The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of Angela's dormitory, the soft hum of its engine fading into the busy sounds of the city. Its glossy surface reflected the bustling activity of students coming and going, dragging suitcases and exchanging goodbyes with their families. Angela gazed out of the window, her heart heavy with the bittersweet reality of stepping into her new life.

　　Edmund leaned back in the driver's seat, his fingers drumming absently on the wheel but didn't say anything at first. His gaze rested on the modest brick building before him, a stark contrast to the opulence of the island villa they had just left behind.

　　Angela sat beside him, her heart heavy with the weight of reality setting in. This wasn't just a goodbye to their island paradise; it was a step into a new chapter of her life, one where she would have to navigate her feelings for Edmund while pursuing her academic dreams.

　　"Are you nervous?" Edmund's deep voice broke the silence, his tone warm and reassuring.

　　Angela turned to him, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "A little. It's a big step, new college, new people. I still can't believe I'm starting college."

　　Edmund reached over, his fingers brushing hers. "You're going to be amazing. You always are. But remember, you're not alone. I'm just a call away."

　　The words sent a warmth spreading through her chest. She squeezed his hand gently before reluctantly letting go. She gave him a faint smile, though the ache in her chest persisted. As much as she was excited about her studies, leaving his side felt like walking away from a part of herself.

　　Edmund stepped out of the car, striding with his usual confidence to her side and opening the door for her. Angela's heart fluttered at the gesture, it was such a small thing, but it felt deeply intimate. He held out his hand, and she took it, stepping out into the brisk air.

　　"Thank you," she murmured, stepping out.

　　As they stood on the curb, the noise of the world around them seemed to fade. Edmund looked at her, his piercing gaze filled with emotions he rarely let anyone see.

　　"Ready?" he asked softly.

　　"Not really," Angela admitted, her voice trembling just a little.

　　Edmund smirked, the corners of his mouth curving in that way that always made her pulse quicken. "Good," he said. "If you were, it wouldn't be nearly as exciting."

　　They started walking toward the entrance, their steps deliberately slow. Neither seemed in a hurry to end this moment. The autumn sunlight streamed through the trees lining the campus, painting golden patterns on the pavement. Angela looked up at the tall building, its old brick exterior exuding an air of academia and history.

　　Angela clutched her bag tightly, her fingers brushing against his as they walked toward the dormitory. Their steps were slow, deliberate, as if dragging out the inevitable parting. "I don't want to go," she admitted softly, her voice barely audible.

　　Edmund stopped walking and turned to her. Gently, he reached out, cupping her cheek. "Angela," he said, his voice firm yet tender. "You're starting a new journey. You're not walking into this alone, this doesn't change anything between us. You'll have me every step of the way."

　　"But your world…" she trailed off, lowering her gaze.

　　"Don't," Edmund said, lifting her chin so she'd meet his eyes. "You're not separate from my world anymore. You're the best part of it."

　　The intensity of his words struck her, leaving her momentarily speechless. His words were like a balm to her frayed nerves. "Promise me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Promise me we'll find time. Promise me this won't fade."

　　His lips curved into a smile, one that reached his eyes. "I promise, Angela. Nothing will come between us. I'll make sure of it." They resumed walking, and soon they were at the hostel's entrance. Edmund carried her bag inside despite her protests. "You think I'd let you lug this thing around?" he teased, giving her a mock-scolding look.

　　She laughed softly, rolling her eyes. "You're impossible."

　　"Impossibly devoted to you," he quipped, his tone lighter now, though the weight of his affection lingered in the air between them.

　　The narrow hallway was bustling with students moving in, but Edmund guided her to a quiet corner near the staircase. Setting her bag down, he turned to her, his expression serious yet tender.

　　"I hate this part," he admitted, his voice dropping.

　　Angela felt her heart clench. "Me too," she whispered.

　　He stepped closer, caressing her cheeks lovingly. "This is your world now. But it doesn't mean you're leaving mine."

　　Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "What if it gets too hard?"

　　"It won't," Edmund said, his tone unwavering. "Because I won't let it. And neither will you and I mean every word."

　　Angela reached up, her hands resting on his. "You're everything to me, Edmund. I don't know how I'll manage without you around all the time."

　　"You'll manage," he said, his lips curving into a soft smile. "Because you're strong. But just so you know…" He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

　　Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss, a blend of passion and yearning. The kiss was deep, lingering, and filled with all the words they couldn't say aloud. Angela felt her knees weaken, her fingers gripping his lapels as if to anchor herself.

　　When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Angela rested her forehead against his chest, savoring the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

　　"You spoil me," she whispered.

　　"And I'll never stop," he replied with a soft chuckle. "Speaking of which…"

　　Angela raised an eyebrow as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small envelope. "What's this?"

　　"A little something for our next date," he teased, handing it to her. "Consider it a hint of what's to come."

　　She opened it to find a handwritten note: Patience is a virtue. But not for too long. - EB.

　　Angela laughed, her cheeks flushing. "You're impossible."

　　"And you love it."

　　After another stolen kiss, Edmund reluctantly left, glancing back at her one last time before disappearing through the doors. Angela sighed. After Edmund left, Angela stood in the doorway of her dorm room, letting out a long sigh. The room was small but cozy, with soft, neutral tones and a window that let in ample sunlight. To her surprise, it was tucked away at the end of the hall, almost isolated from the rest, a small, private retreat.

　　"That's odd," she murmured, placing her bag on the bed. "Why me?"

　　But she didn't dwell on it for long. If anything, the privacy was a blessing. She dropped her bag on the bed, her gaze drifting around the room. It was quiet, peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling dormitory she had expected.

　　As she began unpacking, her thoughts drifted back to the island, the sound of the waves, the feel of Edmund's arms around her, the way he looked at her as if she were the only thing that mattered in the world. Her fingers brushed against the seashell necklace he'd given her, and she held it close to her heart.

　　Her fingers brushed against something unfamiliar in her suitcase, getting her attention. It was a piece of paper, she pulled that out. She unfolded it to find Edmund's familiar handwriting.

　　"For when you need to feel close to me, I'm only a call away. And when I see you again, I'll make up for every second apart. Always yours, Edmund."

　　A smile appeared at the corner of her lips. Even in his absence, he found ways to make her feel cherished.

　　Driving away from the hostel, Edmund gripped the steering wheel tightly. Leaving Angela there felt like leaving a piece of himself behind. His thoughts remained on Angela. The sight of her standing there, so full of hope and uncertainty, tugged at something deep within him.

　　The city buzzed around him, but his thoughts were solely on her, how she'd adjusted to her new space, whether she'd miss him as much as he already missed her. He allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability. He missed her already, the emptiness in the car a stark reminder of her absence.

　　Arriving at his office, he was greeted by Mark, his ever-efficient right-hand man. "Good to see you, sir," Mark said.

　　Edmund gave a curt nod. "Is everything set about the college?"

　　"Yes, sir, perfectly," Mark confirmed. "The acquisition is complete. The room allocation was handled as per your instructions. Miss Angela's residence is exactly as you requested, secluded and secure."

　　Edmund's lips curved into a rare smile. "Good. Keep me updated on her comfort there. And make sure no one connects me to the arrangement."

　　"Understood, sir." Mark hesitated for a moment before adding, "It's clear she means a great deal to you."

　　"She does," Edmund said simply, his voice leaving no room for doubt.

　　As Mark left, satisfaction settled over him. Angela's happiness and security were his priorities, and he would spare no effort to ensure both. Edmund sat at his desk, staring out at the city skyline, his phone in hand. He considered calling her but decided against it, knowing she needed time to settle in.

　　Edmund stared out at the city lights, a glass of scotch in his hand, missing Angela already. He was used to having her by his side, in his arms while sleeping. He missed that too.

　　Back at her dorm, Angela sat by the window, watching the city lights flicker to life as evening fell. She traced the seashell charm with her finger, her thoughts drifting to Edmund.

　　Despite the distance between them, they both found comfort in the shared knowledge that their hearts were tethered together, unshaken by the miles between them. This was only the beginning of a new chapter in their story, one filled with challenges, but also with the promise of a love that could withstand anything.