Five years ago, I gave my heart to someone who promised me forever.

Aaron Knight was not just the heir to a powerful company. With me, he was just Aaron. The man who stayed late to help me finish reports. The man who held my hand like I was something precious. I believed in us. I believed love could stand against anything.

But I was wrong.

One sudden goodbye, one cruel rumor, and everything we had collapsed without explanation.
I left with a broken heart and a promise to myself that I would never let anyone have that kind of power over me again.

Five years later, I have a quiet life. I have responsibilities. I have reasons to be strong. I do not think about the past anymore. Or at least, I try not to.

Until I walk into a meeting room and see him sitting across from me.

Aaron is different now. He looks more mature, more controlled, and there is a ring on his finger.
The air between us feels heavy, like unfinished words are hanging in it. He looks at me like I am a mystery he never solved. I look at him like he is a chapter I never got to close.

The worst part is not seeing him again. The worst part is realizing that my heart still reacts. But the past has sharp edges, and I remember how deeply it cut me before.

So when he starts stepping closer, when old feelings begin to rise, I have to ask myself ,
“Is love worth the risk a second time?”

Everything Aaron was saying sounded strange, but at the same time, it also explained many things.


"You really never dated anyone after I left?" I asked quietly.


"No," he said. "I did not feel the need to."


"And Amanda agreed to that kind of marriage?" I asked.


"Yes," he answered calmly. "Because it also helped her."


I looked at him quietly for a moment before speaking.


"If that is really the case with Amanda," I said slowly, "then there is no problem."


The conversation between us slowly faded into silence, and I turned my head slightly toward the open sky in front of us.


The evening had grown calmer now. The sun was slowly setting behind the buildings in the distance, painting the sky with soft orange and golden colors.


"It is beautiful," I said quietly while staring at the sky. "Watching the sunset like this."


Chapter 29 - 29