Chapter 1

Julian had been in photography for eight years, working his way up from an assistant to a renowned photojournalist. From his days of obscurity to landing jobs all over the country, I'd been there the whole time, quietly supporting him every step of the way.

During his busiest year, I had no choice but to quit my job to take care of everything for him, from his meals to his daily needs.

My friends used to tease me. "Your boyfriend's a photographer! Doesn't that mean you get gorgeous photos whenever you want?"

I could only laugh and shake my head. "He thinks taking photos of people is beneath him. Only landscapes are real art, apparently."

The truth was, I had asked him to take my photo more than once over those eight years, and every single time, he'd turned me down.

I told myself he probably just had his principles.

The moment I saw those photos, it all suddenly felt so absurd.

When I went back to the bedroom, I heard Julian murmur my name in his sleep.

But a chill ran down my spine.

I didn't sleep at all that night.

Dawn was just breaking when Julian rolled over and wrapped his arms around me from behind, as naturally as he always did.

I used to love this tenderness before his departures. Now, it made my stomach turn.

I slowly pushed him away. Under Julian's surprised gaze, I said quietly, "I'm a little tired. Just grab something for breakfast yourself."

For the past eight years, whenever Julian was home, no matter how early, I always made him breakfast myself.

I would pack everything he needed for his trips.

Then I would drive him to the airport, hold him tight, and kiss him goodbye.

But this time, Julian was clearly thrown by my distance. "You stay home all day doing nothing. What could you possibly be tired from?"

The words had barely left his mouth when a message popped up on his phone.

"Hey, favorite photographer, I'm packed and ready to go!"

"And don't forget an extra jacket, favorite photographer. It's been raining a lot, and I don't want you getting sick."

Julian snatched up his phone and quickly typed a reply.

Before leaving, he glanced at me.

He must have sensed something was off, because he asked softly, "Nora, what's wrong with you today? Did I do something to upset you?"

I shook my head, then looked him in the eyes.

"Julian, would you take a photo of me? Just a regular one. Nothing fancy at all."

I was holding on to one last shred of hope for us.

I thought, if only he'd say yes.

Just this once.

But Julian refused without a second thought.

"Nora, you're really no fun, you know that?

"I've explained this to you more times than I can count. Why do you always have to push it?"

There was a note of irritation in Julian's voice.

He stormed out in a huff, slamming the door behind him.

I let out a humorless laugh, and my heart sank like a stone.

Three years ago, Mia had broken down sobbing in front of me after losing her job. My heart softened, and since she already had some photography skills, I recommended her to Julian.

Within months, she'd made a name for herself at Julian's studio, quickly becoming his go-to person and eventually his assistant.

I was still celebrating for her, even opening a bottle of wine I'd been saving for years to toast her success.

Who would have thought that Julian and Mia had been carrying on right under my nose?

Julian had taken every photo of Mia that he'd refused to take of me.

He'd opened his heart to Mia after keeping it closed to me for years.

And I had become a complete outsider.

I sat down at the computer, confirmed my flight home for the following week, and then deleted every photo, every memory of us from the hard drive.