Chapter 35: The Weight of Success

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As the weeks pass, I notice that Leo is spending more time with Clara, and while I'm genuinely happy for him, it leaves a strange gap in my life. Without him around as much, I feel the weight of my growing career more heavily than before. The pressure from the industry, from my parents, from myself, all starts to pile up.

One night, I'm sitting in my room, staring at my guitar, when the phone rings. It's Mia.

"Lila, are you okay? We haven't talked in a while," she says, concern lacing her voice.

"I'm fine," I say automatically, but even I don't believe it.

"You don't sound fine. Let's hang out this weekend, okay? You need a break."

I hesitate. My schedule is packed, but the truth is, I miss spending time with her. "Okay, let's do it."

We make plans, and as I hang up, I feel a little better. Maybe this is what I need-to reconnect with the people who ground me.

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