Prologue

When I stepped inside Denver’s apartment, he was on the couch, leaning on his back, resting wearily. It looked like he was in deep thought.

“Hey!” I called sweetly to get his attention. He sat properly and smiled, but seemed his vivid spirits were off. I had never seen him like that before.

“Is everything alright?” I knitted my brows before sitting down alongside him. He held my hand and squeezed it gently while his eyes stared seriously at mine.

“Baby, I need to tell you something,” It sounded so tender, but I felt something different. Uneasy, my heart thumped abnormally.

“Tell me,” I mumbled while he took a deep breath, trying to collect his courage.

“I got an offer from a company in Seattle,” he spoke cautiously.

“And?” I creased my brows, eager to know about it. I felt so bothered, but I stayed calm.

He faked a cough. “They wanted me to be part of their electronic security innovation.” He even expounded that it would be a stay-in program. No outside world distraction and everyone should only focus on the goal in about two to three years or whenever they put the advanced technology innovation project into a success.

The company aims to develop new software that would be the best innovative electronic security lines and programming for every house and building in the country. The management wanted all their team members to focus only on the subject.

Frankly, it did not surprise me at all because I knew many top companies would offer him extraordinary opportunities. He got the skills and is one of the most brilliant people I’ve ever known.

“That would mean you’ll leave me here?” I muttered, almost breathless, staring away from him.

“Ara,” he cradled my chin to look at him again. “If I got a chance for a vacation, I promise to fly back to you as soon as possible,” he said carefully, making me understand the situation, but it wasn’t fine with me.

“Denver, I don’t believe in promises,” my voice cracked. I shivered at the thought that we'll be distant from each other for so long.

I got broken twice by the people dear to my heart, my parents, who promised to go with me every step of the way but ended up imposing the worst pain I could ever imagine. I was traumatized. I couldn’t risk my heart anymore. 

“Baby, I’m doing this for us, for our future,” He added for my enlightenment, but I was afraid.

“Denver, there are so many opportunities for you here in Harrisburg,” I countered hastily but seemed he was interested in going to Seattle.

“Believe me, this opportunity will give me the fastest growth,” he insisted deliberately. I knew that with every decision he was making, he calculated very well and had less chance of failure. Because of that, tears burned in the corner of my eyes, but I was still hoping he’ll change his mind. 

“Denver, you are all that I need. We can thrive gradually together,” I defied, not stopping to convince him. “I have savings, you have savings, we have a roof under us, and we are happy. Are they not enough for you?” Faintly, my tears were threatening to fall. I felt annoyed that whatever I say, he won’t change his mind. 

He bowed his head and closed his eyes before breathing heavily. It wasn’t a secret that he was ambitious and could be whatever he wanted, but I didn’t like us to part ways, even for a week. 

“I thought you love me,” my breath hitched, pulling my hands out of his hold. I felt so helpless because I couldn’t win over our discussion. Oddly, I woke up happily in the morning, but I didn’t know I was about to face another painful experience in my lifetime. Everything changed in a snap of a finger.

“Baby, please listen to me,” he wiped my tears with his thumb. “You know how much I love you, right?” he emphasized his words, but it did not matter to me as he was leaving anyway.

“Then stay!” I whined. “You are all that I have. I can’t live away from you,” I exclaimed frustratedly. My sob went louder, and I couldn’t cease it at all.

“Please?” I begged and didn’t care if I looked like a mess in front of him.

“Baby, stop crying. Let’s have our dinner,” he steered away from our topic, but I had no appetite for food anymore. I felt tormented after listening to him.

I stood up from the couch and clenched my palms. “If you leave, then... I guess... this is the end of us!” I was panting delivering my words to him. He stayed still, unable to utter even a single word to respond to my warning. I got disappointed by his reaction. When he kept silent, I knew I failed to persuade him to stay.

I shook my head. Rapidly, I went out of the door and burst into a cry. I heard him call my name twice but ignored it and was quick to run away, although, I didn’t know where to go.

My mind was on haywire while walking on the streets. I couldn’t think properly about what to do if Denver pursues his will to follow his dreams. It was cold outside and hapless, I wasn't able to grab a coat running out of his apartment. I braced myself as the tears fell non-stop down my cheeks. My heart constricted, and it was hard to breathe. I never felt distressed more than I ever did before.