Gemotions

The bustling art gallery was filled with chattering voices. Chloe spotted Liam across the room, admiring a large abstract painting. She had worked tirelessly, networking, curating her image to seem high class. She had spent a fortune on this event, hoping for a specific outcome.

She took a deep breath and approached him. "Liam?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

He turned, and a flicker of… nothing, crossed his face. "I don't think so," he said, before turning back to the painting. He looked well-dressed. He looked successful.

Chloe’s chest tightened. She thought of her own artwork, the hours spent honing her craft, the money she'd invested. She felt an urgent need to impress, to be seen, to be valued. She felt an urge to buy a new piece of art, a symbol of success.