STROKES ON LOVE
written by © ilysm_aahana
CHAPTER 1
Sophia and Jack first met at an art exhibition, where Sophia's work was being showcased. Jack, a renowned art critic, harshly criticized Sophia's art, deeming it "amateurish" and "lacking depth." Sophia took offense, feeling her passion and creativity were being attacked. The tension between them was palpable, setting the stage for a long and tumultuous relationship. As they stood there, locked in a heated gaze, Sophia could feel the anger and frustration coursing through her veins. She had never been one to back down from a challenge, and she certainly wasn't about to start now. "My art may not be to your taste," she said, her voice steady and calm, "but it comes from a place of passion and creativity. Something you clearly know nothing about." Jack smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I know a thing or two about passion and creativity," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I also know a thing or two about talent, and sweetheart, you don't have it." Sophia felt her face flush with anger, but she refused to back down. She knew her art was good, and she wasn't about to let some pompous critic bring her down. "I'd rather have passion and creativity than talent and arrogance," she shot back, her voice rising. Jack raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by Sophia's boldness. "Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Looks like we have a feisty one here. I like that." Sophia rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help feeling a spark of attraction. She was drawn to Jack's confidence and charisma, even if she didn't want to admit it.
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CHAPTER 2
The encounter at the exhibition was only the start of Sophia and Jack's feud. They continued to cross paths at art events, their banter growing increasingly heated. Sophia saw Jack as an arrogant and condescending critic, while Jack viewed Sophia as a sensitive and untalented artist. Their dislike for each other was evident, and their friends and acquaintances began taking sides. As the days turned into weeks, their feud became the talk of the art world. People would gather around, watching with bated breath as Sophia and Jack went head-to-head. It was a spectacle, one that neither of them could resist. They were like two magnets, drawn to each other despite their better judgment.
Sophia tried to focus on her art, but she couldn't shake off Jack's criticism. She began to doubt herself, wondering if she was indeed talented enough. Jack, on the other hand, was thrilled to have someone to spar with. He loved the attention, and he loved pushing Sophia's buttons. But beneath the surface, he was starting to feel a twinge of guilt. He knew he had been harsh on Sophia, and he couldn't help but wonder if he had been wrong about her art.
As they continued to clash, Sophia and Jack started to notice little things about each other. Sophia noticed the way Jack's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and Jack noticed the way Sophia's hair fell in loose waves down her back. They started to see each other in a different light, but their pride and ego wouldn't let them admit it.
One night, they found themselves at the same art gallery, both reaching for the same glass of wine. Their hands touched, and a spark of electricity ran through them. They looked up, their eyes locking in a moment of pure attraction. For a moment, they forgot about their feud, forgot about their differences, and saw each other for who they truly were. But the moment passed, and they quickly retreated to their respective corners, each wondering about that moment
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CHAPTER 3
Sophia and Jack were commissioned to work together on a high-profile project, forcing them to put aside their differences. They reluctantly agreed, but the tension between them remained. As they worked together, they started noticing little things about each other - Sophia's dedication to her craft, Jack's attention to detail. Their mutual respect grew, but their banter remained. They would often find themselves lost in conversation, discussing everything from art to music to their personal lives. It was a strange dynamic, one that neither of them could quite understand. They were enemies, yet they couldn't seem to stay away from each other.
As they delved deeper into the project, Sophia and Jack started to see each other in a different light. Sophia discovered Jack's passion for art, and Jack discovered Sophia's business acumen. They started to appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses, and their banter became less heated. They started to enjoy each other's company, looking forward to their daily meetings. It was a strange feeling, one that neither of them could quite explain. They were enemies, yet they felt a connection that went beyond mere acquaintances.
One night, as they worked late on the project, Sophia turned to Jack and asked, "Why do you always have to be so critical?" Jack looked at her, his eyes softening. "I'm not trying to be critical, Sophia. I'm just trying to see the best in people." Sophia raised an eyebrow. "The best in people? You mean like how you saw the best in my art and tore it apart?" Jack sighed. "That was different. I was trying to provoke you, to get a reaction out of you." Sophia shook her head. "You got a reaction, all right. You got me to hate you." Jack looked at her, his eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I really am. I didn't mean to hurt you."
Sophia looked at him, her heart softening. "I know you didn't," she said. "But you did. And I'm still trying to get over it." Jack nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "I know. And I'm trying to make it right."
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CHAPTER 4
LOVE IS REAL
As they worked together, Sophia and Jack started to realize that their initial impressions of each other were wrong. Sophia discovered that Jack's harsh criticism was a mask for his own insecurities, and Jack discovered that Sophia's sensitive nature was a strength, not a weakness. They started to appreciate each other's differences, and their mutual respect grew.
One evening, as they were leaving the studio, Jack turned to Sophia and asked, "Would you like to grab dinner with me?" Sophia was taken aback by the invitation, but she agreed. As they sat down at a nearby restaurant, Sophia realized that she was enjoying Jack's company. They talked about everything from art to music to their personal...