Flight Turbulence

Fiona POV

I had imagined this moment so many times. Xavier and I, finally free, soaring above the clouds, wrapped up in each other like nothing else mattered. I pictured leaning into his warmth, the steady hum of the plane engines a soothing backdrop to our whispered conversations about the future. This was supposed to be the start of something new—our escape, our adventure.

But, of course, reality had other plans.

Because just as we settled into our seats, trying to shake off the encounter at the airport, I heard his voice. Jeremy.

"Father," he said smoothly, as if the word didn't taste bitter on his tongue. "I was wondering if we'd run into you again."