Chapter 6

After seven hours of flight, the plane landed smoothly at Anchorage Airport. After resting overnight at the airport hotel, Noah took me to see the Northern Lights as promised.

Except seeing the ever-present Bella, plus other crew members, extinguished any anticipation in my heart.

Noah sensed my unhappiness and spoke softly, "More people make it fun."

I pressed my lips together. "Whatever you arrange is fine."

Bella sat in the passenger seat, chatting and laughing with Noah constantly. When we reached the observation cabin, the aurora happened to unfold its magnificent display across the night sky.

Just as everyone marveled, Bella's voice rang out clearly: "Noah, remember? The first time we saw the aurora, we had that big fight. You swore you'd bring me back. Thank you for always remembering that promise."

I looked over. Bella and Noah stood side by side in the snow, her eyes tender and lingering, his hand resting lightly on her waist.

"I never forget promises I make to you." Noah's response was so tender it hurt my ears.

In that moment, it felt like an icy blade pierced my heart. So the person Noah always wanted to share the aurora with was Bella all along. And I was just a bystander he'd brought along.

Under the aurora's reflection, I quietly turned and walked away. Snowflakes fell, soaking my hair and collar, but I felt nothing, just numbly moving forward.

I don't know how long I walked, as if retracing those eighteen hundred days of relationship, step by step.

The second day after returning to New York, I walked straight into Robert's office.

"The final flights are complete. Awaiting instructions, sir."

Robert nodded approvingly, taking my ID badge and gently setting it on the desk, then retrieved a deep blue velvet box from his drawer. When he opened the lid, Aurora Airlines' captain's shoulder boards gleamed under the light.

"From today, you're no longer the 787's copilot, but captain of the GF028 route." He pushed the box and new ID toward me. "Congratulations, Skyler. You're not only Aurora Airlines' youngest female captain but also the pioneer of this new route."

My fingertips lightly traced the four exquisite gold stripes on the shoulder boards, feeling the weight and promise they carried. In this moment, five years of endurance and dedication transformed into the warmth in my palm.

After arriving home, once I'd packed my new captain's uniform, shoulder board case, and ID into my suitcase, my entire being felt lighter.

After a bath, I lay in bed preparing to rest.

Noah burst into the bedroom in a panic, still in uniform.

"Skyler, why isn't your name on tomorrow's flight schedule?"

I set down my book, voice calm. "Been too tired lately. Requested a few days off."

This lie I'd rehearsed countless times in my mind. I'd had Robert keep my transfer secret—naturally, I wouldn't tell Noah. This route I'd flown with him for five years, these memory-filled places—I'd never return.

His expression clearly relaxed. "That's good. I thought..."

Before finishing, he knelt on one knee by the bed, gripping my hand tightly.

"We promised to fly together until retirement." His eyes were almost devout. "Skyler, don't lie to me."

My heart felt viciously squeezed. He demanded my honesty while constantly deceiving me himself.

"Okay." I said softly—my first lie to him, and the last.

He leaned in to kiss me. I instinctively turned my head. The movement made him freeze.

"When I return, it'll be New Year's," his voice carried a probe. "Let's go to Tokyo for the countdown?"

"Don't want to."

"Then Reykjavik? Just the two of us."

I still shook my head. These five years, to hide our relationship, he always took me to distant cities to celebrate. But this time, I only wanted to quietly wait for the day I'd leave for Seattle.

"New Year's Eve, come with me to Rockefeller Center for some photos." I finally compromised. "As a memento."

He was clearly stunned. "Why New York? We could go somewhere more special."

"Just some photos." My voice was soft. "You just play photographer."

I never intended for him to be in the shots. I wouldn't take anything about him with me.

"After the company party," he said urgently, "I'll definitely announce our relationship to everyone. Just give me a little more time."

I closed my eyes. "Go shower. It's late."

As bathroom water sounds started, I felt deeply exhausted. Five years—he always made me wait.

But this time, I wouldn't wait anymore.