Zayne couldn't take his eyes off me . He watched as 1 energetically moved around the research camp , discussing projects with my team and recording data with focus . Every time our eyes met , 1 saw the struggle and pain in his gaze . He finally understood . I was no longer the silent wife trapped in his world , but an independent , talented researcher . I was a woman he had never truly known . This realization was more painful than any physical wound for Zayne . His old world , which had been built on power and control , was collapsing around him in real time . He tried to use his old logic to fix things , but soon realized that none of it worked here . He couldn't buy my forgiveness with money , nor could he force me to stay with power . Here at the research camp , he was just an outsider . Zayne closed his eyes in pain , overwhelmed by feelings he had never known . No matter how hard he tried , things could never go back . And I had already stepped out of his world and found my own light . Beneath the endless Nordic glaciers, Zayne finally saw his own heart clearly . He realized that , for all his struggle , his heart belonged to me , and he could never take it back . This sense of helplessness weighed more than any failure he had ever known . He understood it now . Real love was not about control or possession , but respect and letting go . Alas , this understanding had come far too late . Zayne's figure stayed at the edge of camp as his eyes always followed me , a flurry of emotions within . I knew what he was thinking , what he was remembering . But I also knew that all of that was in the past . I turned and returned to my work , not looking at him again . Zayne slowly stood up and dialed Rick's number , his voice low but firm . " Rick , tell everyone I'm staying in Nord indefinitely . I won't return without Wendy . I need to become the man she might forgive , not just a husband who wants to own her . " He hung up , his eyes set with determination . Time passed by , and one year passed in the blink of an eye . In my apartment in Nord , I held my son , Seamus Morgan , in my arms , full of gratitude . My life had changed completely this year . My research had been published and passed peer review , and I had made genuine friends . Most importantly , I had become a mother and discovered the purest kind of love . 1/3 Chops H +30 Bonus One day , Zayne appeared at my door . He moved quietly , almost as if he were afraid to disturb our peace . He walked over , gently kissed my forehead , then Seamus's cheek . " The plane's ready , " he said softly . " If you want , we can go home now . " I looked up at him , emotions swirling in my heart . Over the past year , I had watched Zayne change . He had learned to respect my boundaries and stopped trying to control me . He had learned to listen instead of just giving orders . He supported my work , quietly helping me whenever I needed it . " Zayne , " I said quietly , " You've changed so much . " He smiled , warmth shining in his eyes . " Yes , Wendy . I've changed because I love you and Seamus , and I'm willing to change for both of you . " I gazed at him , a wave of emotion welling up inside . Once , the gap between us had been so far apart , almost as if there was an entire world between us . Now , he felt so close , as if he was standing right by my side . I nodded , and tears welled in my eyes . " Alright . Let's go home . " A long - lost smile spread across Zayne's face as he gripped my hand tightly , as if he were afraid I might slip away again . " Thank you , Wendy , " he whispered . " Thank you for giving me another chance . " But we both knew things wouldn't be so simple . Old wounds wouldn't heal overnight . We would still need time to mend what was broken . As Zayne and I prepared to leave Norway , Jane made her own choice . She realized she couldn't come between us , so she reconciled with her ex - husband in Westland and returned to Westhearth on her own . Maybe that was where she truly belonged . Zayne picked up my research notes and Seamus's crib . I slung my laptop bag over my shoulder , and together , we walked out of my apartment . Looking back , I realized this was where my new life began . Now , it was time for another new journey . "All set ? " Zayne asked softly . I nodded . " Yeah , I'm ready . " He looked at me , his eyes full of warmth . " Then let's go . " 2/3 +30 Bonus I followed him out , heading toward the car waiting outside . Sunlight showered over us , gentle and warm . I looked up at the sky , my heart filled with hope . I knew that the divorce was still valid , but I also knew I was willing to give Zayne , as well as us , another chance - For Seamus's sake and for myself . The car started and headed for the airport . As I watched the scenery slip by , my heart overflowed with emotion . We had been through so much and grown so much . The road ahead would still be long as we walked into the future , but as long as we faced it together , I believed we would make it all the way till the end . Continue Reading