ra and Ethan. The tension that had plagued their relationship seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a newfound closeness. B

d by her relationship with him. But as the days went by, she saw the whispers coming back. Not just about her success, but about her rel

still remained the man she loved the man who made her feel she was more than just an artist, someone worth

place is wonderful a high-end gala, bursting with businessmen, investors, artists, and socialites, all in attendance mingling over champag

om, a face came up that she recognized Aver

who seemed always just a little too perfect. That kind of wo

the moment that Avery moved toward them

flickered briefly in the direction of Ethan, and Clara felt a chill. "I have to say, y

ank you. It's been an int

a's work speaks for itself, Avery," he said, his voice steady, but Clara

ed to Ethan. "Oh, I'm sure it does. You've

at Ethan something far too intimate for a casual conversation they w

is touch was different now; it didn't feel just for

ing to break the tension, but Clara cou

ied to engage in conversation with a few of the other guests, but her mind kept returni

his time laughing Avery's hand lightly touching Ethan's a

, hated the jealousy that was creeping up, like

on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Mia, her

eryone," Mia whispered, l

the air between Ethan and me tonight. Distant. The more time spent

ebrow. "Talk to

ut I feel like I am losing him. And the more I try to ho

ic look, but Clara could s

nstincts. But you have to talk to him.

eeling that something much deeper was happe

than returned to his penthouse. The silence between t

" Ethan said, breaking the silence

eighing in on her. She could still feel the residual tension that w

r phone and opened the social media app where Avery had posted a picture from the ev

at as she stared at it, the jealo

beneath the photo. "Always great to see you tw

She could no longer ignore the suspicion that had been gnawing at her.

window, with her arms folded over her chest, staring into the city outs

asked warily. "

e tight. "You tell me, Ethan. What

ely taken aback. "What

look at her, the way you two talk it's like there's some

hen hardened. "Clara, you're being paranoid

use it doesn't feel like nothing when I see y

ith Avery. This is your insecurities speaking. You are scared, an

's eyes. "I don't know w

e. There is nothing between Avery and me. But there is something between you and me

now if I can do this anymore, Ethan. I don't know if I

ng else there something that told her he didn't want to lose

ing emotions. The love she felt for Ethan, the jealousy, the doubts it was

" she whispered, h

hat, she w