The autumn sun cast a golden glow over New York City as Sylus suggested a family outing with Natalia. "Let's spend the day in Central Park," he said, his voice low and smooth, like the jazz playing in the background.I felt a pang in my chest, a quiet ache that I'd been trying to ignore. This was it. Soon, I'd have to leave. But for now, I wanted to savor this day, to bottle it up and keep it forever.We walked through the Upper East Side streets, the trees lining the sidewalk like sentinels, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Natalia skipped ahead, her laughter carrying on the wind, as she chased after a squirrel that was trying to steal a pretzel from a street vendor.As we entered the park, Sylus took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine like they belonged there. Like we were a real couple, a real family. I felt a flutter in my chest, a tiny spark of hope that I quickly tamped down. This wasn't real, I reminded myself. It was just a job, a means to an end.We stroll
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