Shadows of the past

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Part 1: Ethan's Career Struggles

Ethan sat in his small apartment, staring at the rejection email on his laptop screen.

"We regret to inform you that your manuscript does not fit our publishing needs at this time."

It was the twentieth rejection he had received in the past three months. His dreams of becoming a writer felt like they were slipping further away, and no matter how hard he tried, nothing seemed to work.

Clara leaned against the doorway, watching him with concern. "Another one?"

Ethan exhaled, rubbing his forehead. "Yeah. Same response. 'Not the right fit.' Whatever that means."

Clara walked over, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Ethan, I know this is frustrating, but you can't give up. Your writing is beautiful. Maybe you just haven't found the right publisher yet."

He looked up at her, a mixture of frustration and exhaustion in his eyes. "Maybe I'm just not good enough."

She knelt in front of him, holding his hands. "Don't say that. You've come so far. I believe in you."

Ethan forced a weak smile, but deep inside, he felt lost. He wanted to believe Clara's words, but the failures were piling up, and the weight of his past still haunted him.

Part 2: Clara's Personal Growth and an Unexpected Opportunity

Later that evening, Clara returned from work looking excited. She tossed her bag onto the couch and turned to Ethan with a big smile.

"You won't believe what happened today!" she said, her eyes sparkling.

Ethan, still in his thoughts, looked up. "What?"

"My boss offered me a promotion! And not just any promotion—a chance to work on an international project in Paris!"

For a moment, Ethan didn't react. Then, his stomach dropped. "Paris?"

She nodded eagerly. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Ethan. I'd be part of a huge marketing campaign, working with some of the best in the industry. This could change my career forever!"

Ethan wanted to be happy for her, but all he could think about was Sophia—how she had also left for a better opportunity, leaving him behind.

"So… you'd leave?" he asked hesitantly.

Clara's excitement dimmed slightly. "For a while, yes. Six months, maybe a year. But we can make it work, right? We can visit, call, and—"

Ethan stood up, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Clara. Long distance? We both know how that usually ends."

Her expression shifted. "Ethan, I'm not leaving you. I'm just… chasing something important to me. Just like you're chasing your dream."

"Except my dream is failing," he muttered under his breath.

Clara frowned. "So what are you saying? You don't want me to go?"

He sighed. "I don't know what I'm saying."

Tension filled the air. Clara crossed her arms, frustration evident. "I've always supported you, Ethan. Through everything. Can you do the same for me?"

Ethan opened his mouth but hesitated. He didn't want to lose her, but he also couldn't bear the thought of being left behind again.

Part 3: Sophia Resurfaces in an Unexpected Way

A week passed, and the tension between Ethan and Clara only grew. They barely spoke about the Paris opportunity, avoiding the subject entirely.

One evening, Ethan was scrolling through his phone when he saw Sophia's face on a news article.

"Rising Violin Star Sophia Moreau Speaks on Music, Love, and Regret."

His heart stopped.

He clicked on the interview, and as he read, one particular part hit him hard:

"Sometimes, success comes with sacrifices. I left behind people I loved. And I regret that. I wonder if they ever forgave me."

Ethan's hands shook. Was she talking about him?

A few days later, an unexpected email arrived in his inbox—from a publishing company.

"Mr. Carter, we recently came across your work through a recommendation. We'd love to discuss a possible book deal."

Ethan's heart pounded. A recommendation? From who?

Then he saw the name at the bottom.

Sophia Moreau.

She had found his work. And she had helped him.

Part 4: A Major Conflict Between Ethan & Clara

When Ethan told Clara about the book deal, she was thrilled for him.

"This is amazing!" she said, hugging him. "See? I told you your talent would be recognized!"

But when Ethan mentioned Sophia's involvement, her face fell.

"Wait… Sophia recommended you?"

Ethan hesitated. "Yeah. I don't know how she found my work, but—"

"So, after all this time, she just shows up and suddenly helps you?" Clara's voice was tight.

"It's not like that. She just—"

"She what? Feels guilty? Wants to fix the past?" Clara shook her head. "Ethan, be honest with me. Do you still have feelings for her?"

Ethan blinked, taken aback. "What? No! Clara, this is about my writing, not Sophia."

"Are you sure?" Clara's voice wavered. "Because I've been here, supporting you, loving you. And now, the one person who broke you is suddenly the one helping you? That doesn't bother you?"

Ethan's frustration flared. "What do you want me to do? Reject the opportunity? Just because of who it came from?"

Clara's eyes glistened. "No… I just want to know if I still matter to you."

Ethan softened, reaching for her hand. "Clara, you do matter. You're the best thing in my life."

"Then support me like I support you," she whispered. "Tell me you'll be okay if I go to Paris."

Ethan froze.

The words were stuck in his throat.

Clara waited.

Silence.

Her eyes filled with pain. She nodded slowly, stepping back. "I get it now."

"Clara, wait—"

She shook her head. "I can't keep waiting for you to choose me, Ethan. I love you, but I need to love myself too."

And with that, she walked away.

Ethan stood there, feeling his world crumble again.

Was he about to lose Clara—just like he lost Sophia?

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