Arthur was already waiting at the entrance when I arrived. Several well-known researchers from the field stood beside him.
I stepped back into that familiar space after so many years away, the room lined with precision instruments I once knew by heart. A wave of emotion caught me off guard.
If I had never believed Julian's empty words back then, never given up that direct PhD spot to stay by his side, I would have made something of myself by now.
Arthur studied my face. The exhaustion was plain, but so was the steel behind my eyes. Concern softened his voice.
"Was it worth it, throwing away a brilliant future for a man?"
I shook my head, and the answer came without hesitation.
"I thought so back then. But I see clearly now. My work matters more than any love ever did."
I stayed in t
