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Chapter 36: Parting Ways
The day had come, the one they had all been dreading. Lily's bags were packed, and despite the excitement she tried to show, there was a quiet sadness in her eyes. She was ready to go back to Canada, ready to continue her schooling, but it was clear that leaving was never easy. Sofia stood by the door, watching the quiet exchange between father and daughter. It was their last moment together before Lily's departure.
Ryan helped Lily carry her bags toward the car, his face a mask of stoic calm. Despite the effort to keep it together, Sofia could see the subtle tension in his shoulders. Today wasn't just about Lily leaving—it was also about saying goodbye to the chapter of life that had held so many emotions for all of them.
When they arrived at the airport, Sofia stood back as Ryan spoke to Lily, trying to keep the mood light and encouraging as they waited for her flight to board. But the emotions were heavy, none of them truly prepared for how hard it was to say goodbye, even if they all knew it was necessary. The shortness of time together only made the departure feel even more poignant.
As the moment to part came, Lily rushed into Sofia's arms one last time. "Ate Mom, I'll miss you," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Sofia held her tightly, fighting back the tears. "I'll miss you too, Lily. Be good, okay? I'll always be here if you need me."
Lily nodded, her eyes bright with determination. "I'll be okay. I promise," she said before giving Sofia one last tight hug.
Ryan looked at them, the love and sadness evident in his gaze. "She'll be fine," he said, his voice steady, but there was something more there—a quiet emotion he hadn't voiced.
Sofia stepped back, watching as Ryan knelt down to hug his daughter goodbye. She could see how much he loved her, how hard it was for him to let her go. But as much as they had both been a part of Lily's life, now was the time to let her live the life she needed, away from the weight of their past.
Sofia finally turned toward Ryan, unsure of what to say. There was a certain heaviness in the air, and they both knew it was time to leave. She had made her peace with the moment, but it didn't make it any easier. "I'll let you say goodbye," she said, her voice soft.
Ryan nodded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment. There was a flicker of something unspoken between them, a realization that neither had voiced yet, but it was clear in their shared glance. Still, words were unspoken, and the moment felt fleeting.
After Lily's flight was confirmed, and she was safely on her way through the airport, Ryan turned to Sofia. "I have to head back to the UEA," he said, his tone steady, but with an underlying weight. "I was only in Australia for business. My flight is scheduled for later today."
Sofia nodded, understanding. He had always been a man of business—always juggling his responsibilities. "I see," she replied quietly, her heart heavy. "I guess this is where we part ways."
Ryan looked at her, his gaze softening, and for a moment, the tension between them seemed to lift, just a little. "I know we've been through a lot, Sofia," he said, his voice low. "But I want you to know... I'm grateful. For everything. For being there for Lily, and for being the person you've always been."
Sofia swallowed, her emotions rising again, this time with a touch of relief. She had wanted to hear those words, and yet, they had come too late to mean everything she'd hoped. "I did what I could," she said quietly. "But I think it's time for both of us to move on, Ryan. We can't keep living in the past."
Ryan's expression darkened for a moment, and he opened his mouth to say something more, but then he closed it, his lips pressed tightly together. Sofia had already said it—had already made up her mind.
He gave her one last long look, as though trying to memorize the moment, the way she stood so composed, yet so vulnerable, before him. "I'll never forget everything you did for us," he said, his voice thick. "I hope you know that."
Sofia nodded. "Goodbye, Ryan."
And with that, she turned and walked toward the exit, the weight of their past and present hanging between them like an invisible thread. As she stepped out into the cool evening air, she let herself breathe in deeply, ready to face the future, no matter how uncertain it might be.
Ryan watched her go, his heart tight in his chest. He was returning to the UEA to fulfill his responsibilities, but something inside him stirred. The reality of what he had lost, and what he had never truly claimed, weighed heavily on him. He wasn't sure what would come next, but he knew he had a lot of work to do—work on himself, and perhaps, someday, on whatever was left between them.