Chapter 110
TEN MONTHS LATER
LILITH
The afternoon sun was bright and warm as I stepped out of the art studio, my bag slung over my
shoulder.
I inhaled deeply–the familiar scent of turpentine, paper, and pencil dust filling my lungs–then squinted up at the sunlight, a nostalgic smile tugging at my lips.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d return to ìmy alma mater as a student again— unofficial and visiting, but still a student nonetheless.
Last month, I hit a creative wall.
No matter how hard I worked, everything I drew felt rough, unsatisfying–missing something I couldn’t name.
Then, by chance, someone in the alumni group chat mentioned that an advanced illustration workshop would soon be held by a renowned professor here on campus.
It felt like the universe was giving me a nudge. So I signed up.
And honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My recent works have improved so much that even I could see the difference.
“Lilith!”
I turned to see Rina, a fellow artist I’d grown close to during the workshop, jogging up to me, strands of auburn hair escaping her ponytail.
I found myself smiling–something that came more easily these days.
“You’re leaving already?” she asked, her tone cheerful as ever. “We’re grabbing coffee at the campus café. Come with us?”
I chuckled softly, shaking my head.
“Tempting. But I’ve got to get back to work.”
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Rina groaned dramatically. “You say that every time! I bet your boss wouldn’t even notice if you were a few minutes late. ”
At that, amusement flickered in my eyes.
She was wrong.
My boss… would definitely notice.
Still smiling, I said, “I’ll make time for the next invitation, but I really can’t skip this one.
“Fine,” she sighed with mock defeat. “Next time it is.”
With a wave, she turned back toward the studio.
”
After watching her back disappear, I headed for the parking lot and along the way, I took in the sights I used to overlook: groups of students laughing with sketchbooks and canvas rolls tucked under their arms, a girl skating past with headphones on, faint music drifting from someone’s speaker, colorful posters for art exhibits pinned on the notice board.
Back when I was a student, I never had the time–or the peace of mind–to notice any of this.
But now, I had the leisure to.
Moments later, I reached my car–a white sedan parked beneath a jacaranda tree, it’s purple petals scattered over the hood like confetti.
I unlocked the door, slid into the driver’s seat, tossed my bag onto the passager seat and started the engine.
The elevator chimed softly as I stepped onto the sixth floor of Raven Tower–the domain of Astral Studios.
Months ago, Dean had asked me to collaborate with his team on the game adaptation.
At first, I’d hesitated. I wasn’t sure I had the right qualifications—after all, I was just an artist who drew what she felt.
But he’d only smiled and said I was selling myself short–that no one could possibly understand the story better than its creator.
Looking back, maybe I’d already been waiting for him to say those words before agreeing.
Chapter 110
And so, here I was now, serving as the creative consultant–a light, advisory role
“Lily, you’re here,” someone called
The voice belonged to Evan. the studio’s lead game designer He leaned back in his chair, eyes flicking from his monitor to me with a grin
“Didn’t think you’d be in today How was class?”
“Not bad.” I said, smiling as I set my bag down and slid into my seat near his.
“How’s progress on Chapter Five?”
“Pretty solid so far.” Evan said, turning back to his screen. “But we hit a snag with the emotional tone mid–are. Thought we could use your input. You’ve always nailed emotional pacing in your work.”
“Got it.” I nodded. “Send it to me. I’ll take a look.”
Evan flashed me a thumbs–up. “You know, I keep forgetting you’re not a regular employee with how hard you work. Boss should really pay you more.”
“1
A quiet laugh escaped me. “I’ll relay your message to him.”
Evan’s eyes widened dramatically.
“Wait–no! Don’t you dare. He’ll probably threaten to deduct it from my salary!”
The other team members nearby burst into laughter.
I smiled too, subconsciously glancing toward the glass–walled office beside mine–but it was
empty.
“Is Dean not in?” I asked softly.
Evan shook his head. “He said he had something to handle. Been out most of the day.”
My brows knit faintly.
Again?
Lately, I’d barely seen him–at home or here. He was constantly busy.
At first, I thought it had to do with Callum, but apparently, even Callum hadn’t seen him around
much.
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Chapter 110
I’d asked him once, half–joking, what he was up to
But he’d just smiled that evasive, knowing smile of his and changed the subject
Pushing down the disturbing unease in my chest. I focused on my work
Two hours later. I finished reviewing the notes, saved the file, and powered down the computer in one smooth motion.
“I’m heading out.” I said, rising to my feet and slinging my bag over my shoulder.
Since my position was a light consulting role, I didn’t need to clock in or out. I just came by when there was work to do and left when I was done.
So the others were already used to it.
“You’re leaving already?” Evan said with mock envy. “You know, I’d trade jobs with you in a heartbeat.”
I grinned. “Even if you dared to, I wouldn’t dare accept your position.”
“How about you trade with me?” piped up Daisy, the petite assistant animator, her hand raised while her eyes sparkling hopefully.
Feigning contemplation, I said as slyness flashed in my eyes. “Mm. I’ll consult your boss about that and see if we can arrange that.”
That did it.
Daisy immediately lowered her hand and turned back to her monitor, her posture perfectly upright. “No, that won’t be necessary.”
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