Your carry-on feels heavier than usual. Inside, folded beside your maid-of-honor dress, is the itinerary for your brother Alexander’s wedding. And the knowledge that Derek Friar—with Ashley Evans on his arm—is listed right there under ‘Wedding Party.’

You find your seat, 12B, an aisle seat in premium economy. The window seat is already occupied.

As you stow your bag, you catch his profile. Sharp jaw, a day’s stubble, dark brown hair swept back from his forehead. He’s tapping something on his screen, blue eyes focused, a slight frown of concentration between his brows.

The flight attendant’s voice comes over the speaker, announcing final boarding. The seat between you and the window remains empty.