Claire’s POV

It is 10 am the next morning after my graduation. I stand just inside my rented apartment with Damian’s card now on my small table. Courage pushes me to dial his number but fear continues to hold me back.

“What am I doing?” I ask myself. I put the card back into my bag and walk back and front with uncertainty.

Boxes sit packed in my room. I leave Ashford University behind but Ethan’s hurt face stays in my mind. Yesterday’s graduation feels like a dream but my choice between love and ambition is real. So I pick up my phone to call Ethan.

Phone rings and Ethan picks…

“Hey, Ethan. I... I wish I had seriously called earlier to explain what happened yesterday. At graduation,” I say.

“I thought about it all night. You took Damian’s card. You let me leave without saying goodbye properly even though I travelled there for you. Seems you have no plans for me,” Ethan replies.

“I was confused, overwhelmed. I didn’t know how to handle it,” I say.

“I took the train back home last night. It wasn’t a very long trip though but I wanted to get back before things got heavier between us,” Ethan replies.

“I hate myself that I made you feel like you weren’t enough. I just… I’m scared of my future,” I say.

Ethan says, “I get that. But I do hope we will talk more when you come to Anne’s. Your mom’s place. Perhaps that way we could determine where we are.”

I say, “I’d like that. Thank you for waiting even if it’s hard. Bye.”

“I’ll be there as agreed. Bye,” he says.

I am going to visit my hometown and hope to have some clarity. Especially from my mother. My father died when I was 12.

When the ride arrives and my luggage is moved into the boot of the car, my driver is nice and helps with carrying. Just a very small box because I have no plans to stay past a few days. Maybe 2 days at most.

***

Sunlight fades away across dusty streets as we drive towards my hometown. My home is not too far from Ashford University and I pull into the diner with my small box where Ethan waits. It belongs to my mom Anne. Its sun-faded sign and its warm booths give me nostalgia. The comfort of home conflicts with my childhood fantasies of breaking free of this small town.

We planned this meeting 3 months ago and it surprises me that Ethan still agreed to meet me there despite what happened yesterday. I treated him like shit and I know it. But he does indeed love me.

“Claire you made it,” Ethan says and stands from a booth. He looks into my eyes yet pain shadows his smile. I slide into the seat and grip a coffee mug because his hope scares me.

“I could not sleep after last night,” he admits and his voice trembles.

Guilty holds me and I hold my mug more firmly. “I am sorry Ethan,” I say softly. His hand reaches for mine. “Why is it so hard to choose me? Does this mean you have forgotten our marriage plans? For kids?” he asks and his words cut deep.

Hesitation chokes me yet I force myself to speak. “You are my home, Ethan,” I say and mean it.

Ethan leans closer and his voice grows urgent. “Then stay with me, Claire. Marry me and work for him. I don’t care baby!” he pleads. His gaze holds mine yet I see the fear in his eyes. I shake my head and wish I could give him what he wants.

“Ethan I love you,” I say but my voice cracks. “But I need more,” I admit and hate my selfish tone. He moves and his hand pulls back.

An agony of emotion passes across the face of Ethan. He paces beside the booth and runs a hand through his hair. “Is it Damian Ashford?” he asks and his voice hardens. This truth is too raw to keep a secret, and at this moment, I freeze.

“Yes it is about Damian,” I confess. I feel his card rubbing against my fingers in my pocket.

“He offers a world I cannot refuse. I do not believe that I need marriage at this moment. I need time,” I say and feel the weight of my choice.

Ethan stops to walk back and forth and turns towards me. “You are running to something that will break you. Once you get in you will abandon me. I know for sure,” he warns. It hurts to hear what he is saying because I know that he is damn right.

Silence falls between us. The jukebox at the diner is playing a gentle song but it feels a million miles away. “What does he have that I cannot offer apart from money?” Ethan asks. I squeeze my hand tighter because his pain is too much to bear. I had not seen him like this before.

“Opportunity. Growth,” I whisper and feel my heart split. Damian’s wealth and power promise a life beyond this diner. Ethan’s love is steady but it cannot match my dreams.

Ethan sits again and takes my hand. “I will fight for you Claire. I assure you that the future is bright,” he says firmly. His touch warms me but my heart stays torn. “But like I said I cannot wait forever,” he adds and his eyes hold a warning.

“I know,” I say and my voice shakes.

Hours pass and the diner empties. My mother Anna steps from behind the counter. “Claire, follow your heart,” she says softly and touches my shoulder. Her words echo Professor Carter’s warning but I am still confused.

I quickly jump on my mom as I have not met her for many weeks and this is how we meet? In the middle of an argument with my boyfriend, maybe now ex-boyfriend. My conflicted heart stopped me from saying hello.

“Mom. I am sorry I should have come over, just settling some issues here. Nice to see mama.” I say while hugging her passionately. I had not seen her in 3 months.

“Couldn’t come to the graduation ceremony. I know it's a big deal and I hope you can forgive me,” Anne replies before signalling that she’ll come back.

However, loneliness hits me again as Ethan stands to leave. He does not say goodbye. Not even to my mom. It feels like a breakup one day after graduating from university.

The windows of the diner become red with sunset. I step out of the diner and then sit on a bench. The trees rustle and provide a silent and natural room for my thoughts.

“Claire, you are still here,” Anna says and joins me on the bench. I can sense safety in her presence but her eyes are inquisitive. “What is wrong?” she asks and sits beside me. I want to tell her everything but shame holds me back.

I am engulfed by guilt when I look at Anna. “I am torn,” I say and my voice trembles. “This man Damian Ashford offered me a chance,” I confess and show her the card.

Curiosity lights Anna’s face. “Ashford? Like the university?” she asks and leans closer. I nod and my heart beats with fear and excitement. “He says I am destined for more,” I tell her and my hands shake.

She asks softly, “Is this what made you and Ethan split up?”

“We did not break up. But I did not give him a positive reply to his marriage proposal. It feels big and now it feels like we are drifting farther away from each other,” I reply.

“Be careful Claire. Think carefully.”

Once again her words mirror yesterday’s advice but I push them aside. I want to believe in Damian’s promise even if it scares me.

Night falls and we pack up our things. Anna hugs me tightly. “You will figure it out,” she says with confidence. I nod yet the shadow of doubt follows me. She drives us back home in the car Dad left behind but I must go back to Ashford city in 2 days.

Damian’s card is an access to the avant-garde art event hosted by his empire. “This is a great opportunity for my future,” I tell myself but Ethan's face flashes in my mind.