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The buzz around Amara's victory hadn't quieted even days later.

Media outlets ran articles about her story, praising her skill and her rise from a small-town skater to a national champion.

Amara's phone was flooded with messages from well-wishers, old friends, and even strangers who had been touched by her journey. Endorsement offers began to come in, agents expressed interest, and it felt as if her world had suddenly expanded in all directions.

Amara had barely begun to process everything when she received another life-changing piece of news: she'd been invited to join an international figure skating tour that would showcase some of the best talent from around the world. It was an honor, a chance to skate alongside legends and make her mark on a global stage.

But amidst the excitement, a knot of apprehension grew in her chest.

The tour meant weeks away from home and from Liam.

And it meant plunging into a world of intense scrutiny, where the media would watch her every move.

The thought of navigating it alone, without the quiet support she'd grown used to, was intimidating.

She met with Liam at his penthouse to break the news. He greeted her with his usual warm smile, pulling her into an embrace as soon as she stepped in.

"You look radiant," he said, noticing the sparkle in her eyes. "What's going on?"

Amara took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around his hands. "I've been invited to join an international tour. It's huge, Liam—bigger than anything I've ever done."

Liam's face broke into a proud grin. "That's incredible, Amara! You deserve this."

His excitement was genuine, but she could sense the flicker of concern behind his eyes. It was a look she recognized—a mirror of the emotions she felt inside.

"There's just... a lot to consider," she admitted, letting her fingers play with a loose thread on her sweater. "The tour would take me away for months, and it's pretty intense. There will be press at every stop, interviews, appearances, and all that goes with it."

Liam nodded, listening carefully. "It sounds like it'll be a lot, but I know you can handle it."

Her voice softened as she continued, "But I'm worried about us, too. It'll be hard, being so far apart with all the pressure and expectations. I don't want to lose what we've just found."

Liam reached over, taking her hands in his. "Amara, this is your moment. I'd never want to hold you back. We both knew this wasn't going to be easy—being in different worlds. But I believe in what we have. I'll support you every step of the way, no matter how far apart we are."

Amara's eyes filled with gratitude, yet the uncertainty lingered. She'd never had to juggle her career with a serious relationship, and the stakes felt impossibly high. But Liam's reassurance gave her a sense of calm, a reminder of his unwavering support.

They spent the evening discussing her plans and preparations, brainstorming ways they could stay connected despite the distance.

Liam suggested visiting her at different stops on the tour whenever he could.

The idea of him cheering her on from the stands in different cities filled her with a renewed sense of excitement.

As the night grew late, they moved to the living room, cozying up on the couch with a glass of wine. The city lights sparkled outside, casting a soft glow over their quiet, shared space.

"Promise me something," Liam said, his tone serious.

Amara looked at him, her heart tightening at the intensity in his gaze. "Anything."

"Promise me you won't let the pressure change you. You're going to face a lot of eyes, a lot of opinions. But remember why you started skating in the first place, and hold onto that."

She nodded, moved by his words. "I promise. I won't forget."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Liam added, "And don't ever doubt that I'm here, even if it feels like we're worlds apart. This is just a part of the journey."

Amara rested her head on his shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Liam. For everything."

The next few days were a whirlwind of preparations. She threw herself into practice with renewed energy, determined to make the most of the opportunity. But every time she stepped off the ice, she felt Liam's absence keenly, a quiet ache in her chest reminding her of the new weight she carried.

As the day of her departure approached, she spent every spare moment with Liam.

They wandered through the city, visited art galleries, and indulged in long, lingering dinners where they talked about everything from their childhood memories to their dreams for the future.

Each moment felt precious, a memory she would carry with her when she was far from home.

The night before she was set to leave, Liam invited her over to his place for a quiet, private farewell. He had prepared a simple dinner, and afterward, they sat on the balcony overlooking the city, wrapped in a blanket, her head resting against his shoulder.

"You know, I used to think that success would be all I'd ever need," Amara murmured, gazing out at the city lights. "But now... I can't imagine going through all of this without you by my side."

Liam's hand tightened around hers. "And you won't have to. We'll figure it out, no matter what. You're not alone in this."

The intensity of his words settled deep within her, filling her with a quiet strength. She knew that no matter where the tour took her, this feeling would stay with her, grounding her through every high and low.

As they shared a final, lingering kiss under the stars, Amara felt both a sense of loss and a glimmer of hope. This was only the beginning of their journey, a path that would lead them to places they couldn't yet see. But with Liam's love and support, she knew she could face whatever came next.

When the sun rose the next morning, Amara set off on the next chapter of her career, her heart both heavy and light, filled with the memories and promises they had made.

As she boarded her flight, she looked out the window, whispering a quiet farewell to the city below—and to the man who had shown her what it truly meant to follow her dreams without fear.