But despite the growing closeness, there was an invisible barrier that neither of them could cross. Henry was always a little distant, his emotions guarded. Eleanor could feel it, but she didn’t push him.
Chapter Three: The Unraveling
It was a cold evening in late March when the truth finally came to light. Eleanor had planned to meet Henry at their usual café, but when she arrived, she found him already sitting at a table, his expression clouded with uncertainty.
"Eleanor," he began, his voice low, "there’s something I need to tell you."
Her heart sank as she took a seat across from him. “What is it?”
Henry hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "I’ve been offered a job. It’s in another city, and I... I have to take it. I didn’t expect things to get so complicated with us, but I think it’s best if I go."
Eleanor’s mind reeled. She had felt it coming, the distance, the emotional wall. But hearing the words out