AVA'S POV
The silence after Ethan's press conference was deafening. For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
My phone buzzed relentlessly on the kitchen island, but I ignored it, standing by the window with a cup of chamomile tea that had long since gone cold.
Ethan's words had played on every major outlet: "We have nothing to hide."
He said it calmly, with a certainty that cut through the media fog like a sword. But I could feel the storm rising behind his composed facade, the tension in his jaw, the way his eyes didn't quite meet mine when he left for the studio.
Now, watching the city lights blink like distant stars, I found myself caught between pride and fear.
Pride in the man I'd fallen in love with.
Fear for what it might cost us.
The front door opened softly. I didn't have to turn around to know it was him. I could feel his presence, heavy, charged, familiar.
"I'm home," Ethan said quietly.
I turned, managing a soft smile. "I know."
