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 realized my breathing had steadied, my mind slowing, no longer racing with thoughts or worries. Aaron's hand brushed slightly against mine as he adjusted his position, and instead of flinching or moving away, I let it rest there, feeling the warmth of him without needing to acknowledge it.


Somewhere between the quiet movie, the soft light of the screen, and the gentle presence of Aaron beside me, my eyelids grew heavier again. I blinked slowly, trying to resist, but it was pointless. The calm of the room, the weight of my own tired body, and the strange sense of safety I felt all conspired to pull me back under.


Chapter 52 - 52