ife she was creating, one foot firmly grounded in her art, the other cautiously stepping int

e the complexities of their relationship. But Clara knew i

their connection had deepened. They spent more time together outs

had continued to grow in her own right her art gaining recognition and respect but the questions stil

but the thought of being in the spotlight once again was overwhelming. She knew it was a major opportunit

ing, all as a wall erected against everything Clara was working at. She told him she wanted space, yet now she

hing and nothing, Clara lost herself in a train of thought. Ethan had been ta

but Clara simply couldn't care about this l

om. The thought comes rushing back of the gallery and of her decision. "

bition coming up. It's a big deal for me, but. I don't know if I'm ready f

ve told you before, I'm here to

ut you. I don't want them to think that I'm just here

ave never seen you as anything othe

doesn't come with a price tag or tw

h without you backing me up. I want to prove that I can do this

intended to make you feel that way. I love you, Clara. I merely want to share your life, but I am also willing, if you need it,

ance between them had never seemed so vast. "I don't kno

I can be with you

tion, but a weight that seemed to be pressed on her chest haunted her constantly. Ethan respe

ves were only growing. She could already imagine the questi

all see her as his arm candy? As much as she

d taken her weeks to complete. It was raw, honest, and deeply personal, yet s

thoughts. She looked at the screen and saw a text from

ar. She wanted to tell him everything she was scared of losing herself, of losing him, of being swallow

ion, Clara stood before her work, her

rt, but Clara just felt dislocated. She could sense the secretive gl

he noise. "Clara, you

slight smile on his face. His presence was both a comfort a

Clara whispered, her ga

on her shoulder. "You've earned this. Not

ooked up at Ethan. Maybe this wasn't about proving herself to the world. Maybe it was about accepting that

more people took the time to speak with her about her work and not her connection to Eth

atop the gallery roof, staring into the city. Ethan stood there

id, "thank you for let

all smile on her face. "You d

to. You're amazing, Clara.

d understanding. "Maybe we don't have to choose,

s were warm with reli