The world always seemed brighter when she was with him. But that evening, as Aria stood in their small apartment, watching Kael pack his bag for yet another business trip, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was becoming more of a hindrance than a partner. He was destined for greatness—everyone said so. His tech startup was making headlines, investors were knocking at his door, and he was on the brink of changing the world.

And she? She was just… Aria. A waitress at a local diner with a streak of clumsiness that could rival a sitcom character.

"I'm holding you back," Aria whispered, her voice trembling. She forced a smile, even as her heart threatened to shatter. "You deserve the world, Kael. I can't be the one to take it from you."

Kael froze, his hands stilling over his suitcase. He turned to her, confusion and pain etched into his face. "What are you talking about?"

"You have so much ahead of you," she said, stepping back. "And I’m just... I’m just baggage. A distraction."

Kael closed the distance between them, grabbing her hands. "Stop it. Don’t you dare say that. You’re the reason I made it this far. Aria, none of this means anything without you."

She pulled her hands away, her voice cracking. "What happens when I can’t keep up with you, Kael? What...