THE LANDING
Seven hours later, our flight touched down in Aurelia.
Morning sunlight was just beginning to spill across the tarmac.
One by one, the passengers disembarked.
Celeste did not wait for Adrian.
The second the doors opened, she collected her coat and luggage.
Then walked off the aircraft alone without looking back at him once.
Adrian remained frozen in seat 2A.
His personal phone buzzed relentlessly.
Board members.
Attorneys.
Banking representatives.
Valecrest executives.
He checked one notification.
Then another.
Each seemed to age him another year.
Eventually, he stood.
For the first time in years, Adrian Cross carried his own luggage.
I stood beside the main aircraft door in my immaculate navy uniform.
Hair still neat.
