Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 403

Camila Davis never imagined that buying a painting would come with a pop quiz.

But the elderly woman standing before her seemed kind and gentle, though she looked frail—her thin frame, the subtle makeup that couldn’t quite mask the pallor of illness beneath. Years of medical school had given Camila a knack for spotting these things, and her gut told her this woman was seriously unwell.

Despite the questioning, the woman’s tone was warm and polite. Camila replied in kind, “Honestly, I didn’t overthink it. I just felt like this painting spoke to me, like it reminded me of someone I know.

On the surface, he seems distant, almost untouchable, but deep down there’s a quiet warmth and kindness that most people miss. The painting’s covered in snow, sure, but the pine tree underneath isn’t bowed by the weight. You can still see green branches peeking out.

And the figure—when he lifts his head, his eyes just seem so gentle. Why? I think it’s because the artist poured so much emotion into the colors.

Take the top half—the sudden burst of sunlight is warm and dazzling, like it’s about to melt all the snow. And the guy’s belt? It’s bright red. If he was really as cold as he looks, why would he wear such a bold color?

Plus, the church doors in the background are shut tight, and he’s facing away from them, not towards them. To me, he doesn’t seem like he’s longing to go inside. It’s more like…he’s leaving, glancing back one last time, saying goodbye—not because he’s nostalgic, but because it’s time to move on.”

Camila let her thoughts tumble out, surprised at how much she had to say about this painting.

The old woman listened quietly, and then, to Camila’s surprise, burst out laughing.

Camila heard the laughter and immediately worried she’d said something wrong. She ducked her head, a little embarrassed. “Sorry, I’m not really an art expert. I just said what came to mind. I hope I didn’t sound silly.”

But the woman’s laughter was warm, not mocking; her eyes sparkled like sunlight on a lake. “Oh, honey, I’m not laughing at you—I’m delighted.”

Camila blinked. “Delighted?”

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