Prologue

The rain tapped softly against the Cafe window, each droplet racing the next as if trying to outrun the tension in the room. Amanda stared outside, her fingers wrapped tightly around the mug, trying to warm herself from the inside out. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, but the quiet between them was heavier than any sound.

Nova sat across from her, her hands folded neatly on the table. Her eyes avoided Amanda’s gaze, fixed instead on the faint streaks of rain running down the glass. Silence stretched between them, suffocating, almost unbearable.

Amanda’s throat tightened. She had known this conversation was coming, had felt it in Nova’s distant touches, in the quiet moments that used to be filled with laughter. Yet knowing didn’t make it easier. “Please… don’t go,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Nova blinked slowly. She didn’t reach out, didn’t soften. “Amanda… I have to,” she said quietly, almost coldly.

“No,” Amanda shook her head, heat rising in her chest. “I can’t… I won’t let you leave. We can fix this. Please, just stay.” Her fingers gripped the mug so tightly the ceramic creaked, and she wished she could reach across the table and pull Nova close.

Nova exhaled, a heavy, shaky sound. Her eyes finally met Amanda’s, and the honesty in her expression cut deeper than anything else could. “I don’t love you anymore,” she said plainly. The words felt sharp even to her own ears. “I… I’m doing what my family wants. I’m getting married next. Not because I love them… because I have to. I… I only want what feels right for my body, not my heart.”

Amanda felt her world shatter. Her lips parted, but no words came. Her chest felt tight, her stomach heavy. “What… what do you mean?” she finally whispered, voice breaking.

Nova looked down at her hands, trembling slightly. “I don’t mean to hurt you. I… I never wanted to, but I can’t pretend anymore. I’m sorry, Amanda.”

“No!” Amanda’s voice cracked, louder this time. “Don’t say that! Don’t leave me like this! You’re my life… my everything. I love you, Nova!” Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, threatening to fall. She leaned forward, reaching for Nova’s hand, hoping somehow the connection would make her stay.

Nova pulled back, her expression hard but pained. “I wish it were enough,” she said softly. “I wish I could feel what you feel. But… my heart isn’t yours anymore. I can’t give you what you deserve. I… I have to go.”

Amanda felt like the world had tilted. She pressed both hands to her face, silent sobs breaking through her attempts to stay strong. She wanted to scream, to beg, to make her stay anything to stop the pain but Nova stood, draping her coat over her shoulders.

For a moment, she hesitated, brushing her fingers against Amanda’s lightly, almost gently. The briefest touch lingered in Amanda’s chest, cruel in its sweetness. Then she turned and walked out into the rain, the bell above the Cafe door chiming softly as if marking the moment Amanda’s heart had broken.

Amanda stayed frozen, staring at the empty chair across from her. The Cafe smelled of coffee and damp wool, but she hardly noticed. Her mind spun in disbelief, hurt, and longing. She pressed her hands against the mug, anchoring herself, trying to make sense of the impossible: Nova was gone.

And yet, somewhere deep inside, a stubborn spark remained. She wasn’t ready to give up. Not now. Not ever.

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