as Ivy tried to shake off the memory, but these words echoed in her mind: "I cannot st

t out loud, her eyes filled with drops of tears; "How do you

essed heavily on her heart, but his silence at the utterance of her inner tur

ger and despair. Freya entered the studio, breaking Ivy's reverie. "Ivy, are you still at it?" she asked, her voice tinged

ou know, it's okay to feel confused about Arnold. It's normal." "Bec

didn't want to have. "I'm fine, Freya. Just busy with

usy' ever since the ball. It's like you

surface. "I can't let myself get distr

was terrified of what Arnold represented-a chanc

e the promise he had made to Lady Isabella, their connection felt too rea

e gallery was a calm haven, brimming with the vivid hues and feelings of different painters.

think of her art? Did he even care? The questions circled end

g a shared understanding. Ivy felt a knot form in her chest; it was everythi

away when she heard a

ling yet reassuring. His smile broadene

you be with Lady Isabella? It's quite late." Arnold's expression shifted slightly, a fl

urmured as he inched forward. "I have the unshakable impression th

Arnold. You can't just... ignore that." He sighed; frustration evident in his voice. "I k

s an intense tension in the air that was both exhilarating and terrible. He started, trying

spine. "What about your responsibil

ning a hand through his hair. "But I can't deny

eight of the moment. "This isn't just a flin

t," with sincerity. "However, I must

ut you, Arnold. But I'm scared of what that means. I can't be the reason you ruin your

said softly. "Let's see where thi

ver, Ivy smiled, a flicker of hope igniti

hed into infinity as they leaned closer, sharing a tentative yet exhilarating kiss

e. Ivy felt a mixture of exhilaration and fear.

on serious. "But I want you to know

weight of their circumstances. As Ivy walked back through the gallery, her heart rac

oul into her artwork, with each brushstroke portraying her inner struggle. Her heart flu

aily existence but became increasingly restless; he had never felt so alive as when he was

xquisite excuse to see his forbidden love because it was a chance to spend time

ot of uneasiness growing in her gut. Her pulse beat with

ted Arnold across the room. Despite being surrounded by guests and

connected. They exchanged smiles before Arnol

he said, admiration e

replied, feeling

interacted. But every time a guest approached, Ivy f

nold asked, notici

nowing..." Ivy trailed off, the weight of

nt with you, no matter how complicated

rner of the event, away from prying eyes. "Can w

ny overlooking the gardens, the m

said, his expression earnest

nfession. "But what about

ore. I want to explore this connection

t uncertainty still lingered

plied softly. "But I believe y

ed "it's been a wonderful experien

g as he watched her leave his event. One can only hope they avo