The spirit of Ava, the architect Ethan Walker once loved but who vanished from his life without a trace, haunts the accomplished man. Ethan is having a hard time moving on, but everything changes for him when he meets Lena Dawson. Lena is a wonderful artist, and her warmth and generosity start to heal his shattered heart. Ethan finds himself attracted into Lena's artistic and creative world as their relationship develops, hoping to at last get past his past. But soon, Ethan discovers odd discrepancies in Lena's actions-secretive phone conversations and unexplained absences-which rekindle his fears. His misgivings increase when he finds a secret letter that reveals a relationship he never would have guessed-one that connects Lena and Ava. Ethan, who feels duped, walks up to Lena and breaks up with her right away, thinking she's tricked him like Ava did. A few months later, Ethan learns the reality: Ava, who was fighting a deadly illness, asked her half-sister Lena to take care of him after she passed away. Lena's desire to keep things private was to spare Ethan more suffering. Complicating matters further, Lena has been receiving threats in anonymous form from someone who wants her to keep silent regarding Ava's condition and her relationship with Ethan. Seeking to make apologies, Ethan locates Lena and discovers that she is residing in a seaside village, occupied with a fresh artistic endeavour. He finds out about the dangers she was in and the costs she paid to keep him safe. Together, Ethan and Lena decide to take on the challenges posed by their miscommunications and the mysterious person making the threats. Ethan and Lena restore their relationship, learning that genuine love can withstand even the deepest shadows, with love, forgiveness, and newfound strength. Their path from grief to recovery results in a reaffirmed commitment to one another as they walk hand in hand into a resilient and hopeful future.
Chapter 1 The encounter
Ethan Walker stood amidst the busy art gallery, his gaze scanning the paintings and sculptures adorning the walls. The gallery was packed, with elegantly dressed people whispering in approval of the artwork exhibited. Ethan hardly caught what they were saying. His thoughts were not present, as they frequently were recently, wandering to past memories he wanted to erase.
He inhaled deeply, attempting to concentrate. He came to show his support for his friend Mark, who had strongly encouraged him to come to this art exhibition. Mark firmly believed that Ethan should socialize more and let go of the past that continued to trouble him.
Earlier, Mark mentioned that you're still fixated on Ava. "Ethan, you must release it." It has been three years.
A span of three years. It seemed like forever and yet no time had passed since Ava disappeared from his life without a word, creating a void that Ethan couldn't fill. He attempted to progress, but memories kept pulling him back whenever he believed he was prepared.
He was distracted from his thoughts when he noticed a painting at the other end of the gallery. It was a basic artwork, a depiction of a solitary beach during sunset, yet there was something about it that captivated him. Upon approaching, he observed a petite autograph in the lower corner belonging to Lena Dawson.
"Isn't it lovely?" a gentle voice asked from his back.
Ethan looked back and saw a woman standing with a kind smile on her face. Her hair was dark and cascaded in gentle waves around her shoulders, while her eyes appeared to reflect the sunlight of the setting sun in the artwork. She wore a plain outfit, a dress that draped loosely over her body.
"Yes, it is," Ethan responded, his tone betraying more enthusiasm than he actually had. "Are you the creator?"
The woman agreed with a nod. "I exist." My name is Lena Dawson.
"He said his name was Ethan Walker as he reached out his hand." "Your work is amazing." This painting... it seems to have a life of its own."
"Thanks," Lena murmured, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I'm happy that it connects with you." I create art with my emotions. It's great to be aware that someone is able to perceive that.
As they started conversing, Ethan felt attracted to Lena's sincerity and warmth. She was a great conversationalist, and before long, they were chatting about art, life, and everything else. Ethan couldn't recall the last time he had been so relaxed. At the end of the night, he was left wanting to get her phone number.
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