Between Then and Now (Hallow’s End #1)

23. Chapter 23

Chapter 23

I WOKE UP TO THE WARM weight of Ethan’s arms wrapped around me, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm against my back. A soft smile spread across my lips as I basked in the feeling of his body curled around mine, his breath soft against the nape of my neck. For a moment, I just lay there, letting the contentment of the moment sink in. The softness of the sheets, the heat of his skin against mine, and the lingering scent of him on the pillow—all of it felt like a perfect dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

Carefully, I turned in his arms, wanting to steal a glance at his face while he slept. His dark lashes rested against his cheeks, his lips slightly parted in that peaceful, unguarded way that only sleep can bring. My heart fluttered at the sight of him, looking so boyish and serene, worlds away from the confident, sometimes teasing man I was getting to know. Seeing him like this made my chest tighten in a way that was both terrifying and exhilarating.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting me out of my thoughts, and I reached over, trying not to disturb Ethan as I grabbed it, hoping it was just a random notification. The sight of multiple texts flooding the screen made my heart drop.

“Oh, no,” I breathed, dread pooling in my stomach as I quickly scrolled through the messages—all them from Ivy and Amelia. Then I glanced at the time and realized I had overslept, and the gallery’s opening was just an hour away.

I bolted upright, the sheet slipping off as panic surged through me. “I overslept!” I muttered, my voice thick with anxiety. My mind was racing—how could I be so careless? What if things weren’t ready?

Ethan stirred beside me, his arms instinctively reaching out before his eyes blinked open. “What’s going on?” he asked, his voice gravelly with sleep as he rubbed a hand over his face.

“I was supposed to be at the gallery ages ago,” I blurted out, running my hands through my tangled hair. “I haven’t even made it home to change, and the gallery—” I stopped short, looking around for my clothes.

Ethan sat up, instantly alert, his gaze focused on me. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, already reaching for his jeans. “We’ll figure this out. You’ve got time. We’ll get you ready and you’ll be there in no time. I’m here to help with anything you need.”

“But I need to get home, change, and somehow get everything set up,” I replied, pulling on my dress. “Ivy and Amelia have been trying to reach me, and I just . . .” My voice caught as the weight of the day pressed down on me .

Ethan crossed the room in just a few strides, his presence a solid, comforting force. He reached out, his hands warm as they settled on my shoulders, his thumbs gently rubbing the tension there. “Vinnie,” he said softly, making me pause and look up at him. “You look beautiful no matter what. Seriously. But I get it. Go home, get ready, and I’ll meet you at the gallery in thirty minutes. We’ll tackle whatever needs to be done together, okay?”

The sincerity in his eyes made the frantic pace of my heart slow a little, and I nodded, swallowing back the tightness in my throat. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with gratitude. The way he was so steady, so calm in the face of my panic, made me want to cling to him a little longer.

He leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my lips that was full of reassurance and promise. “You’re going to be amazing today,” he whispered against my lips. “Now go get ready. I’ll be right behind you.”

By the time I arrived at the gallery, the nervous energy coursing through me had settled into a steady pulse of excitement. The Cozy Canvas was about to open its doors for the first time. I’d handed Ethan the keys before I left his place, trusting him to get things started while I rushed home to get change and, as I approached the entrance, I could already see signs of the final preparations underway. Ethan, Amelia, and Ivy were busy setting up drinks and snacks, their movements coordinated like a well-rehearsed dance.

The gallery looked stunning; the culmination of weeks of hard work, late nights, and attention to detail. Ivy had outdone herself with the decor, her artistic eye adding touches that transformed the space into something truly special. I’d lined the walls with my paintings, carefully choosing and arranging each piece to tell a story—a story of my journey, from Cresden to Hallow’s End, and everything in between.

As I took in the sight before me, my eyes were drawn to the first section of the gallery. The bold, bright abstract pieces that lined the walls told of my time in Cresden. The colors clashed and swirled in a chaotic dance, reflecting the intensity and turbulence of my relationship with Sebastian. Each painting seemed to capture a different moment and a different emotion—passion, confusion, anger, and heartbreak. The final piece in that section, the one I had painted right before everything fell apart, stood out. It was a vibrant explosion of color, raw and unfiltered, a visual representation of everything I’d gone through.

From there, the paintings transitioned to a mix of abstract art and pastels, a testament to my uncertainty when I first moved to Hallow’s End. The colors softened, the forms became less chaotic, but there was still a sense of searching, of trying to find my place. These pieces spoke of moments of doubt, of quiet reflection, as I slowly found my feet in this new town.

And then, as the gallery curved around, the newer pieces came into view. Soft pastels, gentle lines, and detailed brushstrokes captured the essence of Hallow’s End, and the people and places that had come to mean so much to me. Each painting was a love letter to the town and its people, and a celebration of the life I was building here.

I stood in the center of the gallery, my eyes tracing the path of my paintings, each one a chapter of my life laid bare for the world to see. And now, looking back, I realized how every twist and turn had led me to this moment .

Ethan must have noticed my stillness because, before I knew it, he was by my side, his arm sliding around my waist. “You okay?” he asked, his voice soft and full of concern. His presence was steadying.

I nodded, turning to him, my heart swelling with gratitude. “I . . . I just can’t believe it’s real,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, Ethan. For everything.”

He smiled, that familiar warmth in his eyes. “You’ve done something amazing here, Vinnie. I’m just happy I could be a part of it.” His hand cupped my cheek and I leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips.

When we pulled back, I could see the pride in his eyes, and it made my heart flutter. “Let’s make today unforgettable,” he murmured, his forehead resting against mine for a brief moment before he straightened up.

I nodded, a little more of the tension easing out of my shoulders. Together, we walked toward the back of the gallery where Ivy and Amelia were putting the final touches on the snack table. Ivy was adjusting a display of cupcakes, her brows furrowed in concentration, while Amelia arranged a selection of finger foods with a critical eye.

“There she is,” Ivy said with a grin as she noticed me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She set down the last cupcake and came over to give me a quick hug. “Everything’s ready to go! How are you feeling?”

“Excited. Nervous,” I admitted, walking over to join them. “But mostly excited. The place looks incredible. You’ve all done an amazing job.”

Amelia straightened up, brushing a strand of her purple hair behind her ear. “We just wanted everything to be perfect for your big day. People are going to love it, Vinnie.”

My eyes welled up as I looked at them, these women who had become so close to me in such a short time. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” I said, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to keep my emotions in check. “ Ivy, your meticulous checklists and planning were a lifesaver. I would’ve been lost without them.”

“Oh, stop,” Ivy waved a hand dismissively, but I could see the tears shining in her eyes as well. “You would’ve done just fine on your own. We just added a little extra sparkle.”

Amelia nudged us both with a smirk. “Yeah, Ivy and her checklists. I swear, she had a list for everything—probably even one for how to cry gracefully.”

Ivy rolled her eyes, laughing through her tears. “Hey, someone had to keep us all in line!”

“Suck it up, you two,” Amelia added, her voice softer than usual as she blinked a little harder. “Don’t go ruining your makeup before the doors even open.”

I pulled them both into a hug, the three of us standing there, holding on to each other as the reality of what we’d accomplished settled in. “Thank you,” I whispered again.

After we pulled apart, Ivy flipped the switch to illuminate the artwork, and the lights cast a warm, golden glow across the room. Just as everything seemed perfect, the lights flickered, once, twice, before steadying again.

Ethan laughed, breaking the momentary tension. “It’s an old building,” he said with a shrug, his tone light. “Probably just the wiring.”

I managed a smile, though something about the flicker left me with an odd feeling. Still, I shook it off and gave the room one last glance. The largest painting from Cresden, the one that held so much of my pain and confusion, was slightly crooked, so I hurried over to adjust it, carefully straightening the frame until it hung perfectly in line with the others.

With everything in place, I took a deep breath and turned to the door as my nerves returned in full force. Ethan’s hand slid into mine, and I looked up to see his reassuring smile. It was enough to give me the courage I needed.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice steady and calm.

I nodded, squeezing his hand. “Ready.”

And with that, I reached for the door, my heart pounding in my chest as I opened the gallery to the world for the first time. People began to trickle in, their faces a blur of smiles and curious expressions, and I greeted each guest with a warm welcome, but my mind was spinning, barely able to process the fact that this was really happening. The Cozy Canvas, my dream, was now a reality, and it was buzzing with life.

Everywhere I looked, there were familiar faces but, in the whirlwind of emotions, they all seemed to blend together. My heart pounded in my chest, excitement and nerves making it hard to focus as I caught glimpses of people admiring the artwork, their murmured compliments a comforting backdrop to the chaotic thoughts racing through my head.

“Welcome, everyone!” Ivy’s voice cut through the din, her tone cheerful and commanding. I turned to see her standing near the entrance, effortlessly taking charge of the crowd. She had set up a beautiful wooden donation box at the front of the room, decorated with hand-painted flowers and a sign that read, SUPPORT THE COZY CANVAS. Beside it, a small table was arranged with raffle tickets, and a variety of enticing prizes, on display.

“We have some wonderful raffle prizes up for grabs, including a private art lesson with Vinnie, a gift basket from Sweet Crumbs Bakery, and a weekend stay at the charming Hallow’s End Inn. Tickets are just five dollars each, and all proceeds go directly to supporting The Cozy Canvas.” Ivy continued, her smile radiant as she gestured toward the table.

Her presence was magnetic, drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm. Guests eagerly approached the table, purchasing raffle tickets and making donations, their excitement adding to the lively atmosphere. Ivy greeted each person with a genuine smile, engaging them in conversation and thanking them for their support.

Her outfit was as striking as her personality—a black lace maxi skirt that flowed gracefully with each step, paired with a soft, dark gray cropped top. Over it, she had draped a fringed, floral-embroidered kimono, adding a touch of bohemian elegance that perfectly matched the vibe of the gallery. Her dark lipstick and statement floral earrings added bold accents, whilst intricately designed platform wedges completed the ensemble.

As the gallery filled with more guests, I found myself momentarily overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the soft music playing in the background, and I tried to focus on the interactions, on the smiles and words of encouragement, but it was all so much, so fast.

Just as I felt myself beginning to spiral, a familiar melody cut through the noise, catching me off guard. The gentle strains of Taylor Swift’s Back to December filled the gallery, the song’s bittersweet lyrics tugging at memories I’d long tried to bury. It was a song I had played on repeat in the days following my breakup with Sebastian, each note a painful reminder of the past. Hearing it now, in this space that I had built as part of my new beginning, felt strangely out of place. I was certain I hadn’t included it on the playlist for today.

The music transported me back to those lonely nights, when the weight of heartbreak felt like too much to bear. The memory of Sebastian’s face, of the love that had once been so strong, flickered in my mind, but it was a distant, fading image, and one that no longer held the power it once did. I stood there, frozen, feeling the past creeping into a day that was meant to be about my future.

As if sensing the shift in my mood, Ethan appeared at my side. His warm presence brought me back to the present, his steadying hand resting gently on the small of my back. “You’re doing great,” he whispered, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves.

His touch anchored me, grounding me in the moment. The comforting warmth of his hand against my back, the quiet confidence in his words, made it easier to push the lingering ghosts of the past aside

“Thank you,” I murmured, giving him a small smile as I tried to shake off the unease the song had stirred in me. “But I’m sure that song wasn’t on the playlist. I have no idea how it ended up here.”

Ethan shrugged, offering a reassuring smile. “Maybe it slipped in by accident. You are a big Swiftie, after all,” he winked, his light-hearted comment breaking through the tension.

I let out a small laugh, his words easing the tightness in my chest. “Yeah, maybe you’re right. It’s probably nothing.”

With a deep breath, I pushed the thought aside. This was my moment, and I wasn’t going to let a random song choice take away from that. Ethan’s hand remained steady on my back, a comforting presence that helped me refocus on the celebration unfolding around us.

“I didn’t expect so many people,” I admitted, glancing around the crowded room.

“Everyone’s here to support you,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “And they’re all impressed by what you’ve created.”

I nodded, trying to let his words sink in, but a small pang of sadness tugged at me. Amidst the sea of faces, one was noticeably absent—my mom. I had sent her an invitation, hoping she might surprise me by showing up, but there was no sign of her. The thought left a hollow feeling in my chest, a reminder of the distance that still lingered between us.

I pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to dampen the joy of the moment. This gallery was my dream come to life, and I needed to focus on that. Still, the absence of my mom weighed on me like a bittersweet note in an otherwise perfect day.

I began to move through the gallery, engaging with the guests, my earlier nerves easing as I immersed myself in the lively atmosphere. I caught sight of Amelia, her round golden glasses catching the light as she animatedly chatted with a guy I didn’t recognize. Her purple pixie cut was perfectly styled, and she looked effortlessly cool in a burgundy slip dress, layered with a worn leather jacket and chunky black boots. Stacks of silver rings adorned her fingers, and layered necklaces glinted under the gallery lights.

As I walked past, Amelia caught my eye and waved me over with a grin. “Hey, Vinnie, this is Brodie,” she said, nudging the guy playfully. “We went to high school together.” Brodie smiled, looking every bit as laid-back as Amelia, and gave me a nod as she turned back to their conversation. Before I could say more, she winked at me, clearly in her element, and I kept moving, amused by the unexpected reunion.

As I continued to mingle, Ivy, always the social butterfly, navigated the crowd with ease, her phone seemingly an extension of her hand as she captured every moment. I watched her snap photos of guests admiring the artwork, the carefully arranged tables, and the raffle prizes. At one point, she turned her camera toward Ethan and me, capturing a candid moment where we were both laughing. The joy on our faces, the easy connection between us, felt like the perfect snapshot of everything this day represented.

While I was lost in conversation with a group of guests, someone gently placed their hand on my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face-to-face with Ethan’s parents, who had quietly entered the gallery.

“Vinnie, there you are!” Caroline’s voice was full of affection as she pulled me into a hug, surprising me with her familiarity, but comforting all the same .

I returned the hug, feeling the genuine warmth of her embrace. “Caroline, it’s so good to see you. I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss this for the world,” she said as she stepped back, a fond smile on her face.

Ethan, who had been just a few steps away, came over and stood beside his dad, a hint of pride in his eyes as he introduced us. “Vinnie, this is my dad, Robert.”

Robert extended his hand, his grip firm but gentle as he shook mine. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Vinnie. We’ve heard a lot about you,” he said, his voice deep and steady, much like Ethan’s.

“The pleasure is mine. Thank you both for coming,” I said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by their warm reception.

Ethan’s smile grew as he looked between his parents and me. “We’ve all been looking forward to this,” he added, his hand finding the small of my back in a reassuring gesture.

Caroline’s eyes sparkled with pride as she glanced around the bustling gallery. “And from the looks of it, the gallery is a huge success,” she said, her voice full of admiration.

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling a little more at ease. “It’s been a whirlwind, but I’m so happy with how everything’s turned out.”

I glanced around the room, suddenly realizing someone was missing. “Where’s Lily?”

Caroline chuckled, nodding toward a corner of the gallery where Lily was darting from painting to painting, her face alight with excitement. “She’s been running around looking at everything. I think she’s decided she wants to be an artist like you.”

As if on cue, Lily spotted me from across the room and came barrelling toward me, her small arms wrapping around my legs in an enthusiastic hug. She’d styled her blonde hair in two adorable space buns, each one slightly askew, adding to her charm. Her outfit consisted of a wild combination of colors and patterns that only a six-year-old could pull off—striped leggings, a tutu skirt, and a T-shirt emblazoned with a glittery unicorn.

I laughed, squeezing her back. “I thought you wanted to be a detective or a famous singer?”

Lily tilted her head up at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I can do it all! I’ll solve mysteries during the day, sing at night, and paint on weekends!”

I chuckled at her determination. “A triple threat, huh? I like it. But don’t forget, we’ll need to make some space in your schedule for our art lessons.”

She grinned up at me. “Deal! But only if you promise to paint with me and let me use all the glitter.”

“Glitter?” I pretended to wince. “You drive a hard bargain. But for you, I think we can make that work.”

Lily’s eyes lit up, and she squeezed my legs even tighter before dashing off to explore more of the gallery. Caroline and Robert watched her with fond smiles, and Ethan slipped his hand into mine, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Caroline then turned to me, a hint of excitement in her eyes. “By the way, Vinnie, we’re having a family bonfire next Wednesday. Some of our family is visiting for Halloween, and we’d love for you to join us. It would mean a lot to us—and to Ethan.”

I looked up at Ethan, who was watching me with a hopeful expression, as if he was unsure how I’d respond. The idea of spending more time with his family felt right, like the next step in whatever we were building together.

“I’d love to,” I said, smiling warmly. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Caroline and Robert beamed, happy with my response. As they moved on to mingle with other guests, Ethan turned to me. Without a word, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my lips, a tender moment that conveyed all the relief and happiness he felt. The gentle brush of his lips against mine made my heart flutter.

As the gallery continued to fill with people, I found myself chatting with a couple of tourists who were drawn to one of the newer pieces—a painting I had created after that memorable day when Ethan took me to the lake. The piece was softer, yet still full of emotion, with hues of blues and greens that reflected the serenity and connection I’d felt in that moment. I realized how much that painting symbolized my journey—not just as an artist, but as a person finding her way, healing, and opening up to new possibilities. It wasn’t just about the lake, it was about the peace I had found in Hallow’s End.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Robert and Ethan standing together, deep in conversation. Every now and then, they glanced my way, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they were talking about. The way Robert looked at his son, then at me, with a proud smile, made my heart skip a beat, and I quickly looked away, blushing at the thought that they might be talking about me.

Everything had felt perfect. The gallery was humming with life, and my heart was light and full of joy. But that sense of peace shattered the moment I saw Emily walk through the door. She wore a stunning red dress that accentuated every curve, her blonde hair cascading down her back in soft waves. There was an effortless confidence in the way she moved, and for a brief moment, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar pang of insecurity. I glanced down at my simple blue dress, modest and soft, far from the striking image Emily presented. I wished I’d had more time that morning to do something with my hair, or pick out something that made me feel more . . . powerful.

Emily’s gaze zeroed in on Ethan, her intentions clear as day, and my stomach tightened with dread. I’d hoped that after our run-in at quiz night, she would have backed off. I’d managed to avoid her since then, thinking maybe she’d gotten the hint. But clearly, that hadn’t lasted long. Here she was again, making her presence known, her moves bolder and more calculated than ever.

As she made her way toward us, I saw her flash a smile—one that was all too practiced, and dripping with a saccharine sweetness that didn’t fool me for a second. Just as I braced myself for whatever she was about to pull, Ethan found his way back to my side, his presence instantly grounding me.

“Ethan, there you are!” Emily reached us, her voice laced with false cheer. Her eyes sparkled with a determination that made my skin crawl. “I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to talk about the upcoming volunteer program at the library. I figured you might want to lend me a hand with the reading sessions for kids.”

Ethan’s grip on my waist tightened, a subtle but clear signal of his discomfort. “Emily, this isn’t the time,” he said, his voice polite but firm.

“Oh, come on,” she persisted, completely ignoring the tension in the air. She stepped closer, her attention focused solely on Ethan. “It’ll only take a minute.”

I felt a wave of irritation rising, my chest tightening with the effort to keep calm. Emily’s blatant disregard for my presence, and the way she so easily dismissed me, was infuriating. But before I could say anything, Ivy smoothly intervened, her tone sharp beneath the veneer of politeness.

“Emily, why don’t you grab a drink and enjoy the event? There’s plenty of time to discuss that later,” Ivy suggested, her eyes narrowing as she stepped.

Emily’s smile faltered, a flicker of annoyance flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it, and she shot Ivy a pointed look but forced her lips back into a smile. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to interrupt the big day ,” she said, her voice dripping with insincerity. She turned on her heel, her movements graceful as she sauntered off into the crowd, but not before casting one last lingering look over her shoulder at Ethan.

I let out a sigh, my heart still racing from the tension, and Ivy met my gaze, her eyes full of understanding. “Don’t let her get to you,” she said softly. “Emily’s just trying to stir things up.”

Ethan turned to me, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, though the knot in my stomach hadn’t completely unwound. “I’m fine,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Thanks for stepping in, Ivy.”

She waved it off, but her expression remained serious. “Anytime. And remember, Vinnie, you’re the one here with Ethan, not her.”

As I nodded, grateful for her timely intervention, my relief was short-lived. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Emily returning, a glass of wine in her hand, and a renewed sense of determination in her stride. The smile she wore was as fake as the sincerity in her voice.

“Oh, Vinnie, I didn’t see you earlier,” she cooed, her tone dripping with false pleasantness. “You must be so busy with everything.”

Before I could respond, Emily’s foot seemed to accidentally catch on the rug, and, in a dramatic flail, the contents of her glass went flying—straight onto my pastel blue dress. The red wine splattered across the fabric, spreading like a stain on my mood.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Emily exclaimed, her voice full of faux concern, but the gleam in her eyes betrayed her delight at the damage she’d caused.

It’s fine,” I managed through gritted teeth, my gaze flicking to Ethan, who was now standing beside me, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Let me help you clean it up,” he offered, but I shook my head, forcing a tight smile .

“I’ll be right back,” I said, excusing myself as I made a beeline for the bathroom in the back of the gallery.

Once inside, I grabbed some paper towels and started blotting the stain, but the more I tried, the worse it seemed to get. My reflection in the mirror stared back at me, seething with frustration. “She did that on purpose,” I muttered, scrubbing harder. It wasn’t just the dress. It was everything. The way Emily moved, the way she smiled, the way she clearly had no boundaries when it came to Ethan.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself. “Don’t let her ruin this for you,” I whispered fiercely. “Today is too important.”

After doing what I could to salvage the dress, I straightened up, taking one last steadying breath before heading back out but, as I neared the gallery floor, the sight that greeted me stopped me in my tracks. There was Emily, standing way too close to Ethan, her hand lingering on his arm as she leaned in, speaking in low, hushed tones. Ethan’s eyes darted around, clearly uncomfortable, but Emily wasn’t giving him any space.

“And you know, Vinnie had quite the wild side back in Cresden,” Emily was saying, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I heard some pretty interesting stories about her and that ex of hers—Sebastian.”

Her words made my blood run cold at the way she spoke, and the implication behind her words. How did she know about Sebastian? That wasn’t something I’d shared publicly, especially not here in Hallow’s End. My gut twisted with a sense of dread.

“That’s enough, Emily,” I said sharply, striding forward. My voice cut through the air like a knife, drawing both their attention. “This is neither the time nor the place for your gossip.”

Emily turned to me, her expression one of feigned innocence. “Oh, Vinnie, I was just making conversation,” she said, her tone as sugary as ever, but I could see the satisfaction gleaming in her eyes .

“Well, make it somewhere else,” I snapped, finally having enough with her petty games and drama. “And keep your hands off my boyfriend.”

Ethan’s arm instinctively wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, the firmness of his grip reassuring. But this time, he didn’t just stand by. He turned to Emily, his expression hardening with a seriousness I hadn’t seen before.

“Emily, this has to stop,” he said, his voice firm and steady. “I’ve tried to be polite, but you need to understand something. I'm not interested, and I never will be. I’m with Vinnie, and she’s the one who matters to me. Nothing you say or do will change that.”

His words hung in the air, heavy with finality, and Emily’s face paled, her confident facade slipping just for a moment before she forced a tight smile.

“Of course,” she said, her tone brittle. “I was just . . . trying to catch up. No harm meant.”

Ethan didn’t let go of me, his gaze unwavering. “You’ve said enough, Emily. It’s time to move on.”

Her eyes darted between us, her expression unreadable, before she nodded and turned to leave, her steps quicker than before.

Once she was gone, Ethan turned back to me, his gaze softening. “I’m sorry you had to deal with that,” he said, his voice full of sincerity.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I needed to hear that.”

He smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead. “You deserve nothing less.”

“Well,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, “I guess I just declared you my boyfriend in front of the whole town.”

Ethan’s serious expression broke into a laugh, the sound rich. “I noticed,” he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “And you know what? I was actually going to ask you to be my girlfriend later tonight. But it looks like you beat me to it.”

I grinned, a blush creeping up my cheeks. “Guess I couldn’t wait.”

He chuckled, his arm tightening around my waist. “Honestly, Vinnie, I’m glad you did. It’s about time we made it official. I’ve been wanting to call you my girlfriend for a while now.”

As the late afternoon sun began to dip low in the sky, the opening event started to wind down. Guests milled about, finishing their drinks and snacks, admiring the last few pieces of art. The energy in the room was still buzzing, but there was a sense of contentment now, a feeling of a day well spent.

Ivy caught my eye from across the room, gesturing for me to come over. “Hey, Vinnie,” she said with a smile, “I think it’s time you thanked everyone and did the raffle draw. Also, we need to pick the winner for the GoFundMe page. I’ve got the laptop ready.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “You’re right. Let’s do it.”

She handed me a small microphone, and I tapped it lightly to get everyone’s attention. The chatter in the room gradually died down as people turned to face me, their expressions expectant and supportive.

“Hi, everyone,” I began, my voice a little shaky at first, but gaining strength as I continued. “I just want to thank you all for being here today. This gallery has been a dream of mine for so long, and seeing it come to life with all of your support means the world to me. I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.”

The crowd responded with warm applause, and a surge of gratitude washed over me. “Now,” I said, smiling, “we’re going to do the raffle draw. Good luck to everyone who entered! ”

Ivy held up the bowl filled with raffle tickets, giving it a good shake before holding it out to me. I reached in, my fingers brushing against the crinkled paper before pulling out a ticket. I unfolded it and smiled as I read the name aloud.

“And the winner is . . . Laura Stevens! Congratulations!”

Laura, the friend of Caroline’s whom I’d met several times, stepped forward with a broad smile, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She was a familiar face in the community, always warm and welcoming, and it felt fitting that she’d win. The crowd clapped and cheered as she made her way up to claim her prize.

“Thank you so much, Vinnie!” she said, beaming as she accepted the prize.

“I’m so glad you won, Laura.” The crowd applauded again as she thanked me, clearly thrilled.

I stood before the laptop. “And now,” I said, my voice carrying over the soft hum of conversation, “we’re going to select the winner of our online fundraiser. Thank you so much to everyone who donated.”

I glanced at the laptop screen, where hundreds of names of the donors were ready for the draw. Although the crowd couldn’t see the screen, Amelia was live-streaming the event for those who couldn’t make it, her phone pointed at me as I prepared to announce the winner. I took a deep breath and clicked the button to start the random selection.

The digital wheel spun, the names flashing by in a blur, and my heart raced along with it, the anticipation filling the air. As the wheel began to slow, the names flickering one by one, I found myself holding my breath. Finally, the wheel stopped, and the winning name appeared on the screen as my heart dropped into my stomach.

Sebastian Sterling .

My hand froze on the mouse, the smile faltering on my face, and I quickly cleared my throat, trying to mask the shock that was threatening to overwhelm me. “Looks like we have a little technical difficulty,” I said, forcing a lightness into my tone. “Let’s try that again.”

I clicked the button once more, and the wheel spun again. But, as it slowed, the name on the screen was the same.

Sebastian Sterling .

My pulse quickened as my mind raced, and a low murmur ran through the room as I stared at the screen in disbelief, my heart pounding in my chest. It felt like the universe was playing a sick joke on me. I clicked the button one last time, hoping desperately for a different result, but when the wheel stopped, it was the same name again.

Sebastian Sterling.

My mind raced, struggling to comprehend what was happening, but Ivy quickly stepped in, her voice smooth and confident. “And the winner is . . . Danny Clark!” she announced, effortlessly faking the name as if it had been on the screen all along.

The crowd cheered, none the wiser, as Danny, beaming with excitement, stepped forward to claim his prize. Ivy handed it over with a smile, skilfully diverting attention away from the unsettling situation.

I forced a smile, trying to keep my composure while glancing at the screen one last time before shutting the laptop. My mind was spinning, and the shadow of Sebastian’s name lingered in the back of my thoughts. But I knew I couldn’t let it ruin this day, not with so many people here to support me.

As Danny waved to the crowd, the cheerful atmosphere began to settle back in, and I did my best to shake off the unease. Ethan, standing nearby, met my gaze with concern, but before I could get too lost in my thoughts, the pops of confetti from everyone around me brought me back to the present.

This day was about celebrating everything I’d worked so hard to achieve. And I wasn’t going to let anything take that away from me.