A Painting at the Gallery Looked Exactly Like My Daughter – But When I Met the Artist, I Couldn’t Believe My Eyes

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I know,” I said. “But I need to understand why nobody told me you and Lily were that close.”

Nova opened her mouth.

But another voice answered first.

“Because it was complicated.”

I turned.

Elaine stood in the doorway wearing a cream blazer and a smile that looked polished enough to cut glass.

Nova went still.

That told me more than any explanation could have.

Elaine looked at her daughter.

“Sweetheart, you were supposed to stay near your display.”

“I was,” Nova said quietly.