Cran

He pulled me aside, concern etched briefly on his face. "Aaren, you seem distant.

inking. Instead of driving, why don't we go down to the docks? I want to check on t

surprise. "The yacht?

's part of my ritual, you know, before a big solo trip. I like everythin

r." He still believed my happiness was easily managed, a simple adj

fter this project wraps," he said, his hand resting on my knee, a comforting weight that now felt like a lead chain,

polite deferrals? "Timing isn't right, my love. Too busy with the firm. Let's wait until we're more settled." Settled. We were in a mansion. He was a mult

y a future that no longer existed for me. It was a manipulative gesture, a final

fe when he had stifled mine for so long? The mere thought of bringing a

ren? You're awfully quiet. A

reen, and his jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

the screen. "It's... a client call.

readable. "Go ahead," I said, my

"Are you sure? I don

a gentle nudge. "Go on

ia? Yes, I know... I'm with Aaren right now. What's wr

edence. The "important client call" was just another excuse to prioritize

e. "You should go. Drop me off at the dock. I'll just spend a little longer ge

conflicted guilt. "Are you sure,

s therapeutic. Go. She needs you." The words

ren. I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise." He leaned over

tching him. But I wo

private marina. As I stepped out, the salt-laced air hit

Elia's," he said, his voice he

eplied, forcing another smi

of profound finality settling over me. He was rushing to her, just as he always had.

s and bobbing masts. The air tasted of brine and possibility. The rhy

a, consumed by her problems, their shared world. He w