Chapter 1 Letting Him Go

• Sarah****
• I sighed, staring at my trembling hands. I didn’t know what to do.
• I didn’t know if what I was about to do was right or not.
• I shook my head, forcing resolve to take hold. No. I must do this—for Max.
• It’s the only way he can focus on his game. I don’t want to be his distraction, the chain holding him back from his dreams.
• “Sara...” Max’s voice broke through my thoughts. I felt the warmth of his hands gently resting on my shoulders.
• I closed my eyes, lingering in his touch for just a few more seconds.
• I sighed again, summoning every ounce of strength within me. It’s now or never.
• “Max...” I said, standing to face him. My heart clenched as I met his gaze, his handsome face lit with an affectionate smile. “We need to talk.”
• “Okay...” he said softly, his smile widening as he lifted my hand to his lips, kissing the promise ring he had gifted me.
• “We can’t be together,” I said, the words leaving my lips like a dagger slicing through my heart.
• Confusion flickered in his eyes. “What do you mean?”
• “I want to leave.” I repeated, my voice trembling as I fought to hold back the tears threatening to fall.
• “Sara...” Max whispered, his voice laced with pain as he wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly. “Just tell me where you want to go, and I’ll come with you. Anywhere in the world.”
• I sighed, resisting the urge to give in. I wanted to hug him back, to hold on just a little longer. One last time.
• I stayed motionless in his arms, my hands limp at my sides, but my head rested just above his heart.
• I could hear the rapid rhythm of his heartbeat, betraying his fear of losing me.
• I’m sorry, Max. I have to do this. For you.
• “That’s what I don’t want,” I said, pushing him away gently, separating his body from mine. “I don’t want you in my life.”
• “You’re kidding me, right?” he said, forcing a strained smile to hide his distress.
• “I’m not kidding,” I said, my voice firm despite the pain clawing at my chest.
• His smile faltered, confusion giving way to disbelief. “You and I don’t belong together,” I added, hating every word.
• “You’re lying,” he said, his voice breaking as he grasped my hands. “I know you love me. Just tell me if I hurt you—if I did something wrong. Please, Sara, tell me.”
• I couldn’t answer. I knew how much Max loved me, and I loved him just as fiercely. But our love was destroying his dreams, and I couldn’t let that happen.
• For his sake, I had to be cruel. I had to make him believe the lie.
• “I don’t love you anymore,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I couldn’t believe the words were coming from my mouth.
• “You’re lying,” Max said, his eyes searching mine desperately. “I can see it.”
• “I don’t love you,” I repeated, forcing myself to meet his gaze. My voice trembled, but I pressed on. “Why would I love someone like you? What are you? A poor, struggling player. How can you expect me to stay with you when you can’t even provide the basics? All you’ve ever given me is this cheap promise ring. It doesn’t even have a diamond.”
• I slid the ring off my finger, my heart shattering as I threw it to the ground.
• “Why are you doing this? You were never like this,” he murmured, his voice filled with heartbreak.
• I forced a cold smile onto my face. “I was always like this,” I lied. “I dated you because you were the school hunk, someone I thought would make it big. I thought being with you would bring me fame, money, and everything I wanted.”
• He stared at me, his jaw clenched as tears brimmed in his eyes. “So, I was just a stepping stone to you?”
• I nodded. “Exactly. But look at you now. You quit basketball and work as a waiter. You’re a loser, Max. And I don’t want a loser in my life.”
• His hands fell away, his eyes glistening as he looked at me with a pain so deep it nearly broke me. “I thought you loved me for who I am,” he said, his voice barely audible.
• “You were a fool,” I said, a tear slipping from the corner of my eye as I smiled through the pain.
• Max stepped back, his face hardening. “If you want to leave, then go. I won’t stop you. But mark my words, Sara—one day, I’ll have everything. The fame, the success, the life I’ve always dreamed of. And you won’t be there to share it with me. You’ll regret leaving my side.”
• “Go,” he shouted, his voice shaking. “Leave me!”
• I turned and walked away, my legs barely carrying me as tears streamed down my face.
• I’m sorry, Max. I’m so sorry.
• If I had any other choice, I would never have hurt you. But when love becomes a burden, the only choice is to let go.
• You deserve so much more than I can give you. I hope, one day, you understand.