en her and Damian seemed to dissipate, replaced by something lighter yet no less intense. They spoke more openly, and the walls he had so carefully

her time. "Resonance" had been hailed as a groundbreaking piece, but Ava couldn't shake the feeling that it was no longer just her work that peo

press. It was enough for her to see that her best friend was happier than she'd been in weeks. Still, Ava had to wonder how long she

personal life out of the public eye, knowing all too well how damaging a misplaced rumor could be. But it wasn't just the m

was fixed on a series of reports spread out before him financials, acquisitions, legal briefs. But his mind was elsewhe

v

arned about their connection? Would they remain unaffected, or would the sha

a welcome distraction. She had been with him for years, his

carrying an edge of concern as she surve

thoughts were miles away.

narrowed. "Is

around the edge of his desk.

at her. And it's not like you're hiding your late-night calls

his chair. "I care about her. More

unwavering. "Then don't make the same mistake

But I don't know if I can protect

gently. "If you really want this to work, you have to let her i

he has a future ahead of her. A future I can't offer her. She's alread

e's choosing to be with you. But if you keep pushing her away, you'

s of Ava. Could he really open up to her fully? Could

, and despite the whirlwind of gallery events, interviews, and growing attention on her work, all she could think about was him. She missed him in ways that ma

her out of her thoughts.

park near your st

r her. What had happened? W

e there in

Ava spotted Damian standing by a bench, his posture stiff and tense, as if he were preparing for

r heart pounding. "Dam

you, Ava. I've kept you in the dark because I didn't want you to get caught up in this mess. But t

where this conversation was going, but the s

she asked, her voice

ld stop at nothing to bring me down. And I've been trying to protect you from that. But I can't shield you forever. If you're going

er, but hearing him finally admit it shook her to her core. The weight of his c

ce steady despite the turmoil she felt inside. "I'm not going anywhere. Bu

n weeks. He reached for her hand, his grip firm, as if grounding himself

assuring smile tugging at her lips

ture would hold. But for the first time, they both believed that th

A quiet storm was brewing, one that neither of them had anticipated, but for now,