After the press conference, everything changed. Claire's phone buzzed with messages from friends, family, and even strangers. The media had picked up the story. They made it sound like a big showdown between a business boss and a struggling event planner. Everyone had something to say. Some were doubtful, some felt sorry for her, and many were just nosy.
Claire felt swamped by all the attention. Whenever she stepped outside, people whispered and pointed. It was like being on a reality show. The stress piled up. Even with all the meetings, interviews, and offers flooding her inbox, she felt like a show for others to watch.
Ethan, on the other hand, seemed fine. He was in his element and always seemed cool and collected. He stepped into this world like he owned it. He directed their partnership like a pro. He had set up this deal for reasons Claire was only beginning to grasp.
One afternoon, they met at his fancy office high in the sky. After he wrapped up a call, he turned to Claire with a straight face.
"Let's talk business," he said, leaning back in his chair. "We've handled the media fuss. Now, we need to make this partnership work."
Claire felt a little uneasy in her chair. She had hoped to chat about their situation, but it was clear that "business" was all Ethan cared about.
"I've gone over the plan," he kept going, ignoring her discomfort. "Your event planning needs a solid base. I can help with that. We have a deal, and now we need to follow through."
Claire nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "I get that, but I don't want to be just another one of your investments. I want this to mean something."
For a moment, Ethan's eyes softened, but he quickly added, "We want to build something. You have a chance now. People know you. This deal isn't just about cash; it's about your brand. You couldn't have pulled this off alone, Claire. Let's be real."
That hit hard. She didn't want to admit it, but he was right. This partnership was her best chance. She had struggled for so long to get by. But the more she thought about it, the more it felt like she was giving up her dreams for success.
"I didn't sign up for this just to be a big headline," Claire said, her voice trembling a bit. "You're using me. You've crafted this story about the businesswoman who's trying to make it, and I'm just here to make that story shine. You didn't need to marry me for that."
Ethan didn't flinch. "This is bigger than just you, Claire. This is about our future. The media wants this story, and now we make it work."
His words hurt more than she expected. Ethan had a different vision. She had hoped for something deeper—maybe even to understand him better. But he saw this as a strategy, not a relationship. To him, she was just a piece on his chessboard.
Claire bit back her anger. "I didn't realize this was what you meant by 'partnership.' You said this was for my business, but it feels like it's just as much for your image."
Ethan's gaze was steady. "That's how business works. It's never just one thing. You need to stop seeing this as a personal issue. If we want to win, we have to be smart. You can work with me or keep struggling. Your family can't afford for you to drop out now."
Those words struck deeper than she thought they would. Her family needed this success, and that pressure was hard to ignore. But at what cost? Claire looked at Ethan—his fancy suit, his power, his control. He would never know what it felt like to face a choice like this. To marry for survival.
"I get it," she said, her voice low but firm. "You think you're doing what's best. But I need to know—I'm not just a tool for your plan, right?"
Ethan's eyes changed just a bit before he said, "I'm not using you, Claire. But you need to know—this isn't about love. It's about building something useful for both of us."
There it was. The cold truth. Claire swallowed hard and nodded.
"I understand," she said quietly, the words feeling harsh.
Ethan smiled, but there was no real warmth. "Good. Now, let's plan your first event. We have a lot to do."
As Claire left his office that day, the weight of reality pressed down on her. This wasn't about love or a real partnership. It was a game, and she was playing by his rules.
Her future was now tied to Ethan, and while her business success seemed closer, she felt like she was losing herself to make it happen.
But time was running out. Claire had to ask herself—how far was she willing to go to succeed? And at what cost?