About the distance, about the implications of marrying into my world, where politics dictated everything.
But all I could think about was how essential she was to my life, how her presence brought warmth and light into an existence that often felt cold and calculating.
"Kristen," I said, my voice low, steadying myself for what I needed to say. "I know the challenges we'll face. My life is complicated.. politics, expectations, everything.. but that doesn't change what I feel for you. You're the one who makes it worthwhile. You bring clarity to my chaos."
She nodded slowly, her eyes searching mine as if trying to peel back the layers of my soul. I felt exposed under her gaze, vulnerable yet invigorated.
"But what if…" she began, hesitating, the words catching in her throat. "What if you would have to choose between me and your career?"
