Chapter 10

Security protocols required switching cars and drivers at each transfer point. The vehicles were draped in heavy fabric—even the drivers could not see their passengers.

After Calista settled into the car, Ken emerged from the house. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll get these researchers safely to the handover site."

He slid into the driver's seat and gently moved the car forward.

Calista sat in silence, her thoughts a turbulent jumble. What a strange way to say goodbye. At the transfer point, Ken opened the compartment, allowing the passengers to disembark. Calista kept her head down, her hat pulled low, as she passed him.

Ken's heart ached. He found himself staring at one particular figure before quickly averting his gaze.

His mind must be playing tricks—it couldn't be Calista.

Then a gust of wind snatched her hat from her head.

"Your hat!"

Ken turned at the shout, and his world stopped. It really was Calista. Their eyes met, and the color drained from his face.

"Calista, why are you—"

"She's a satellite researcher," someone laughed. "Where else would she be?"

Understanding dawned on Ken. He sprinted toward her, consumed by desperation.

"Calista, don't go!" He reached for her, his fingers grasping at empty air. "We grew up together! We promised we'd never be apart. How can you leave me?"

The engine roared to life.

Calista sighed softly. "Ken, you left me first. Let go—the car is leaving."

Ken's eyes burned. Only now, too late, did he see his heart clearly. He had never truly seen her as anything other than a sister.

Chapter 16

He loved Calista! The thought of a life without her was unbearable.

"Come home with me," he pleaded, his voice raw with emotion. "If you come back, I won't marry Viola."

He held out his hand, certain she would stay. After all, she'd never left his side since childhood. "Come on. Get out of the car. I'll take you home."

Calista stared at his outstretched hand, lost in memory. Those hands had rescued her countless times—from mountain paths, from rainstorms, from schoolyard bullies.

They had always been there, reaching for her. "Let's go home."

Once, she'd believed home was wherever Ken was. But not anymore.

"Stay with Viola, Ken."

Ken's certainty shattered. In his moment of shock, Calista pulled her foot into the car, and it lurched forward.

"Calista! Calista! Don't go!" He ran after the car with all his might, until his strength failed him and he collapsed to the ground.