[Volume 1] Chapter 9- I am leaving.

Kiera's heart clenched as she slowly turned around, her eyes meeting the man in front of her with a mix of pain and longing.

This was the man she had loved for six long years, each moment etched with memories that now felt bittersweet. A mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips, a silent reflection of the irony and hurt she felt inside.

Kiera's story diverged from the typical narrative of lovers getting married only for one to leave or betray the other.

Her tale was far more complex, a web spun not by personal betrayal but by the narrow-mindedness of society—a force that tore apart not just her own life but also the lives of others entangled in its grasp.

Edward's heart clenched as he observed Kiera's silent gaze and the unmistakable pain etched on her face. Her eyes, like windows to her soul, reflected a myriad of emotions, leaving him with a sense of helplessness.

"Kiera," he called softly, his voice tinged with concern and a hint of longing, as he watched her slowly return from wherever her thoughts had taken her. The small, fragile smile that graced her lips tugged at his heartstrings, a bittersweet reminder of the depth of her struggles.

Kiera's eyes spoke volumes as she gazed at Edward, her silence echoing her inner turmoil. Her pain etched across her features softened slightly as she absorbed his words, a fragile smile touching her lips.

"It's not that... it's just I need some strength," Kiera's voice wavered slightly, a mix of casualness and vulnerability evident as she met Edward's searching gaze.

Confusion clouded Edward's expression as he closed the distance, his touch gentle yet questioning as he lightly grasped her shoulders. "What's wrong? Is something troubling you?" His concern was palpable, his eyes delving deep into hers, seeking to unravel the emotions she held within.

Kiera's breath caught in her throat as Edward's fingers brushed lightly against her shoulders, sending a ripple of sensation through her. It was a gentle touch, yet it stirred a storm of emotions within her, emotions she had tried to bury deep.

Her heart raced, memories flooding back like a torrent. When she had leaped off that cliff, she had convinced herself that Edward was a chapter closed, a story ended. But now, with his touch, her resolve wavered, doubts creeping in like tendrils of mist.

"MAA," a whisper echoed in her mind, a distant yet vivid call that tugged at her soul. It was as though her beloved child stood just beyond Edward, a silent presence urging her to stand firm.

Kiera's gaze shifted, her eyes widening slightly as if seeing something beyond the physical realm. She felt a warmth enveloping her, a familiar embrace that transcended time and space.

In that moment, her child's essence seemed to materialize before her, a small figure with eyes filled with understanding and a hint of mischief.

'you can't be weak', .

In her past life, Kiera experienced the heartbreaking loss of her child at just two and a half years old. While others may have forgotten, to her, his memory remained vivid and alive.

Over the years of her new life, she felt his presence as if he were by her side, growing and evolving alongside her.

In her mind's eye, she watched him take his first wobbly steps, a reflection of his fragile existence in the physical world.

But in her imagination, he grew stronger, running freely and embodying a sense of boundless energy and joy.

Despite never having taken a breath in this life, he was very much alive in her heart and mind.

A soft, almost imperceptible smile curved Kiera's lips, a smile that had been rare and fragile moments ago.

It was a smile of remembrance, of a bond that defied the boundaries of life and death.

For in her mind's eye, her child was not a memory but a constant companion, growing and evolving alongside her.

Edward's heart swelled with warmth as he witnessed Kiera's radiant smile directed at him, a smile brimming with an abundance of love that he had never seen from her before.

It was a moment of pure tenderness that enveloped them both in its gentle embrace.

Unable to contain his own joy, Edward mirrored her smile and took a step forward, his arms instinctively reaching out for a hug, eager to share in this precious moment of connection.

However, before he could close the distance, Kiera raised a hand, halting his movement with a gentle yet firm gesture.

As Kiera turned to face Edward, a subtle shift occurred in her demeanor.

The warmth that had filled her eyes moments ago seemed to dissipate, replaced by a distant indifference that was hard to miss.

Despite the smile still lingering on her lips, it held a different quality, lacking the previous depth of emotion.

"I've been offered a scholarship from RT University," she announced, her tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "They want me to report in two days."

The news hung in the air, creating a moment of quiet tension as Edward processed the implications of her words.

Edward's face twisted into a mixture of shock and confusion, his voice raised in disbelief. "What?" he exclaimed, unable to comprehend the sudden revelation. His eyes searched Kiera's face, seeking some explanation or reassurance.

The people around them also reacted with surprise, murmurs of astonishment rippling through the air.

RT University was renowned and highly coveted, making Kiera's acceptance a significant achievement. However, the fact that she had kept it secret from everyone, even her beloved mother-in-law whom she cherished, .

Kiera met Edward's gaze with a calm determination, her smile now tinged with a touch of sadness.

"I wanted to make sure everything was finalized before sharing it with anyone," she explained softly, her words carrying a weight of responsibility

Edward's emotions swirled in a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.

On one hand, he couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness knowing that Kiera was on the brink of realizing her dreams, stepping closer to becoming the successful person she aspired to be.

It was a moment of pride and joy for him, seeing her talent and hard work recognized by such a prestigious institution.

Yet, as he looked at Kiera's face, a wave of apprehension washed over him. Beneath her composed exterior, he sensed a trace of vulnerability, a flicker of uncertainty that mirrored his own fears.

The thought of Kiera leaving, of their paths diverging, filled him with a deep-seated fear of losing her, not just physically but emotionally as well.

Their bond had weathered many storms, but this new chapter posed challenges that threatened to test the strength of their connection.

Edward grappled with conflicting desires—to see Kiera soar and achieve her dreams, yet also to hold her close and protect what they had built together.