Back in those days, he was just a young man, full of passion and sincerity. Whenever it rained, he'd show up with an umbrella for me. If my stomach hurt, he’d massage it patiently. In the middle of the night, if I mentioned I was hungry, he'd head out without a hint of complaint to fetch me some pulled pork or spiced honey cake. At that time, I would save up for months to buy him the latest graphics card for his gaming computer. I'd spend a month planning and carefully preparing his birthday gift, ensuring it was just right, maybe a Victorian-style jacket or something he’d mentioned wanting from an online store. During our winter and summer breaks, we’d travel together, sometimes to the Alps or just to a cozy cabin where we could enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and cups of coffee.

Meeting him, I always felt lucky. We were transitioning from school uniforms into adulthood together. Six whole years. Yet now, he's destroyed my dreams for the future with his own actions.

A sudden noise jolted me back to reality.

In the distance, I saw the lights at the cafe dimming. A girl, with a radiant smile, emerged from the shop, arm-in-arm with Kylian. The door clicked shut behind them as they headed towards the hotel next door.

Standing on the crowded sidewalk, tears silently rolled down my cheeks. The warm breeze, filled with the day's heat, brushed past me, stirring a sense of irritation.

I turned and walked away.

The next day, I took time off work and discreetly set up cameras in the corners of the living room. That evening, when Kylian returned home, I informed him that I needed to leave on a business trip for a week.

He looked a bit surprised. "But your birthday is in just a few days—is there a chance you'll be back by then?"

I nodded slightly, "I'll do my best."

A gentle warmth softened his sophisticated features. "Gabriella, I'll be waiting for you. I've got a special gift planned for your birthday."

For a fleeting moment, I saw a glimpse of the Kylian from years ago, the one who nervously admitted his feelings to me. I shook my head gently and replied, "Alright."

In just a few days, I would be bringing these six years of emotions to a close.