the fever, a new deter

overed for me and my mother over the past ten years. Tuition, living costs, ev

money from part-time photography gigs. It covered a good po

er what twisted narrative Ethan had constructed in his head. But I needed to repay this money. Not for Ethan, but for my m

uld get. Headshots, small events, product photography. The days we

k, I'd managed to earn another five

, wanting "candid but glamorous" shots, and coverage for the entire eve

ted imm

althiest part of town. As I was setting up

are you d

nt in a designer dress, was Chloe V

my voice professional. "I

thought your photography was more... artistic.

plied calmly. "And I enjoy

lad you could make it." She then proceeded to keep me working non-stop. "Cou

arms ached, my feet thro

he main party area, I was instructe

ced a velvet box. Inside, nestled on satin, was a s

oe's neck. She looked up

lcony. She smiled, a slow, triumphant smile, and then th

owd ch

e. Click. Click. Click. Chloe and Ethan, laughing. Chloe an

n into another deep, lingering kiss. For a split second, Ethan looked surpr

shot. Numbly, I l