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?”

I felt the world shrink down to just him, the gentle rocking of the canoe, and the golden reflection of the sunset dancing across the water. It was soft, slow, and completely perfect, the kind of moment I would remember forever.


When we finally pulled back slightly, our foreheads resting together, we both laughed softly, breathless, and I realized that being with him like this, so close, so gentle, so full of care, was exactly where I was meant to be.


I remember that drive home so clearly. Aaron had glanced at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Did you enjoy yourself?" he asked, his voice low and warm.


Chapter 37 - 37