The airport was bustling, but the snow outside made it feel hushed, as if the city itself was holding its breath. Emma stood at the gate, her passport and boarding pass in hand, her suitcase by her side. Her heart pounded—not from nerves about the flight, but from the knowledge of what she was leaving behind: Liam.
He was beside her, his hand wrapped tightly around hers, warmth pressed against her palm. His eyes searched hers, silently conveying everything words could not. Pride, fear, longing, and love all mingled in that gaze.
“I’ll be fine,” she whispered, attempting reassurance, though her voice trembled slightly.
“I know,” Liam said softly. “I just… hate that we’ll be apart. Even for a few months.”
She leaned into him, inhaling the familiar scent of his coat, the comfort of his pr
