pte

's words from the night before flooded back into her mind. He had left, leaving her standing in her doorway, still processing everything he had said. And

e stared out of the window at the sprawling city of Vancouver beyond. The soft golden light of early morning filtered through

first time, it

se. Valentine had raised him in many ways, having stepped into a motherly role after his own mother's p

life of adventure and luxury. A life that seemed to beckon her, whispering promises of something greater than the quiet routine she had built for herself. And

t metropolis, a different world awaited her. The life Jang Woo had described, with all its challenges and unknowns, wa

ruly embrace this opportunity wit

lted, her breath catching in her throat. Who could it be? She had

t her with his wide, trusting eyes. He was holding a small bou

chirped, his bright smile l

ght of her little nephew. He had always known how to brighten her d

m warmly, crouching down to

ced them carefully. "I picked them for you," he said, a mischievous grin t

She placed a gentle kiss on his forehead before sta

r you up," he said, his small voice fill

his words were. He could always sense when something was wrong, when

ow furrowing. "Are you going to leave?" he

red, the idea of leaving Mason behind was the hardest. But she

neeling down again to meet his gaze. "I h

ed a tiny hand on her arm.

't want to leave you, Mas

you go, I'll miss you. I don't

her throat. "You'll always have me, Mason. I promise you tha

er, though Valentine could tell that there was stil

day?" Mason asked, his innocenc

wn to ruffle his hair. "Of cour

n off to play, Valentine closed the door behind her. Her heart was h

ll that she could provide for herself and her family, was tantalizing. But Mason's words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the lif

r. She couldn't escape the questions swirling in her mind. Was it fair to pursue her

e like this? What if she let the opportu

es. Her phone buzzed beside her, breaking the silence. Valentine picked it up

ion is not an easy one, but I hope you know that I'm here to support you,

y in his words made her chest tighten. This wasn't just about a job to h

Mr. Jang. I'm still thinking about

had and what could be was tearing her apart. She had always chosen the safe path, the familiar one. B

me, she felt like she was standing at a crossroad