Claire felt overwhelmed lately. Each day blended into the next. She juggled meetings, phone calls, and pressure from Ethan's life as well as her family. Even though Ethan was there for her, she sensed a growing gap between them. It hurt.
But right now, as they sat on Ethan's balcony, she felt something different. The city lights sparkled below, and a soft breeze crept in. Claire sipped her wine, her mind drifting from her hectic day.
Ethan was unusually quiet. He stared at the city skyline, his fingers tapping on his glass. Claire was used to the confident Ethan, the one who seemed to handle everything. But tonight, he felt different.
Hey, Ethan, Claire said gently, breaking the silence. You okay?
He turned toward her, looking serious. For a split second, she saw something different in his eyes. It wasn't just his usual calm.
"Yeah, just thinking," he said with a distant voice.
Claire leaned closer, trying to read him. She knew he was deeper than he let on. He was more than just a successful businessman.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked.
Ethan paused, looking like he was choosing his words carefully. After taking a deep breath, he met her gaze again.
"It's just... family stuff," he said quietly, looking away. "You don't need to worry about it."
Claire's gut told her there was more. But she respected his space, especially about his past. Still, that night, the space between them felt huge. It was like a wall had slowly built up.
Later, after Claire settled in for the night, her mind kept replaying their talk. There was something unusual in Ethan's eyes. It hinted at a part of his life she didn't know about. She felt that he was hiding something behind his calm face.
Then the next week, Claire got a surprise look into Ethan's past. It happened at dinner one night in a lively new restaurant downtown.
As laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, Claire noticed a man walk in. He wore a sharp suit and instantly commanded attention.
Ethan's face changed when he saw the man. His smile faded, and he stiffened. Claire's curiosity grew.
The man approached with a smile that didn't feel warm. He greeted Ethan like an old friend, but Claire could see the tension.
"Ethan," the man said smoothly. "It's been a while."
Ethan stood, his face tense. They shook hands, but it was awkward.
"Jared," Ethan replied coolly. "It has.
Claire sensed something unspoken between them. Jared then turned to her with a polite smile.
"And this must be Claire," he said. "I've heard so much about you."
Claire smiled back, her mind racing. Who was this guy, and what was his history with Ethan?
Ethan seemed ready to end the conversation quickly. "Jared, great seeing you. I'll call you soon."
As Jared left, Claire noticed Ethan's guarded demeanor intensifying.
"Who was that?" she couldn't help but ask.
Ethan took a deep breath, his grip tightening on his glass. "Just someone from my past," he responded sharply. "We don't need to get into it."
But Claire couldn't shake it off. She had never seen Ethan so affected by someone. There had to be more to it.
The next day, at her desk in the office, her mind drifted back to Jared. She refrained from asking Ethan again, but her questions lingered.
She realized Ethan's past had a strong grip on him. She always thought he was in control, but now she could see he still had wounds.
Days passed, and Claire felt like she barely scratched the surface of who Ethan was. The confident man she knew was carrying a heavy load.
Later that night, when Ethan came home, Claire knew she needed to address things. It wouldn't be easy, but the wall between them was rising. If they were going to move forward, she had to know what he was holding.
"I've been thinking about last night," she began, her voice careful.
Ethan stiffened. "Claire…"
"I need to know, Ethan. Who was that man?"
Ethan's face clouded. For a moment, Claire feared he would shut down. But then he sighed, his expression softening.
"His name is Jared," Ethan replied quietly. "We grew up together. He's part of my past."
Claire stayed silent, waiting for him to say more. When he didn't, she pressed him.
"Does he make you distant sometimes? I can see something's bothering you."
Ethan looked deep into her eyes, showing a mix of regret and hurt.
"I'm not proud of what happened back then. Jared… he's part of a life I don't want anymore. But it's tough to break away when everyone expects you to stay."
Claire's heart sank. She had never seen him like this before. He was finally showing a side of himself that was hidden for too long.
"I don't want to go back," he whispered. "But it's like I'm still stuck. I don't know how to move forward."
Claire reached out, placing her hand on his. "You don't have to do it alone, Ethan. We can face this together."
He met her gaze, and for the first time, she saw his true emotions.
"I'm scared, Claire," he confessed, his voice shaking. "I'm scared I'll lose everything."
Claire squeezed his hand. "You won't lose me. But you have to let me in. We have to face this together."
Ethan nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. For the first time in a long while, Claire felt they were finally connecting.
They didn't have all the answers. But they were ready to face their fears together. And right now, that felt good enough.