quietly, trying to deflect. “Let’s talk about this later.” 

Olivia just shrugged. 

Henry sat down and joined Leonard for a drink. They poured glass after glass of top–shelf liquor, the kind unavailable in any store. Leonard was on a roll, completely lit up, telling story after story without missing a beat. 

“Olivia’s father and I go way back,” Leonard began, his voice full of nostalgia. “In those days, I was nobody. I was flat broke and nearly living on the streets. 

“But her dad had an eye for talent. He saw something in me when no one else did. He backed me, worked hard to get my paintings seen, and always believed I would make it someday. He was my friend, my patron, and my family. 

4 

“You all know how it turned out. He was right. Because of him, I live for my art. So what matters to him, matters to me. Olivia isn’t just his daughter. She is like my own.” 

He turned his attention and raised his glass. “Briana, I am absolutely taking you on as my apprentice. 

“I always hoped Olivia would take up painting, but she never had the interest. Well, if I can’t teach her, then I’ll pass everything on to her best friend instead.” 

By the end of the evening, Leonard was completely plastered. He could barely keep himself upright. 

Out front of the restaurant, a car pulled up and the door popped open, waiting for Leonard to get in. 

18:26 Fri, Dec 19 Mw 

Chapter 36 

youchers 

“Hey, listen,” Leonard slurred, clinging to Briana’s hand by the car door, the smell of alcohol heavy on his breath. “Don’t forget our master–disciple agreement, okay? Promise me you won’t.” 

“Okay. Just get back to the hotel and get some rest. Take it easy,” Briana said, steadying him. 

Not far away, James turned to Shepard. “Mr. Carter, that’s Mrs. Carter… uh, I mean, Ms. Lane, right?” 

AD