Time had flown by faster than Adrian anticipated. The past year had been a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and unforgettable moments with Gia. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the weight of his promise to his father loomed heavy on his shoulders.
It was time to go home.
Adrian had made up his mind—if he was to return to his family, Gia had to come with him. He couldn't imagine leaving her behind, not after everything they'd shared. She was his anchor, his reason to smile even in the darkest moments.
One evening, as they sat on a bench overlooking the park where they often spent time together, Adrian decided to tell her. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting golden hues over the trees, and the air was crisp with the faint scent of spring.
"Gia," Adrian began, his tone serious but soft, "I need to talk to you about something."
She turned to him, her curious eyes meeting his. "What is it?"
He exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair. "The deal I made with my dad... it's time. I have to go back home."
Gia's heart sank, but she tried to mask her emotions. "Oh. When are you leaving?"
"That's the thing," Adrian said, leaning forward with urgency. "I don't want to leave without you. I want you to come with me, Gia."
Her eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"Come with me," he repeated, his voice filled with determination. "I can't do this without you. I need you by my side. My family's life is... complicated, but I'll make sure you're taken care of. You'll have everything you need—a better life than this, Gia. I promise."
Gia was overwhelmed. The thought of leaving everything she knew—her home, her mother, Mia—terrified her. Sure, her life wasn't perfect, and college was out of reach due to finances, but it was hers. It was familiar.
"I don't know, Adrian," she said hesitantly, her voice trembling. "I have a life here. My mom, Mia... everything I've ever known is here."
Adrian's expression darkened, a mix of frustration and disappointment flickering across his face. "Gia, I'm offering you something better. You don't have to stay here, struggling to make ends meet. I can give you so much more."
"It's not about the money!" Gia snapped, standing up from the bench. "I'm not some damsel in distress waiting for a knight in shining armor to save me."
Adrian stood too, his tone rising slightly. "Then what is it? Why wouldn't you come with me? Don't you care about us? About what we have?"
Tears welled up in Gia's eyes as she shook her head. "Of course I care, Adrian! But you're asking me to leave my whole life behind. That's not a small decision."
"I'm not just asking," Adrian said, his voice firm. "I need you, Gia. I can't do this without you."
She looked at him, her heart breaking at the sight of his desperation. But she couldn't ignore the feeling in her gut, the voice telling her she wasn't ready for this leap.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I can't."
Adrian's jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. "Gia..."
She took a step back, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry," she repeated, then turned and walked away.
Adrian stood there, frozen, watching her retreating figure until she disappeared into the distance. His chest felt hollow, the weight of her rejection heavier than anything he'd ever faced.
Gia, on the other hand, felt like her heart was being torn in two. She wanted to turn back, to run into his arms and tell him she'd go anywhere with him. But she couldn't. Not yet.