Chicago Rising

"Chicago Rising": Will their love survive when everything they've built is on the line?

Ava

I never thought I'd find my way back to Julian after everything fell apart. The lies, the betrayal, the nights I cried myself to sleep - I thought we were done for good. Now he's given up his fancy job and perfect life to follow me to D.C., and I don't know whether to pull him close or push him away. Every time he looks at me with those eyes, my heart melts, but my head screams "be careful!" People are still whispering about me, calling me names, trying to tear me down. Can I really trust that Julian won't break my heart again? And with this huge career chance in front of me, do I even have room in my life for love right now? All I know is when he holds me, it feels like home - but I'm terrified that feeling won't last.

Julian

Walking away from Nexus Capital was the easiest hard decision I've ever made. My family thinks I'm crazy. My old friends won't return my calls. But none of that matters because I'm finally being honest about what I want - and that's Ava. God, I've missed her fire, her smile, the way she fights for what's right no matter what. But I see the doubt in her eyes when she looks at me. I hurt her once, and she hasn't forgotten. Neither have the people trying to destroy her reputation. I want to shield her from all of it, but she won't let me fight her battles. If I push too hard, I might lose her for good. All I can do is show up every day and prove that this time is different. That I'm different. That our love is worth fighting for.