The airport security checkpoint buzzed with people coming and going.
I forced a smile. “Noah, you have a sensitive stomach–make sure to eat on time, go easy on the iced coffee, and take care of yourself.”
He managed a weak smile in return.
“Got it. You’re so naggy. When you get there, send me a message so I know you’re safe.”
My voice trembled as I answered, “Okay. Then… I’m off.”
Noah took a deep breath, his brows furrowing before relaxing again like he was struggling to keep himself together.
His voice was tight and controlled. “Go on.”
I kept smiling as hard as I could.
Then I grabbed my suitcase and turned to walk away.
One step.
Then another.
Each one felt like it was crushing my chest, making it harder to breathe,
I bit down on my lip, forcing back the tears.
But by the tenth step, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
I let go of my suitcase.
Then, without thinking, I turned and ran straight into Noah’s arms.
He caught me effortlessly, holding me tight.
“Noah, I love you! I love you so much that I don’t know what I should do!”
The moment the words left my lips, the tears I had been holding back came pouring out, my breath catching in sobs.
Noah buried his face in the crook of my neck, nodding twice, his voice hoarse.
“I know, Chloe. I know.”
I pulled away reluctantly, my hands trembling as I reached up, tracing his face with my fingertips like I was trying to memnontze
him.
Noah caught my hand, pressing my palm to his cheek before pressing a lingering less into it
1/3
For a moment, I just looked at him, taking in every detail of his face one last time.
Then, gritting my teeth, I pulled my hand from his grasp and turned to leave.
This time, I didn’t look back.
+15 BONUS
As the plane taxied down the runway, I reached into my bag and felt something unfamiliar.
It was a small velvet box.
I opened it and inside was a diamond ring in a six–prong setting.
