Even though Maddie was making the food, he still wanted to help her, but she quickly shooed him away when she saw Ethan touching the bread. He gasped dramatically. “Yes, you are, my love,” he agreed with Maddie, “but I can still help,” Ethan added before playfully sticking his tongue out at her. He watched her in awe from the other side of the island while she prepared his meal. He didn't even ask for the tomato soup, but she knew he preferred it with his grilled cheese. After Maddie asked how his flight was, he ranted about the lady in the airport, and before he knew it, Maddie had his food in front of him. “Looks so fucking good, baby, thank you,” he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

Ethan swivelled back and forth in his chair like a little kid, eating and listening to Maddie explain Avan’s idea for her song. He stopped when she asked if he could record something and turned to face her. He brushed the crumbs from his face with one hand while reaching out to take one of hers in the other. “I would love to record something for you, my darling.” As much as he wanted to ask about Avan and his recording process, Ethan refrained. If there had been any issues, he was sure Maddie would have said something by now. He couldn’t help it. Ethan wanted to protect Maddie, especially regarding something as important as her debut album recording. “Did you have something in mind?” He squeezed her hand before letting go and returning to his food. Picking up his sandwich, he dipped the corner into the tomato soup before taking another bite, grinning as Maddie gave her best impressions of him. “Oi, you're getting a little too good at those, love,” he said, chuckling.

Once he finished eating, Ethan turned to Maddie, holding out his hands with his palms upright, waiting for her to take them before they both slid off their stools and headed back to their bedroom. “All right, I ate,” he said, pulling back the covers. “Now it's time for you to elaborate on those ideas swirling in your brilliant head,” Ethan raised an eyebrow while climbing into their bed, hoping some of the ideas included removing their clothes. He missed all of her, but if this visit didn't involve them making love, it wouldn't hurt him. Ethan got to smell, touch and kiss her. That was all he ever needed.

Ethan's skepticism ran deep when Maddie shared that Avan Kahn, a well-known music producer, wanted to help her craft her debut record. While Ethan wholeheartedly believed in Maddie’s tremendous talent and potential to achieve her dreams, he found it hard to trust Avan. His apprehension stemmed not from any doubt in Maddie’s abilities but rather from his unfamiliarity with Avan and his reputation in the industry. Ethan feared Avan might exploit Maddie's aspirations, making grand promises that could ultimately lead to heartbreak. After all, this project meant everything to Maddie, and Ethan couldn't bear the thought of her being let down after having cherished this dream for so long.

However, his perspective began to shift when he finally met Avan during a series of meetings at the studio. As he watched Avan interact with Maddie, a sense of reassurance began to wash over him. Avan was talented and genuinely passionate about supporting Maddie through this pivotal moment in her career. It became clear to Ethan that Avan understood the gravity of Maddie’s ambitions and was committed to helping her realize them.

Since the end of the tour, Ethan has deliberately decided to step back from his personal pursuits and focus entirely on Maddie's journey. He wanted her to recognize that this was her moment to shine brightly in the limelight. He maintained a respectful distance to promote her independence and growth, allowing Maddie to lead the way. He only offered his thoughts when asked, ensuring she felt empowered and in control of her artistic direction.

Ethan's presence at the studio wasn't just about being there for moral support; it was a vigilant role. He made it a point to observe how Maddie was treated by her male counterparts, always on guard to ensure that respect was upheld in an environment that could sometimes be intimidating for women in the music industry. His love for Maddie drove him to be her protector, and he felt a sense of responsibility to advocate for her, ensuring that her journey was as positive and fulfilling as possible. No matter the circumstances, Ethan was unwavering in his determination to stand by her side.

While his girlfriend, Maddie, was caught up in back-to-back meetings throughout the day, Ethan took it upon himself to tackle a list of errands she had meant to get to. He first swung by the local grocery store, navigating the aisles and picking out the items Maddie had texted him—fresh vegetables, a couple of her favorite snacks, and the ingredients for the dinner recipe they had planned for the week. After that, he went to the dry cleaners to drop off some of Maddie’s work clothes, which had been sitting in the corner of their apartment, wrinkled and waiting for attention.

Once he returned home, Ethan focused on the household chores over the last few days. He knew his ADHD often tempted him to lose himself in social media, getting sucked into an endless scroll instead of addressing the responsibilities that were staring him in the face. But today was different; he was determined to turn things around.

He started by organizing the living room, fluffing the pillows on the couch, and picking up stray items from the coffee table. Next, he moved to the kitchen, washing the dishes and wiping down counters until the space sparkled. Ethan even tackled the laundry, sorting through their clothes and folding them neatly—a task usually reserved for Maddie but one he was happy to do today.

As he worked through his to-do list, Ethan imagined Maddie's pleasure when she walked through the door to find everything in order. He envisioned a cozy evening ahead, snuggled up on the couch with a movie playing softly in the background. The thought of spending quality time with her kept him motivated, and by the time he finished, he felt a surge of accomplishment. Everything was in place, and he couldn’t wait to see her smile when she got home.

Ethan wasn’t known for his culinary skills; cooking was Maddie's domain in their household. However, he wanted to do something special for her, so he decided to take on the challenge of preparing dinner. Ethan carefully marinated succulent chicken breasts in a tangy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of rosemary, letting the flavors infuse for a couple of hours. After preheating the oven, he placed the marinated chicken on a baking tray, its aroma already promising a delicious meal, and set the timer for a few hours.

While the chicken sizzled away, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent, Ethan busied himself to create a vibrant Caesar salad. He washed crisp romaine lettuce, tearing it into bite-sized pieces, and added freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a drizzle of creamy Caesar dressing. He tossed it all together, ensuring every bite would be perfectly flavored, and set the large bowl on the dining table, glancing at the clock in anticipation of Maddie's arrival.

Once everything was ready, Ethan slipped outside onto the balcony for a quick smoke, the nippy evening air refreshing against his skin. He took a deep drag, letting the smoke curl into the crisp winter sky. Maddie had often encouraged him to switch to vaping to avoid the chill and the hassle of stepping out during the colder months. Still, Ethan found himself unable to part with the tangible comfort of a real cigarette. As he watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, he hoped that Maddie would appreciate his efforts and enjoy the meal he had prepared just for her.

Maddie let out a sigh of relief as she stepped out of the last meeting of the day, the weight of hours spent discussing charts, lyrics, and melodies finally lifting off her shoulders. Meetings were an unavoidable part of the album-making process, often dull and draining, yet essential for corralling creative ideas into something cohesive. She knew that not every aspect of her work could be exhilarating, but she still cherished the moments that were. Now, as she envisioned the cozy evening ahead, the anticipation of being home with Ethan brought a smile to her face.

After climbing into the backseat of the Uber, she absently scrolled through her phone, the snippets of news and social media passing by like the scenery outside. As the car pulled up to their building, she thanked the driver, grabbed her bag, and stepped out into the cool evening air. Pausing for a moment, Maddie turned her gaze to the horizon; the sky was painted in vibrant shades of orange and pink, the sun slowly sinking behind the city skyline—a breathtaking sight that reminded her of the beauty in the everyday.

When she finally made her way up to their apartment, the familiar creak of the door welcomed her in. She slipped off her shoes, feeling the plush rug underfoot, before she peeled off her jacket and hung it up. As her eyes adjusted to the soft lighting, she noticed a refreshing change in the apartment's atmosphere; it looked significantly tidier than she had left it that morning. The coffee table was cleared of the usual clutter, and the aroma of a delicious meal filled the air, a sign that Ethan had probably tidied up and done some cooking. A sense of gratitude washed over her—knowing she could unwind in such a serene environment bolstered her excitement for the evening ahead.

Moments later, Ethan emerged from the balcony, his presence both charming and inviting. “Hello, handsome,” she said playfully, leaning in to kiss his lips softly. Pulling back slightly, she answered his earlier question about the meetings with a hint of honesty, “They were good, but to be honest, a bit dull.” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she continued, “I’m much more intrigued about what you’ve been up to. The place looks amazing, babe.” She inhaled deeply, drawn in by a rich and savory aroma wafting through the air. “Also, what’s that mouthwatering smell? I’m starving!”

Following the tempting aroma wafting through the air, she let her nose guide them into the kitchen. He had crafted a meal with care and dedication, each step reflecting the love he put into cooking for her. She had always found joy in preparing food, so she didn’t mind assuming that role more often. Yet, moments like this—seeing the effort he poured into a dish, the way his face lit up with enthusiasm—made her appreciate his culinary creations all the more.

Ethan couldn't shake the pride that bubbled within him, even if it felt silly. A warm glow filled him as Maddie acknowledged his efforts around the apartment that day, particularly his clumsy yet earnest attempt at preparing dinner. “I also dropped off those sparkling leotard things at the dry cleaners. I’m not sure when you’ll be heading back to work, but at least everything will be clean and ready for you when you do,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “And I tackled the grocery shopping for the next week as well.”

He glanced at the vibrant salad bowl he had assembled, “Why don’t you make yourself comfortable on the couch and choose a movie? We can watch it after you tell me about your day, okay?” Ethan suggested with an encouraging smile. “I’ll whip you up a plate.” The atmosphere was warm and inviting, promising a relaxing evening together.

Ethan carefully navigated through the kitchen, smiling as he prepared Maddie’s salad. He grabbed a bowl that gleamed under the warm lights, filling it halfway with the refreshing, translucent Caesar chicken salad in his other hand; he held a chilled glass of her favourite wine, droplets of condensation glistening on the surface, reflecting his thoughtfulness. With everything perfectly arranged, he hurried back, eager to see her reaction.

“Have you picked a movie yet?” Ethan inquired, a spark of curiosity lighting up his eyes as he leaned forward with his arms outstretched. He held a vibrant bowl, the greens glistening under the soft lights. “Here you go, love,” he said, a hint of anticipation lacing his voice. “It’s nothing special, just a simple Caesar chicken salad.” Despite his casual tone, excitement swelled as he awaited Maddie's reaction to the dish he had lovingly prepared just for her. “I’ll be right back; I'm going to make a plate for myself and grab a beer.”

Ethan vanished from the room momentarily, leaving a curiosity in the air. A relaxed and content demeanour surrounded him as he settled onto the plush couch beside Maddie when he reappeared. He stretched out, propping his feet onto the polished coffee table, his legs crossing at the ankles leisurely. With a slight adjustment, he nestled his beer comfortably between his thighs, keeping his salad bowl in hand.

"All right, baby," he said, his voice warm and inviting, "tell me about your day and don't leave out a single detail, okay?" His hand found its way to one of her upper thighs, giving it a gentle pat, encouraging her to share every moment. The intimacy of the gesture made the atmosphere feel safe and nurturing, beckoning her to open up.

"Aww, thank you, babe," she cooed happily, appreciating all the ways he cared for her and expressed his love. It truly was the little things that meant the most to her. "I love that idea." She gave him a few quick kisses before dashing off to the bedroom to change into pajamas—a pair of sweatpants and one of his shirts. Afterwards, she plopped down on the couch and turned on Ethan's PS5.

She had already decided what to watch, so she eagerly set up "The Gorge," a thrilling film that promised to keep them captivated, while also managing to throw in some romance. With the soft glow of the screen illuminating the dim room, she settled into the cozy couch, anticipation bubbling inside her as she awaited Ethan's arrival.

Before long, he walked in, a warm smile spreading. “Thank you, baby,” she said, her eyes lighting up as she took the bowl from him. The vibrant colors of the fresh salad he had crafted were a feast for her hungry eyes. “It's perfect,” she declared, her heart swelling with appreciation.

Sadly, salads had become a routine staple in her diet for quite a while now, but this one felt different—crafted with care and love, it was a small comfort amid the monotony. The industry and society were already quite unforgiving toward women's bodies, and she didn’t want to provide them with any additional reasons to criticize her, especially given the potential for past controversies involving Ethan and Noah to resurface. One of her meetings today had specifically addressed her public image.

"How about I share the fun parts now and save the boring details for later? You know, for when we're old and have run out of stories to tell each other," she teased. "So, let's see... we started with a meeting about the album cover design. I asked them to email the designs to me – I can show you once my phone is charged – but I'm not sure we've found the right one yet. I know I can be a bit of a perfectionist, but this is a big deal, and I want to do everything I can to make it the best it can be."

"After that, I had a meeting with my new PR agent, Heather. She suggested I do some rather unconventional things for TikTok, claiming they would help me attract new fans that I haven't reached yet. Heather also recommended that I consider changing my hairstyle; she described it as "new look, new hair, new Maddie." At first, I didn't like the idea at all, but the more I thought about it, the more I began to appreciate the notion of a fresh hairstyle. My hair won't match all my photoshoots that I've done but maybe it could be a fun surprise for release day? Stir up some publicity too! What do you think?"

After her eager words finally subsided, granting him the opportunity to share his thoughts, she turned her attention to the crisp salad before her. Each forkful of vibrant greens and savory chicken seemed to spark a flicker of hope within her. It felt like destiny was offering her a second chance, a fleeting opportunity that was tantalizingly close. Yet, deep down, she knew there was a mountain of challenges ahead that awaited her, tasks that needed careful planning and dedicated effort to secure the success she so desperately sought.

His gaze fixed intently on the vibrant greens of his salad while she recounted the events of her day and the discussions that unfolded in the meetings. “A perfectionist, huh?” Ethan drawled, a hint of sarcasm lacing his voice like bitter chocolate. Maddie's meticulous nature had always been a double-edged sword, and he couldn't deny that, at times, it slipped into the realm of the obsessive. Yet, he empathised with her fervent desire for flawlessness at this moment. After all, this was her debut album—a culmination of dreams and hard work, a pivotal moment where she desperately sought to leave an indelible mark on the world. The weight of expectation hung in the air, and he knew that beneath her polished exterior lay a deep drive to create something truly unforgettable. He reached out with his free hand and gently took her chin. “It’s your album. Be as picky as you want, baby,” Ethan encouraged, pulling her face forward to kiss her quickly before releasing Maddie.

Ethan’s attention sharpened, and he raised an eyebrow, looking up when she mentioned the suggestion of unconventional social media antics and cutting her hair. He leaned back slightly, momentarily distracted from his meal. They had shared enough time for him to appreciate the various hairstyles she’d donned over the years, each one an expression of her personality, which he adored passionately. But the thought of someone else imposing such an ultimatum on her irked him.

He shifted the cold beer in his lap, swapping it with the salad bowl. He took a long sip, the cool liquid refreshing against his lips, then swiped his mouth with the back of his hand before continuing. “You know, doll, I don’t like that. Was Avan there? What did he say?” His voice carried a blend of concern and protectiveness. Ethan needed to defend her and wanted to ensure Avan was upholding their agreement about supporting Maddie in his absence.

Ethan glanced at Maddie, his brow furrowed with concern as he spoke, “I also need you to elaborate on the unconventional TikTok part. I want to understand what that entails.” His voice was steady, yet there was an undercurrent of caution. “I’m all for shaking things up for publicity, but I want to ensure you don’t lose sight of who you are. You know what I mean?” Ethan also didn't want Maddie to regret anything in the long run.

He carefully lifted his salad from his lap, the crisp greens shifting slightly in the bowl, and nestled his cold beer between his legs, the condensation leaving a slight chill on his skin. “I just need to be sure they're treating you right, with the respect you deserve,” he emphasised, his voice steady yet earnest. “You’re my girl, and I’ve seen how the industry can be harsh on women. I want you to understand that you’re not exempt from this; you are just as much a part of it.” Ethan was acutely aware that this truth might be difficult for her to accept; he didn't want to upset her, but he wouldn't lie. There was a reason why he was the way he was with Avan.

Ethan's unwavering support in her quest to perfect her album before its release was a comforting presence, providing the reassurance Maddie desperately needed. She had faced numerous challenges in her journey, especially the heart-wrenching experience of having her true first album stolen from her. This time, however, it felt different. With Ethan by her side, she found a renewed sense of confidence and determination.

Thanks to his guidance and encouragement, Maddie was staying true to her vision, one she had once feared would never see the light of day. This was her album—a culmination of her hard work, passion, and creativity—and Avan was committed to helping her succeed while, of course, ensuring he received his cut in the end.

Unlike her past experiences, this time there were no shady contracts lurking in the shadows or naïve decisions made in haste. It felt liberating to know that her debut album was finally on the brink of becoming a reality, and as she poured her heart and soul into each note, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this journey was going to be worth it.

"“Thank you, baby,” she said, her voice softening as she pulled him in for another kiss. She savored the last bite of her crisp salad, the flavors mingling in her mouth, before carefully setting the bowl on the couch beside her, eager to give Ethan her undivided attention. “Well, no. He had to step out for another meeting, but that’s perfectly fine. Really. She was deep in thought, brainstorming ideas, and there’s this quirky theory floating around that a bold new hairstyle can make you stand out in a crowd. Not set in stone.”

While she understood his reasoning for wanting Avan to be there, a sense of irritation bubbled beneath the surface. It felt undermining, as if two women couldn’t generate a solid idea without male presence hovering over them. She knew this wasn’t Ethan’s intention—he was merely being his protective self—so she refused to let it cloud her feelings. His caring nature was evident, yet that didn’t stop the prickling annoyance from occasionally creeping in. And Maddie? She was no better. Each time she watched the throngs of people clamoring for Ethan’s attention at his shows whenever he stepped out onto the floor, a familiar surge of frustration washed over her, tightening her chest.

"Maybe unconventional was the wrong word. She never pressured me into anything I wasn't comfortable with. While some of them may have seemed a bit silly at first, some of them were actually pretty fun. The goal is that by the time I'm ready to promote my album, I will have already established a strong following. It was mostly goofy little dances lip syncing that I'd normally never do, I'll show you them later and you'll probably have a good laugh at some of them. As for my hair, I would never want to do something too out there but a fresh haircut couldn't hurt either."

She placed her hand on his thigh and looked him in the eye. "I appreciate everything you do for me. I truly do. I couldn't achieve any of this without you by my side. You've helped me become strong enough to stand up for myself and ensure that I’m not being taken advantage of like before."

Although Ethan's exuberant energy could have easily come across as overwhelming, he sincerely hoped that Maddie would glimpse the genuine affection underlying his intentions. The fresh greens danced playfully with the vivid bursts of colour from ruby-red cherry tomatoes and crisp, cool cucumbers as he savoured his vibrant salad's last delightful, crunchy bites. He was completely engrossed in Maddie’s every word, allowing the moment's warmth to envelop him. After finishing the salad, he picked up the cold, frosty beer bottle, feeling the slick condensation against his palm as he leaned forward slightly. With a soft, satisfying clink, he set his empty bowl on the polished coffee table, its smooth surface reflecting the gentle glow of the ambient light.

“My love,” he said, his voice a gentle caress that floated through the space between them, “if you decide to cut your hair, I won’t utter a single word of disapproval.” He leaned back comfortably, letting out a relaxed breath that seemed to dissolve any tension, and his posture softened as a serene smile played across his lips. “I just like to remind you that you don’t have to live by anyone else’s expectations.”

A surge of warmth coursed through Ethan as he studied Maddie, noticing how her hand rested lightly on his thigh—a simple, intimate gesture that radiated reassurance and connection. With an almost instinctual tenderness, he lifted his arm and draped it around her shoulders, pulling her closer into the comforting cocoon of his embrace. “I have complete faith in your ability to take care of yourself, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice imbued with a blend of affection and intensity that filled the air around them. “You’re incredibly brilliant, and I truly admire that about you. It’s just a part of my nature to worry about you most of the time. It comes with being head over heels in love with you, baby.”

“You have the freedom to chase after anything your heart desires; after all, this is your album, and I’ll always be right here, your biggest fan, supporting you every step of the way,” he continued, his smile warm and inviting as he leaned in closer. “Just remember, ‘no’ is a complete sentence carrying its weight. No explanations required, alright?” With that, he leaned in and gently kissed the tip of her nose, a sweet connection that sent a delightful flutter through the room. “And just to clarify,” he added softly, “I didn’t do anything special. That moment of awakening was all you. I merely happened to be present while you rediscovered your voice.”

Ethan gently kissed her head, inhaling the sweet fragrance around her. “So, what movie are we watching again?” he asked, his voice laced with a teasing curiosity. He could already feel his attention waning, distracted by the warmth of her presence so close beside him.