Hadley reluctantly taught Anatoli how to use magic, but it wasn't out of generosity. Instead, it was out of pity. To see such an incompetent individual simply made Hadley sorry for him.
Before they knew it, Anatoli and Hadley became close friends, though Hadley would have vehemently denied that fact.
Still, when Anatoli professed his love for Hadley, she couldn't keep her cold and temperamental facade. Of course, she would never admit in public that she loved Anatoli, but Anatoli still knew the woman's true feelings.
On a whim, one day, Anatoli hired a painter. Hadley was hesitant to comply, but Anatoli's pleading was enough for her to give up ground. And so, the two of them sat still for an agonizing three hours as the artist painted the portrait.
By the end of it, Hadley was more annoyed than usual, but she still recognized the painter's craftsmanship.
