Prologue

"This is the final boarding call for Trans Atlantic Air flight number 1257, destination John F. Kennedy Airport, New York City, The United States of America…"

Sighing quietly, Ethan Crane stood from his seat, and turned to face his wife of three years Gwen. Gwen's lips were drawn into a straight line, her dull blue eyes surveying the bustling activity of the Paris International Airport.

"Gwen," Ethan murmured softly, kneeling down in front of her, taking her small hands within his, "that's my flight."

Gwen just nodded and removed her hands from his grasp. Ethan felt a twinge of sadness as she did this, knowing fully well that this was the last time he would being seeing her for who knew how long.

"Are you sure about this, Gwen?" he asked quietly, trying to meet her gaze. She kept her eyes focused right above his head, avoiding his gaze.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life," she said coldly, folding her slender arms across her chest. Ethan reached up to push a strand of her auburn hair away from her face, but she jerked away from his touch as if it might scald her.

"Gwen…I love you. I love you more than anything on this planet…please, baby, can't we work this out?"

Ethan's hopes began to rise as Gwen 's steely glare softened. She let her eyes meet his and for a moment, Ethan thought she might change her mind, that this "trial separation" of theirs wouldn't be happening.

"Ethan, I've loved you since we were little kids, and I'll always love you…but until you can make me your number one priority, and not your job, then this is going to be for the best. Maybe not having me with you will make you realize that what we have together is something special."

"I'm sorry Gwen, so, so sorry. I pray to God that you know that."

"I know you are Ethan," Gwen whispered, taking his face between her trembling fingers. She bent her head down and brought his lips to meet hers. A kiss that was sweetly bitter, filled with the promise of goodbye.

"Gwen…I promise you, baby, we're going to work this out. If it's the last thing that I ever do, I will make things right with you."

He stood up, and grabbed his briefcase and ticket from the chair beside Gwen. As he turned towards the gate to board the flight, he felt Gwen's hand on his arm. He whirled around, heart thumping, hope once again rising to the surface, and was surprised to see tears running down her face. His heart ached for her, ached for what they had, and for what he had ruined.

"Goodbye, Ethan."

Her words had the tone of finality. It was over.

Ethan Crane knew, for the first time in life, what it felt like to lose.

And he didn't like it one bit.