35. Back to the start

The morning sun had just begun to rise, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets as Lillian stood at the entrance of the Rojas Alvaro mansion. Her suitcase was packed and sitting at her feet, and a cab idled at the curb, waiting to take her to the airport. The air was thick with a mixture of sadness and anticipation.

Sebastian stood beside her, his heart heavy. He reached out, taking her hands in his. "Lillian, are you sure about this? There has to be another way."

Lillian looked into his eyes, her own filled with sorrow. "Sebastian, I have to go. Staying here is causing more pain than anything else. I need to get away, for everyone's sake."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can’t imagine my life without you, Lillian. I love you."

Lillian held him close, tears streaming down her face. "I love you too, Sebastian. But this is something I have to do. I need to find peace, and I can't do that here."

They shared one last, lingering kiss, filled with