Chapter 19: "The Ultimatum"

Ava's heart raced as she stood in her studio, her eyes locked onto Ethan's. She had never seen him so serious, so determined."Ava, I need to ask you something," Ethan said, his voice firm but gentle. "Something that could change everything."Ava's mind raced with possibilities, but nothing could have prepared her for what came next."Choose between your art and our relationship," Ethan said, his eyes piercing hers. "I can't keep living like this, Ava. I can't keep competing with your passion for art."Ava felt like she had been punched in the gut. How could Ethan ask her to choose between the two things she loved most in the world?"But why do I have to choose?" Ava protested, her voice shaking. "Can't I have both?"Ethan shook his head, his expression unyielding. "No, Ava. You can't have both. Your art is consuming you, taking over your life. And I'm tired of being left behind."Ava felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She knew that Ethan was right, but she couldn't bear the thought of giving up her art."I need time to think," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper.Ethan nodded, his eyes softening. "I understand. But know this, Ava. I can't wait forever."The chapter ended with Ava standing alone in her studio, her heart heavy with the weight of Ethan's ultimatum. She knew that she had to make a choice, but she was torn between her passion for art and her love for Ethan. Could she find a way to balance both, or would she have to sacrifice one for the other? Only time would tell.