Melissa was a mess after Connor packed his things and left her apartment.

But two weeks later, she’s a different person. Without the stress of Connor in her life, she’s brighter, more focused, and happier than I’ve ever seen her.

Sometimes, I’ll see her smiling and laughing without a care in the world—finally happy, finally free—until she remembers Connor and retreats into herself, a shadow coming over her. I know the guilt and worry are devouring her. She hasn’t heard from Connor since he left a fortnight ago.

We must have had two dozen conversations already in which Melissa imagines where Connor might be or what he might be doing. I listen along and nod because I know she needs it, but secretly, all I care about is that Melissa is safe and free to live her own life at last.

Our romance has been on hold for a while as Melissa gets her head together after her fallout with Connor. Being the instigator for Melissa finally telling Connor to leave has made me want to keep my distance a little so she doesn’t think I had any ulterior motives besides wanting what’s best for her.

However, now a little time has passed, I want to get things back on track between us. I invite her out for dinner.

We meet at a local Italian place. Melissa dresses up in a classic little black dress with black suede sandals, her hair clipped up. She looks relaxed, an easy smile on her face.

We order our pasta dishes and share some red wine. “How are you feeling?” I ask her.

She offers half a smile. “I’m worried about him. But I didn’t realize how much I was carrying around until that weight was gone.”

“Has he been in touch?”

Her eyes grow sad. “No. Still nothing. I’ve left him a dozen voicemails.” She shrugs again. “There’s nothing I can do if he doesn’t want to speak to me. I can only hope he comes around in time.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” I tell her. “He’ll contact you eventually. I promise.”

Melissa smiles, then picks up her glass. “Enough about Connor. To looking forward.”

“To looking forward.”

She grins wickedly at me. “Speaking of families, have you heard from yours since Christmas?”

I laugh. “Only an email from my father asking me about some purchases on the card. We’re not really the heart-to-heart type of family.”

She smiles. “Well, I’ve had dozens of messages from Olivia. She’s always sending me links to something funny she’s seen online, or something cute she’s seen on a clothing website. I think she’s been missing out on a little light-hearted chat.”

“The Southbys aren’t known for their levity.”

“I don’t know. Your brother was nice if a little business-minded.”

“Alexander would be a great laugh if he wasn’t so keen to impress our father.”

“I mean, for all that happened over Christmas, your father must be proud of how you’re doing here. Your grades are fantastic.”

“The problem with high expectations is that it’s almost impossible to exceed them. I don’t think I’ve ever made my parents proud.”

Melissa reaches across and threads her fingers through mine on the linen tablecloth. “Well, I think you’re wonderful. This year has been a turning point for me—and it all started with you.”

“I thought you might be mad at me after everything that’s happened with Connor. I thought maybe I’d pushed you into doing something you didn’t want to do.”

“The truth is always hard to hear—it doesn’t make it any less true. I’m going to continue doing everything I can for Connor, but from a distance. I’ve already opened a savings account to put some money aside for him. If he ever gets his act together and needs some money for a deposit on an apartment, a business suit, or to study, I hope I’ll be able to help him out.”

“You’re a good person, Melissa. I really hope Connor turns a corner sometime soon.”

“Me, too.”

I look across at Melissa, and the surge of love within me is impossible to contain. She’s beautiful, smart, compassionate, devoted, and no matter what’s going on in her own life, she always takes the time to show me she cares.

I hold her hand tightly and catch her gaze. “I love you.”

Her eyes soften, and she smiles. “I love you, too.”

“The year ahead is going to be a good one. I can’t wait to spend as much time with you as I can.”

Melissa grows tearful from emotion, but she smiles. “I haven’t been this happy in a long time. Even with everything that’s happened with Connor, I’m happy. I feel like everything’s going to be all right.”