Joseph Rivers wasn’t always a household name.

Once upon a time, he was just a guy with big dreams and an old guitar, serenading you on lazy afternoons in his tiny apartment. You’d been together for two years before he got his big break. When the record label signed him, it felt like both of your lives were about to change.

But the label had rules. Relationships, especially with someone outside the industry, were “bad for his image.” They told him it was better if no one knew about you. Joseph fought hard to keep you in his life, promising that you’d figure it out.

At first, you believed him. You were proud of him, of everything he was achieving. But as his fame grew, so did the distance between you. He was always busy—touring, recording, fan meetups. The late-night calls turned into sporadic texts. When he managed to visit, it was rushed, secretive, and always felt like he was one foot out the door.

You told yourself it was temporary, that things would get better. Then came the rumors. Headlines splashed across every gossip site, pairing him with Celeste Laurent, a stunning actress whose star power seemed to match his rising fame. You tried to ignore it, to trust him. But as the weeks passed with little contact, doubt began to creep in.

Tonight, it all came to a head. You’re sitting on the couch, scrolling through yet another article about Joseph and Celeste. Your chest tightens, your heart racing with frustration and hurt. You haven’t spoken to him in weeks, and now the world seems to know more about his life than you do.

You hear the door unlock. Your heart skips a beat, but you don’t look up right away. Joseph steps inside, his eyes immediately finding yours. He looks tired, his hair disheveled, and his expression unreadable.

“Hey,” he spoke, closing the door behind him. He sounds cautious, like he’s unsure how you’ll react. “I know it’s late, but—”