Escaping Reality           

"Then . . . why didn't you auction my portrait?" Seraphina asked, getting straight to the point.

 

So she was going to ask that. Xin thought, anticipating the question he knew was coming. 

 

He had already rehearsed his response in his mind. It wasn't like he could tell her that he didn't want someone else to possess her portrait, hanging on their wall every night.

 

"Ah, that. In the end, I wanted to give it to you," Xin said, trying to sound casual.

 

"Really? But isn't it a shame that you didn't auction it? It would surely fetch a high price," Seraphina remarked.

 

Xin scratched the back of his head, pondering her words. "I guess, but ultimately, I just wanted to give you the painting."

 

Seraphina studied Xin for a moment before chuckling softly. 

 

Did his lie went through?