Page 227 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

She hadn’t expected this, not with him. She didn’t let herself fall like that. Not anymore. She’d only been in love once before, and it had broken something in her. With Mano… it had been easy at first. Just physical, simple. She didn’t know when that changed. Maybe somewhere between seeing the parts of him he kept hidden from everyone else. When he’d let himself lie against her in Serifos. When she’d seen him break down and cry in her arms. When she was cooking for him while he tried to pull himself back together. Maybe that was when it stopped being simple. Maybe that was when she started seeing the man underneath all that toughness.

But she knew now. He hadn’t asked her to meet to keep whatever they had going. And as much as it hurt… she was ready to let him go.

“If my opinion helps…” she said, steadying herself. “Then ask yourself this.”

Mano’s attention fixed on her.

“Do you actually love her? Do you see a future with her? But more importantly… Does she want the same thing?” She took a breath before continuing. “Because if she doesn’t… it’s not worth giving up your dream for someone who won’t choose you back.”

Mano’s gaze dropped.

“And if she’s in love with you… she’ll try to keep you here.” She paused, her fingers curling around her cup. “She might tell you to go, because it’s the right thing to do. But… passionate love is selfish. You want the other person to yourself.” She lifted her eyes to him. “She’ll want you to follow your dream, but she’ll still struggle with losing you.”

A brief silence settled between them.

“That’s how I see it.”

Mano stayed still, taking it all in. When there was nothing left to say, they walked toward his motorcycle. Their steps slowed the closer they got.

Mano looked at her. “Thank you.”

Ranya smiled faintly. “You really are special, Mano.” She looked down for a moment, then back up. “I already told you, but… since this is goodbye, I can’t pretend anymore.”

He didn’t speak.

“You made me feel something I haven’t felt in years. And I’m grateful for that. Even if it isn’t mutual.” Her eyes glistened.

Mano’s chest tightened.

“Can I hug you?”

He nodded.

She stepped closer, rising onto her toes, her arms wrapping around his neck as she buried her face against him. “I wish you happiness,” she murmured and slowly pulled back.

“You too, Ranya,” he said softly.

She smiled, brushing her thumb along his cheek as a tear slipped down her own. “Goodbye, Mano Jones… I’m really glad I met you.”

They stood there for a moment.

Mano gave a small smile. “So am I, Ranya.”

She studied his face, like she was trying to remember it. Then she stepped past him and walked away.

Mano turned, watching her go. Something in his chest ached. He hadn’t expected her to matter this much. She’d been there when he had no one, when he was breaking apart. And that was something he couldn’t forget.

As he climbed onto his bike and rode to Ody’s place, he couldn’t stop replaying Ranya’s words about London.

The moment he walked into the apartment, Ody looked up. “What happened?”

“She said goodbye. She… had feelings, but realized it wasn’t going anywhere.” He didn’t mention London.

“She didn’t try to convince you to stay?” Ody asked.

“No. I told you.”

“Good.” Ody held his gaze. “Because I don’t want you to stay.”