In the following days, two more sponsors left, and Jona was visibly stressed, while Hayden, even though he tried to maintain a positive attitude, couldn't hide his helplessness in the situation.

"What if we break up?" I asked one night, as he told me about selling his apartment.

"Are you crazy? This is just a phase, we'll get through this soon," he replied with a smile.

"But all this is happening because of me, and I don't want you to hate me," I said.

Hayden came closer and hugged me.

"I just need your support. Be my beacon, Kat, and I promise I'll reach the goal," he said.

We separated,...