Richard caught her in the act. He confessed Isabella had been his first love, lost while he was away at war. Emily reminded him of her. That’s why he married her.

“You must let go,” she said. “I’m not Isabella.”

Richard finally listened. He changed—gave Emily freedom, encouraged her to study abroad, and promised to wait, not as her owner, but as her partner.

Emily left to find herself, but she never forgot the man who learned, too late, that love isn’t about replacing the past—it’s about choosing the present, together.