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 don't want to talk!" I shouted, my voice breaking slightly despite my effort. "I don't want anything from you right now!"


Aaron's expression hardened, a mix of frustration and concern flashing across his face. "Katherine, please, just… hear me out. You can't keep shutting me out like this. You can't keep ignoring me."


I took a deep breath, my hands gripping the edge of my desk tightly. "I can do whatever I want," I said, my voice shaking but resolute. "And right now, I want you to leave my office."


I shook my head, my hands trembling as I pointed toward the door. "Just… leave me alone, Aaron. Like you did five years ago. Just go."


He took a step closer, and I instinctively stepped back, my voice rising. "Stop! I mean it! Leave!"


"I can't," he said, calm but firm, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm not leaving. Not now, not ever. I missed you… I missed the kids. I can't live without you, not even for a few minutes."


Chapter 79 - 80