Kate’s POV

He smiled back at me, and I could feel the weight between us starting to lift. “Thank you, Kate. I don’t know what I would do without you in my life.”

I smiled and rubbed his hand gently. “We need each other, Erlan. So don’t ever feel alone, okay?”

Erlan nodded slowly, and we enjoyed our coffee again in comfortable silence. Even though today had been tiring, I felt that this conversation was a big step for us. I knew that this journey wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew that we could get through it together.

The night was getting late when we decided to go home....