Meanwhile, across the city in Ethan's high-rise condo, the atmosphere felt entirely different from the roaring energy of the red carpet.
Muted.
Tense.
Kathrine stood near the floor-to-ceiling window, the city lights spilling across her silhouette. From this height, the world looked distant—almost manageable. But the tightness in her chest refused to ease.
Behind her, Ethan adjusted the cuffs of his suit, watching her reflection in the glass more than his own.
She hadn't moved in five minutes.
"You're overthinking again," he said lightly, though his eyes softened.
Kathrine let out a slow breath. "I'm not."
She turned to face him, fingers unconsciously twisting together.
"Why do you even want me to come, Ethan?" she asked quietly. "It's your premiere. Your moment. I don't want to ruin it."
The words tasted bitter even as she said them.
