Claire didn't think she'd feel much when she heard the name Katherine. But when Ethan said it, her heart dropped. She was just sitting at the kitchen counter, sipping coffee and scrolling on her phone. Then Ethan stood in the doorway and said, "Katherine's coming to the event next week."
Claire felt a jolt. "Katherine?" she repeated, trying to sound calm. "Your ex?"
Ethan nodded, still looking away. "She's on the charity board. She must be at the gala."
Jealousy washed over Claire. She knew it wasn't right. They weren't even in a real relationship. Still, Katherine had been a big part of Ethan's past. This made Claire realize just how much she didn't fit into his life.
"Is she still involved in your business?" Claire asked, keeping her voice steady. It wasn't easy to hide her bitterness. She had a small event-planning business that was doing well. But it felt like Katherine was still part of Ethan's world.
"Not really," Ethan replied, glancing at his phone. "We keep it professional. She's a good fit for the charity."
Claire took a breath to push away her anxiety. She had always felt uneasy about Katherine. Now that she was coming back, Claire felt even more threatened. She didn't want to be jealous, but Katherine's return felt like a big deal.
Later that evening, Claire sat on the couch, lost in thought. Ethan was busy with work, and the coldness between them lingered. She hadn't brought up Katherine, but her mind was racing. Did Ethan still have feelings for her? Or was he just being polite, as he often was?
Just when Claire was about to shake off her worries, she got a text from her mom.
"How's everything going, sweetheart?"
Claire smiled at the message. No matter how chaotic things got with Ethan, her family always had her back.
"It's okay," Claire typed back quickly. "Busy with work, but it's all good."
Her mom replied quickly. "I'm happy you're busy. Just remember, don't let anyone stop you from living your dreams."
Her mom's words helped Claire refocus. She didn't have to let Katherine or Ethan decide her path. She was building her business, and no one, especially an ex, would get in her way.
But as the week went on, the tension grew. Every time Ethan mentioned Katherine, unease settled in. Claire realized her jealousy was about more than Katherine. It was about how little Ethan seemed to care for her. The truth was clear; their arrangement felt empty. Katherine's presence only drove that point home.
The gala day arrived. Claire felt a mix of excitement and nerves. She had worked hard on her event planning, but this was different. She wasn't just a guest. She was part of Ethan's life and expected to play a role in his world.
Walking into the venue, Claire felt Ethan's presence behind her. He was quiet on the way there, and the distance between them felt even bigger now.
"Remember, Claire," he said softly. "Keep it professional."
Claire nodded, feeling nervous. She was there for him and his business, nothing more.
As the night progressed, Claire tried her best to fit in. She chatted with guests and focused on being professional. But when Katherine walked in, her stomach twisted. Katherine was everything Claire felt she wasn't. Poised and polished, she owned the room.
When Ethan greeted Katherine, Claire noticed a spark in his eyes. It was brief but noticeable. He was warm and friendly with her. Claire looked away quickly, not wanting to see more.
As the gala went on, Claire felt more like an outsider. Surrounded by important people, she struggled to shake off the feeling. She felt invisible, out of place in Ethan's perfect world.
By midnight, the event started to wind down. Seeking a moment alone, Claire slipped into a quiet corner. She wanted to escape the tension but also knew she had to confront it.
While gazing out at the city lights, Katherine approached her.
"Claire," she said, her smile cool. "We haven't had a real chance to talk."
Claire felt uneasy. She didn't want to engage, but ignoring her wasn't an option.
"Hi," Claire replied, forcing a smile. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Katherine looked Claire over. "Ethan likes bringing people together."
Claire didn't know how to respond. Was Katherine being nice or just insensitive?
After a long pause, Katherine continued. "It's been a while since Ethan and I were together, but I still care for him. I'm sure you get that."
Claire's heart raced. She didn't want to discuss Ethan with Katherine. But Katherine's confidence made her feel small.
"I'm not trying to compete with you," Claire said, her voice softer than she intended. "I'm just trying to fit in."
Katherine's smile turned a bit gentler, but the tension hung heavy in the air. "I'm not trying to compete either, Claire. Just… remember your place."
Claire's heart raced. "I'm here because I want to be. No one needs to permit me."
Katherine studied Claire for a moment. Finally, she nodded as if she respected Claire's stance.
As Katherine walked away, Claire let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. She had stood up for herself. She wasn't going to let Katherine or anyone else make her feel lesser.
She had her dreams, her plans. Nobody was going to take that from her.
Still, as the night ended, Claire wondered how Ethan would react when he found out about Katherine's veiled threat. Would it push him away, or would it pull her deeper into his complicated world?
The evening was just getting started, and there was a lot more to come.