Hope Crawls Through Ruins by Kain Rwan Vale 231

Chapter 231 

“That’s perfect, Ms. Lane, the photographer said. “You’re a natur in front of the camera.” 

Shepard stood behind the camera, watching closely. 

“Yeah,” he said, “you look beautiful.” 

He stayed there, glancing between the camera and Briana, who was bathed in the spotlight. 

The interview began. 

Briana faced the camera and began her introduction. 

“Hello, everyone,” Briana said with a gentle, friendly smile, “I’m Briana, the artist behind Beneath the Waves, Starlit Skies. and By the Window. I’m really honored to be interviewed by Belaris Times today.” 

She continued, “And I’d love to welcome you all to visit Dreamscape Gallery if you have time.” 

The reporter said, “We’re really honored to interview you, Ms. Lane. As Mr. Dean’s prized and only official apprentice, do you ever feel any pressure when you’re working on your art?” 

Briana replied, “I do feel pressure sometimes. But Mr. Dean is so understanding. He’s always encouraging me, believing in me, and giving me the confidence I need.” 

She added, “Great mentors inspire great students. The very first time I brought my paintings to a show, they actually sold and got a lot of praise. That kind of recognition really pushes me to keep creating and do even better.” 

The reporter asked, “Your painting Beneath the Waves set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a young, emerging artist. How do you feel about that?” 

Briana said, “I’m truly grateful to the collector for supporting my work. This is just the start for me. I’ll keep working even harder from here on out.” 

The reporter said, “Ms. Lane, your reputation here in our country has really taken off, and people are really starting to notice you. As a well–known artist, do you have any tips for aspiring artists out there?” 

The whole interview felt more like a friendly chat between friends. 

It was relaxed and natural. 

Time flew by. 

Finally, the reporter said, “Ms. Lane, that’s all my questions for now. Thanks for answering everything and for being so easy to talk to. But I do have one last favor to ask, if you don’t mind… 

“Sure, what is it?” Briana replied. “If I can help, I’d be happy to do 

The reporter glanced over at Shepard. 

Briana caught on immediately, even though nothing was said. 

Just as she expected, the reporter asked, “Ms. Lane, I’d like to ask Mr. Carter a question to wrap up the interview. Would you mind joining him on camera for this part?” 

If Briana agreed, Shepard would definitely go along with it. 

If Briana refused, no way this was happening. 

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The reporter totally knew what was up. 

Shepard was completely smitten, and he’d do anything for Brian 

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Seeing Briana hesitate, the reporter quickly waved her hand. “No worries at all, Ms. Lane. If you feel uncomfortable, feel free to decline.” 

She added, “I just thought, since Mr. Carter happens to be here, would be great to get his perspective as your husband How he views your career, whether he supports you, things like that.” 

The reporter continued, “You know, people always say that behind every successful man is a remarkable woman. But for someone as outstanding as you, Ms. Lane, I believe there’s an equally exceptional man supporting you every step of the 

way.” 

She said, “You two aren’t just husband and wife, and you’re true partners, working side by side through it all.” 

Shepard’s voice was calm and steady. “You’re absolutely right. Behind every successful man is an incredible woman. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Briana.” 

He added, “She keeps our home running smoothly, so I never have to worry about a thing. Her emotional support and comfort mean the world to me.” 

The reporter smiled. “I knew it. You and Ms. Lane are true equal always helping each other succeed.” 

Shepard’s lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes soft and full of love as he looked at Briana. 

Honestly, if Briana turned it down now, it’d be pretty awkward. 

“Alright,” Briana nodded. “I’m okay with it, as long as Shepard’s up for it.” 

She barely finished before Shepard chimed in, “Absolutely.” 

He was practically itching to get started. 

Getting to be on camera with her, doing an interview, and having their faces plastered all over Belaris‘ news outlets, this was the perfect chance to show off their love and make everyone jealous. 

The crew brought over a chair. 

Shepard sat down right next to Briana. 

As the camera focused on them, Shepard reached out and gently placed his hand over Briana’s. 

Briana was a little startled. 

The camera was already rolling, and the reporter was already asking questions. 

With the camera on them, there’s no way Briana could just pull her hand back now. 

Got to play along for the audience, at least on the surface. 

Without missing a beat, Shepard wrapped Briana’s hand in his. 

His grip was warm and reassuring. 

“Mr. Carter,” the reporter asked, “what do you think about your wife Ms. Lane’s career plans? And what’s it like being the partner of a painter?” 

Shepard answered confidently, his calm and mature presence shining through. 

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He replied, “I support her career completely, and every choice she makes. Honestly, I love being the guy cheering her on from behind the scenes. Her art has made waves in the market, Breaking records for young artists. I’m so proud of her? 

He continued. “As her husband, there’s not much I can do to hel with her creative process. When she’s painting, she needs total peace and quiet, so all I can do is keep her company and make sure I don’t disturb her.” 

Shepard added, “She’s happiest when she’s alone, totally immersed in her art. When it comes to social events, that’s not really her thing, so I’m the one who handles those for her.” 

He sighed, “Honestly, my wife has sacrificed a lot. After we got married, her painting career was put on hold for years. She didn’t even touch a brush for a long time. I still feel bad about that.” 

He concluded, “She deserves to shine in her own world, to be the best she can be.” 

Everyone in the lounge started clapping. 

The reporter joined in, totally touched by how in sync they were as a couple. 

“Alright, Mr. Carter, Ms. Lane,” the reporter said, getting to her feet, “that’s it for today’s interview. Thanks for everything, you guys really worked hard today.” 

Briana got up too and went over to shake the reporter’s hand. 

Out in the world, people always called her “Mrs. Carter.” 

But inside the gallery, she was herself, simply Briana. 

She’d reclaimed her own identity. 

She never wanted to live in Shepard’s shadow, and she’d succeeded. 

Now, it was Shepard who basked in her fame. 

Once the Belaris Times crew had left, night had already fallen. 

“Let’s go home,” Shepard said, glancing at his watch, “help should be getting dinner ready by now.” 

Briana teased, “Coming home with me again, huh?” 

He smiled, “Your place is my place, and mine is yours. There’s no ‘yours‘ or ‘mine‘ between us.” 

Briana asked, “Shepard, how long has it been since you were last back at the Carter Estate?” 

“Can’t even remember,” he said. 

Before Briana could say anything, Shepard slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Doesn’t matter anyway.” 

Wherever she was, that was home for him. 

“Such a fancy place, just sitting empty,” Briana arched her brow him. “Isn’t that a shame?” 

“Then why don’t you move in with me?” Shepard replied.