llowed out. I went straight from the airport to the apartment Caleb and

gers. For seven years, I had poured everything I had into him-my money, my connections, my love. I had dimmed my own light so he could shine, believing his success was our success. I remembered all the

e. I just packed two suitcases, called

stood beside him, her face etched with worry. They had always disliked Caleb, seeing him as an opportunistic social climb

. It wasn't a question. He s

, the shame w

around me. "You're home now

es. The Henderson project he was so proud of? My contact just pulled the fundin

omething, but it wasn

," I

ng for you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "With Ethan Lester. You remember t

I was tired of making b

greement. "Good. It's time you m

t was disarming. He didn't talk about himself or his achievements. He asked about my work, my passions, my dream

here was a kindness to his smile that made me feel

ce gentle. "And I know your parents set this up. But I have to be honest, Madisyn. I remem

wanted to move on, decisively and complet

ould get married," I sa

it's a great idea. If you're

et's do it. Let's