The Woman You love

"Was that the woman you love? The one who came to pick you up at the airport?"

Kael looked up at the girl standing in front of him, her voice trembling just slightly. He sighed inwardly, already knowing this confrontation was inevitable. He'd been doing everything he could to avoid this moment, dodging her questions and keeping his distance, but it seemed impossible now. As his gaze met hers, he saw the vulnerability in her eyes, the unspoken plea for reassurance, and he felt an instinctive urge to protect her from the truth. Yet, he knew that sparing her feelings would only prolong the pain.

"Yes," he answered, his voice steady but without elaboration. The word hung between them, heavy and unyielding. He held her gaze, refusing to soften the blow or give her any false hope.

She swallowed hard, her lips pressing into a thin line as she processed his admission. "I see," she said quietly, "Are you going to marry her?"