Ethan's Costly Confession

Synopsis

Dawn light spilled through the gallery windows as I arranged white peonies in crystal vases. The space was quiet except for the soft Bach prelude I hummed while working. Ethan's birthday celebration would begin in hours, and everything needed to be perfect. I wanted him to feel cherished, celebrated—the way he made me feel when he looked at me with those intense eyes that seemed to see my soul. I adjusted the eucalyptus garland draped along the central display wall where Ethan's newest collection would hang. His paintings had grown more vibrant since we'd been together. He often said I brought light into his work. My phone vibrated against the table. Sir Alistair Finch from the London Symphony Orchestra. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the message.