I found Ethan three days later in his studio, surrounded by new paintings. They were different from his other work. Rawer, more honest, filled with a pain that made my heart ache.

“These are about us,” I said. It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah.” He didn’t turn around. “Turns out heartbreak is great for creativity. Who knew?”

“I told my parents about the promotion,” I said. “Told them I was turning it down.”

That made him turn. “What?”

“I turned it down. Told them I was staying at my current position, with my current hours, because I have a life outside of work that matters to me.” I moved closer. “Told...