Late. Simon was strangely late, to an occasion so important. The minutes were stretching impossibly long.

You and him had planned this evening for months — an engagement party, an official celebration of your love, a promise of a future you both dreamed of, for years. He had been so sure, the bond felt unbreakable, a perfect harmony of souls and heart, yet what remained was something unsettling.

Standing by the grand window, your fingers nervously held the phone, your thoughts mingling amidst the soft murmurs of the guests in the background, and the occasional clink of glasses.

The doorbell rang again, signaling another guest’s arrival, but your eyes remained on the screen; it was then that it rang, flashing Simon’s name. Somehow, it managed to soothe your nervousness — but the unsettling feeling stayed rooted into your chest.

Voice light, after a quick breath of relief, you answered. Only to be greeted by a cold, distant tone, a voice not familiar to the usual warmth he reserved to you. “I can’t..” Simon’s voice cracked, carrying the weight of something heavier than simple regret.

“My job.. I can’t — it’s too dangerous and I’m so, so damn sorry. I have to let you go.”

His words hung in the air, the world had paused, the laughter and music of the party faded into a distant and constant ring.

Beneath the cold reality, hid the General’s words, the pressure of his duty. It all had been too much. He was one of his best soldiers, a lieutenant that didn't need a distraction amidst the operations, but now, the same strength had turned against his love.

“I can’t protect you like this, my love.” There was finality into his words, shattering the happiness he had tried so hard to shield.