GHOSTED BY GOLD

ied her anymore; it was the ma

at Tony is just a few floors away. There's something about him that both excites and unsettles her, especially given his reputat

the colors and shapes that flow from her brushes. Her creativity loosens her

rself in her brushstrokes, each one more bold than the last. Art was her escape, her connection, her safe space

dence in her work contrast sharply with his guarded nature, and for a moment, he's caught up in admiration. Jade notices h

ted conversation, and she finds herself asking more about his "ghosting" tendencies and why he's so reclusive.

," he said softly

n a rag. "When you're trying to make a name f

g?" His tone was so casual, but sh

rious look. "Not really. But

es flickering with something un

s up a bit about his family, mentioning the pressures of his position and the responsibility he feels

e, hinting at his ghosting habits. Tony deflects, but he's visibly affected by her

iving way to something almost fragile. "When people expect to

"But what if they don't want anything from yo

and almost wistful. "Mayb

elves drawn to conversations that feel more personal, peeling back layers and getting a bit more comfortable

tion. The bits and pieces of the conversation hint at a strained family dynamic and expectations that weigh heavily on him. Sh

orating elements into the mural that subtly reflect Tony's struggle

eginning to understand. The colors grew deeper, richer as if they could hold the weight T

ment, they're caught in each other's gaze. They stand close, the air thick with unspoken words, and there's a flash of som

mused. It's a moment that leaves them both rattled a

reath caught. She could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the

she stepped back. "Don't

he softness in his eyes lin

ly probes Tony, asking questions about his family's influence and his reasons for staying distant from them. Thoug

Tony is carrying a weight few people understand. This realization only strengt

whisper. "My family... They expec

g him closely. "And w

ion he'd never let himself consider. Finally, he shook his

rt of her journey, too. She's learning to understand the weight of expectations and the importance of self-expression, even w

s visibly moved, and for a moment, he seems at a loss for words. He thanks her in a way

detail she'd woven into it. "It's... you didn't have

blush rise to her cheeks.

passing between them. For the first time, Tony seemed less l