Chapter 26: A Redefining Moment

Rachel had always been someone who focused intensely on her work. Lately, she had thrown herself into her pottery project, her hands always covered in clay. This project was her escape, a place where she could forget about everything else. But even as she lost herself in her art, she kept a part of herself connected to Mike. Mike was a constant presence in her life. They talked every day, their conversations a link that kept them close despite the distance. But Mike felt that something had changed. He missed Rachel deeply, but she didn't seem to feel the same way. There was a distance in her voice, a hesitation that he couldn't ignore. The truth was, Rachel was struggling with guilt. She had made a mistake with Jason, and it weighed heavily on her. She knew she should tell Mike, but she was scared. She doubted Mike’s love for her, and yet she didn't want to lose him. She wasn't ready to face that reality—not yet. One evening, during one of their long conversations, Mike asked her, "