the price of drama

satyam Singh NewAdult

Title: The Price of DreamsEthan had always dreamed of success. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, his family had struggled to make ends meet, but they always had hope. His mother worked long hours as a waitress, and his father, a mechanic, did his best to provide for them. Ethan, however, wanted more. He dreamed of making a name for himself, of changing his family’s fate. His determination to rise above the poverty that surrounded him was unwavering.At 18, he moved to the city, leaving behind his family and his small-town life. His high school sweetheart, Lily, was the one person who had always believed in him. They had shared everything — dreams, fears, and hopes for the future. Their love had been a constant, a source of strength for both of them. But as the years passed, Ethan’s ambition only grew, and it started to pull him in a direction that began to push Lily away.Ethan found work in a small tech startup. At first, it was a struggle. He lived in a cramped apartment, eating cheap meals and working late into the night, learning new skills, and constantly striving for the next big opportunity. His dedication paid off when he was promoted to a higher position in the company, and soon, he had a chance to invest in a new tech idea. The project was risky, but Ethan’s mind was made up. He poured his savings into it, despite the doubts of his colleagues and friends.Months passed. The business struggled. Ethan’s savings dwindled, and he began to lose sleep, stress lines deepening on his face. His relationship with Lily began to fray. She had been patient at first, understanding the passion behind his dreams, but the long nights without him, the constant neglect, and the increasing distance between them wore her down."Why don't you ever take a break? You’re always so consumed with this idea of success," Lily said one evening, her voice quiet but filled with frustration. "I miss the person you used to be, Ethan. We used to dream together, but now… it’s just you and your work."Ethan looked at her, his mind racing. He knew she was right, but he couldn’t stop. "I’m doing this for us, for a better life. I promise, just a little longer, and everything will change."But Lily didn’t share his vision anymore. She had her own dreams, her own needs. She wanted a partner, someone who could be there with her, who could share life’s quiet moments. As the months wore on, their once vibrant love became strained, and one day, after a heated argument, she left.“I can’t wait for you any longer, Ethan,” Lily said, her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t keep pretending that everything’s fine when it’s not. You’re chasing a dream, but you’ve lost me in the process.”Ethan was stunned. He had always believed that once he achieved his goal, everything would fall into place — his success would fix everything, including their relationship. But now, standing in the empty apartment, he realized the truth: He had sacrificed the one thing that mattered most to him for the sake of a dream that had consumed him.Time passed. Ethan’s startup eventually took off. His investments paid off, and he became a millionaire. He moved into a luxurious penthouse, drove an expensive car, and surrounded himself with people who admired his wealth. Yet, as the years went by, the emptiness in his chest grew. He had everything he had ever wanted — except Lily.He tried to move on, but every celebration, every success, felt hollow. He would often walk through the streets of the city, looking at couples laughing and holding hands, and remember how he once held Lily’s hand with such hope, how they once talked about their dreams of a shared future. The world around him was full of luxury, but it was empty of the one thing he needed most: love.One day, while attending a charity event in a glamorous ballroom, Ethan caught a glimpse of Lily across the room. She looked radiant, standing with a group of friends, her laughter like music in the air. It was the first time in years that he had seen her smile like that — genuine, carefree, and full of life.His heart raced. He approached her hesitantly, unsure of what to say. She turned and saw him, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.“Ethan…” she whispered, her voice soft. There was no anger in her eyes, only a quiet sadness. “I see you’ve made it. But… I’ve moved on.”Ethan swallowed hard, the weight of his choices crashing down on him. "Lily, I— I never meant for this to happen. I thought… I thought if I just worked hard enough, I could give us everything. But I lost what truly mattered."She shook her head gently. “You didn’t just lose me, Ethan. You lost yourself. And now you’ve become someone who doesn’t even remember what it’s like to be happy.”He stood there in silence, the realization sinking deep into his bones. He had become the very thing he had once despised — someone who believed that success could solve everything. But now, all the wealth in the world could never bring back

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