Five years ago.
The summer air smelled of apples and fresh rain.
Madison Carter stood at the edge of Hayes Orchard's largest field, suitcase in hand and dreams shining in her eyes.
New York.
The city she'd dreamed about since she was sixteen.
The city where she would become someone.
"You're really leaving."
The familiar voice came from behind.
Ethan Hayes.
Twenty-six years old.
Tall.
Quiet.
And looking at her like he was memorizing every detail.
Madison smiled.
"Of course I am."
"You'll come back?"
She laughed.
"Maybe for Christmas."
Ethan forced a smile.
Maybe.
Such a small word.
Yet it shattered his heart.
Because he knew something Madison didn't.
Some people leave home.
And some people spend years waiting for them to return.
As Madison climbed into her car, Ethan slipped a folded letter into his jacket pocket.
A confession.
One he'd spent weeks writing.
One she'd never read.
The engine started.
The car rolled away.
And Ethan watched the girl he loved disappear down the road.
He didn't know then that years later she'd return.
Broken.
Lost.
And become the greatest risk he'd ever take.
Because some love stories don't begin when two people meet.
They begin when fate gives them a second chance.