Cassie stood in front of the wide floor-to-ceiling windows of Luke’s penthouse, arms folded tightly across her chest. The city stretched far below her like a glittering map, pulsing with noise and life. But inside, everything was still—too still.
Luke had left for an early board meeting. He’d kissed her forehead, murmured a soft “See you soon,” and left with his usual quiet confidence.
And yet, Cassie’s chest felt tight.
The Aurora Fellowship orientation was in three weeks. Her acceptance email had come through. Her place was confirmed. The logistics were already being arranged. It was happening. She was going to New York.
But she hadn’t told Luke.
She hadn’t told anyone except Kate.
Because for the first time since she met him, Cassie wasn’t running away out of fury or humiliation o
