Finding light in the darkest places—through love-Chapter 42 – Preparing for Change

Evelyn sat at her desk, staring at the acceptance email from the Paris residency program. The words felt both exhilarating and daunting.

She was going to Paris—a dream she never thought would be within reach. And yet, reality had a way of creeping in, making her question everything.

Adrian knocked on her open door.

"Still staring at it?"

She sighed.

"It feels unreal. One part of me is excited, but the other part keeps asking—am I making a mistake?"

Adrian stepped inside, hands in his pockets.

"Change is scary, Ev. But you've spent years working for this. You deserve it."

She chewed on her lip.

"I just don't want to leave everything behind."

He smirked.

"It's six months, not a lifetime. We'll still be here when you get back."

---

**Breaking the News**

That evening, Evelyn gathered her close friends—Mia, Adrian, and Sophia—at their favorite café.

"Okay, spill," Mia said, setting down her coffee.

"You've been fidgety all day."

Evelyn took a deep breath.

"I accepted the residency. I'm going to Paris."

Mia's face lit up.

"Yes! I knew you'd say yes!"

Sophia clapped.

"That's amazing, Evelyn. You're going to thrive there."

Adrian gave a small smile.

"Proud of you, Ev. You're taking a big step."

Evelyn looked around at her friends, feeling a mix of excitement and sadness.

"I'm really going to miss you guys."

Mia waved a hand.

"Pfft, don't get sentimental yet. We still have time to celebrate properly."

---

New novel chapters are published on freewёbn૦νeɭ.com.

**Farewell Preparations**

Over the next few weeks, Evelyn's life became a whirlwind of planning, packing, and goodbyes. Her apartment was slowly being packed up, boxes labeled for storage. She spent extra time at the studio, trying to soak in every moment before she left.

Adrian helped her pack one afternoon, holding up a canvas.

"Taking this?"

She shook her head.

"No, that one stays here."

Adrian raised an eyebrow.

"Keeping a piece of home?"

She smiled.

"Something like that."

---

**One Last Night**

The night before her departure, Mia insisted on throwing a farewell party at their favorite rooftop spot. The evening was filled with laughter, stories, and memories.

As the night winded down, Evelyn stood by the railing, looking out at the cityscape. Adrian joined her, hands tucked in his jacket pockets.

"Are you ready for this?"

he asked.

Evelyn exhaled, gripping the railing.

"I think so."

He nudged her lightly.

"Then go make the most of it. We'll be here when you get back."

She smiled, feeling the weight of uncertainty lifting. Tomorrow, she would step into a new Chapter, but tonight, she held onto the present—cherishing the friendships and the journey that had led her here.