Chapter 2 Rebirth

Six years later in Aurest, the early autumn breeze brought a refreshing coolness.

The International Art Museum in the city center was lit up like a beacon tonight. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the dome, casting a golden glow over the entire red carpet.

Guests from all over the country and even overseas arrived in droves—art scholars, big-time collectors, and business moguls—all here for what was arguably the most grandiose art event in the country in the past decade.

At the heart of it all was one name—Sarah.

Two years ago, she burst onto the scene, and her works quickly caused a sensation at international auctions.

Each painting fetched prices several times higher than estimated, and they were even listed as "must-haves for private museums."

Unlike the meticulous craftsmanship of traditionalists or the boldness of avant-garde artists, her paintings required only a few strokes to immerse viewers instantly, pulling them into an emotional storm unique to the canvas.

"Trailblazer of atmospheric art," "the most promising contemporary soul painter"—these were the accolades from the academic industry.

In the collecting industry, her name was practically synonymous with liquid gold.

Having a "Sarah" on the wall was not just a matter of taste; it was a status symbol.

Tonight marked her first solo exhibition in the country.

In the center of the gallery, dozens of original works hung neatly, each tagged with sky-high prices by collectors, with bidding intentions continuously rising.

"I heard she was completely unknown before, hadn't even shown up in the circle six years ago, and then suddenly became famous. It's like a miracle."

"Yeah, and she never reveals her true identity, only goes by the name Sarah. So mysterious."

Evelyn stood quietly backstage, dressed in a black gown, her long hair pinned up, her expression serene.

All of this was the result of her leaving the Collins family and painting alone, stroke by stroke.

That night, she dragged her luggage back to her own home.

She had expected to face her parents' reproach and her brother's cold stares.

After all, she had severed ties with her family for Arthur, leaving with the label of betrayal.

However, when she opened the door, she found her family already waiting for her.

Her elderly father's eyes were red, her mother hugged her and cried uncontrollably, and her brother, Theodore, said nothing, just took her luggage. "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back."

At that moment, all the suppressed grievances in her heart finally collapsed.

Evelyn realized how foolish she had been for love back then.

The courtyard still had several big dogs, her favorite breed from childhood.

The dogs rushed over, wagging their tails and circling her, their warm breath brushing against her hand, giving her a long-lost sense of belonging.

In such an environment, she gradually settled down.

She became pregnant and gave birth to twins.

The boy was named Julian White, and the girl was called Ella White.

Julian showed an early interest in medicine; his room was filled with anatomical models and related books.

At five, he could recite a thick book on human anatomy, making Theodore feel inadequate.

But Ella was diagnosed with congenital mutism from a young age, struggling with reading, writing, and hearing.

She couldn't speak but loved looking at paintings.

Every time she saw a brightly colored canvas, she would reach out her little hand to gently touch it.

It was because of Ella that Evelyn picked up her paintbrush again.

Evelyn had a natural talent for art, having won awards in national painting competitions when she was young.

Her teachers had said she had the potential to become an artist.

But after marrying into the Collins family, she gave up her passion, put away her brushes, and settled into the role of a respectable wife."

So she began painting day after day.

With the morning sunlight streaming in, the dogs napping at her feet, and the children running in the yard, Evelyn sat quietly at her easel.

She painted mountains, stars, and flowers trembling in the wind, using her brush to show Ella the world.

And today, she finally stood on the stage, under the spotlight, as Sarah.

Meanwhile.

Arthur and Seraphina walked into the gallery side by side.

Seraphina wore a high-end dress, holding Arthur's arm. "Arthur, look at this painting. It would be perfect in the Collins residence hallway, with its calm atmosphere and elegant colors."

Arthur glanced at the painting, his expression indifferent. "Yeah, buy it."

Their purpose was simple: to add decorations to the Collins residence and perhaps explore investment opportunities.

Near the edge of the stage, a staff member whispered, "Sarah, in a moment..."

Seraphina looked over in surprise, her gaze meeting the figure directly.

"So Sarah is so young."

Arthur's eyes froze in that instant.

A black gown, a cold demeanor, yet carrying traces familiar to his very core.

It was Evelyn.

The air seemed to freeze at that moment.

His heart clenched, almost unable to believe it.

Six years ago, she signed the divorce papers and left with her luggage, never looking back.

Since then, she had seemingly vanished from the city, with no news at all.

But now, she stood under the spotlight, at the center of admiration and respect.

And she had completely changed.

No longer the Collins family wife, easily dismissed, but the unattainable Sarah.

"Mommy!"

A clear voice broke the tension.

Two children squeezed through the crowd, their eyes bright, their expressions eager.

It was John Collins and James Collins.

Evelyn trembled, her fingers curling under her gown.

She saw the two children, their faces no longer childish, running towards her, their expressions filled with disbelief and excitement.

"Mommy, is it really you?"

"Mommy, did you come back to find us?"

The voices were so real, so urgent, carrying six years of longing.

The gallery was in an uproar, all eyes on this scene.

Evelyn's chest heaved, her eyes stinging, but as she turned, she forced down all her emotions.

She took a deep breath, her throat tight, but she spoke coldly, "You've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not your mother."

John froze, his eyes instantly red.

James grabbed her hand urgently, "Mommy, I remember you. You are Mommy! Why won't you acknowledge us?"

Her fingers trembled, and she pulled back harshly, "I said, I'm not."

Turning to the staff, she said quickly, "Check whose children are running around and take them back to their parents. The venue is too big; don't let them get lost."

Arthur's eyes turned icy, staring at her as if trying to tear away all her disguises.

Seraphina smiled gently, holding Arthur's hand tighter, her voice soft.

"The children have mistaken someone. Evelyn left long ago; how could she be here?"

The staff, hearing Evelyn's words, immediately stepped forward, bending down to pull the two children away.

"Kids, you can't run around. Your parents are over there. Come with me."

Evelyn forced herself to look away, turning around, her steps brisk.

Her high heels clicked crisply on the marble floor of the gallery.

Her back was straight, without a hint of hesitation.

But just then—

John was jostled by the crowd, falling to the ground, his arm hitting the edge of the gallery steps hard.

Blood instantly oozed out.

"John!" James shouted, rushing to help him.

John froze, staring at his bleeding arm, his eyes turning red, his voice trembling.

"Mommy, I'm bleeding!"

Evelyn's steps halted.

Her breathing became erratic.

Her mind flashed back to the cold diagnosis from six years ago.

"The child has a congenital clotting disorder. If he bleeds, it must be treated immediately, or it will be dangerous."

Her pupils contracted sharply.