Clara sat at her desk, surrounded by sketches and notes for the upcoming gala. The walls of her office were adorned with vibrant artwork, each piece a testament to her passion for contemporary art. As the art department’s lead, she felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. For months, she had been focused on advancing her career, and that meant impressing Marcus.

Marcus had always been charismatic and driven, his energy infectious. His passion for art was palpable, and Clara admired how he effortlessly navigated the complexities of the industry. But her feelings for him had grown into something more than mere admiration, and she was painfully aware of it.