The price of her heart

oughts of Julian Hartley and the decision that hung over her like an impossible weight. His words he offer he had made, the promises of fam

to an exclusive gala, a charity event that only the most influential and wealthy in the city attended. The second contained an extravagant silk scarf, deep purple, w

nce comforting, seemed to close in on her as the weight of her decision pressed harder with each pa

e was no inspiration, no drive to create. The feeling of being stuck, of being invisible, was suffocating her. She wanted to paint-she wanted to expres

carf over in her hands. The softness of the fabric felt strange against her sk

s? Avery asked herse

, nor had she ever desired to be. Sure, she wanted recognition for

screen, expecting it to be another reminder of her mother's medical bills or anot

this weekend. It's the perfect opportunity for you to see

on, of course, but now it was clear that this wasn

st

ken a few times, but they were still strangers in so many ways. He was powerful, influential, wealth

sponse, her fingers

'll think

ly came

nd Avery? The key is just the beginning. Wh

time, her mind spinning. What did tha

. At first, she had thought it was symbolic, a gesture of his power and control. But now, she wasn't so sure. What doo

was a whirlwind, and she couldn't think clearly with the weight of eve

and traffic blending together in a hum that felt both familiar and foreign at the same

long time. But was it just an illusion? Was she falling into some kind of trap? She had worked so hard to get where she wa

o know it was Julian. It had to be. But she ignored it, pr

swayed gently in the breeze, and she sat on a bench near a small fountain, taking in the

side was the quiet, humble life she knew-the art she loved, her family, her friends. On the other was

ality. But was this the way to do it? Was Julian the answer, or

interrupted by a soft

g about

here. Her sister had a way of showing up when she was l

forcing a smile. "Wha

eyebrow, sitting beside her on the bench. "You've been ac

temples. "I'm just... tryi

was gentle, but there was an edge to

about the offer. But something in her sister's eyes m

ing I've ever wanted. My art will be seen, I'll have the recognition

e always had talent. You don't need him to make

ry whispered, looking down at the g

sell yourself to get what you want. Remember who you are, Ave

always been strong, determined, and capable of achieving her dreams without anyone else's help.

y admitted, her voice barely above a whis

g her hand. "You are.