BURNING BRIDGES

CHAPTER 10: The Rift

Two months of bliss. Elena woke each morning in Julian's bed—or he in hers—and they navigated the restoration project with professional precision while stealing moments of intimacy in supply closets and empty offices. The building transformed around them, limestone gleaming, terracotta restored, their relationship strengthening with every shared challenge.

Then came the offer.

"It's Dubai," Julian said over dinner, excitement vibrating through him. "A full city block, Elena. The chance to build something truly iconic."

She set down her fork carefully. "Dubai is halfway around the world."

"For two years. Maybe three." He reached for her hand. "Come with me. Work remotely, consult on local restoration projects. When it's done, we'll come back—"

"To what? A firm that collapsed because its principal abandoned her clients? A reputation I destroyed for a man?" She pulled her hand back. "I can't just leave, Julian. Voss is finally stable. The Henderson project is half done. I have responsibilities."

"And I have an opportunity that won't come again." His jaw tightened. "I'm not asking you to give up everything. I'm asking you to compromise."

"Compromise?" She stood, anger rising. "Like you compromised when you bought the Henderson building without telling me? When you planned this Dubai deal for weeks without mentioning it?"

"I was waiting for the right time—"

"There is no right time to tell someone you're leaving!" She grabbed her bag, blinded by tears she refused to shed. "This is exactly what I was afraid of. You make unilateral decisions, I adjust my life to fit, and eventually, there's nothing left of me."

"That's not—"

"It is." She paused at the door, looking back at the man she loved, the man who would always choose ambition over her. "I can't do this again, Julian. I can't be the woman who follows you around the world, losing herself piece by piece."

"Then don't follow." His voice was hard, hurt. "Stay. Build your empire. I'll build mine. And we'll see if what we have survives the distance."

"Is that what you want?"

"It's what you're offering." He turned away, shoulders rigid. "Goodbye, Elena."

She walked out before she could take it back, before she could beg him to stay, before she could sacrifice everything that made her whole for one more day in his arms.