Welcome everyone, please have a seat," my secretary announced politely.
They all took their seats.
I had planned what I would say, but the moment I saw him, my mind went completely blank. I was too shocked to speak.
A small throat clearing beside me pulled me back to reality.
It was Stacy.
She was gently urging me to say something.
"I think you should say something, Julie," she whispered in my ear.
"Oh… sorry. Welcome," I finally said.
They all smiled politely.
One of Justin's team members began explaining the purpose of their visit.
"So, it would be in our best interest to inform you that we would like to invest in your company," she said.
But I wasn't listening anymore.
Only one thought filled my mind.
Terminate the project. You cannot work with Justin.
But cancelling this deal would mean a huge loss for my company.
I glanced at him.
That was when he caught me staring.
He smirked.
And I immediately felt my cheeks heat up.
Why is he smirking? Is he enjoying this?
"Is this acceptable to you, Miss Anderson?" his secretary asked.
I blinked.
"I'm sorry… what did you say?" I asked, realizing I hadn't been paying attention.
"I asked if the contract terms are agreeable to you," she repeated.
I panicked slightly.
"I'm sorry, but can we postpone this meeting? I'm not feeling too well," I said.
"Of course," she replied politely.
"Thank you," I said, standing up immediately.
I needed to leave.
But the moment I stepped out of the conference room, I heard my name.
"Juliana! Please wait!"
Justin.
I quickened my steps, but he followed me into the hallway.
"Juliana, please," he said, catching up with me.
"What do you want, Justin? Can't you just let me be?" I shouted, tears already forming in my eyes.
"I just want to talk," he replied calmly.
"There is nothing to talk about. Please excuse me," I said.
As I tried to walk away, he grabbed my hand.
The moment his skin touched mine, I felt that familiar tingling sensation.
I immediately pulled my hand away.
"Look, Juliana, we need to talk," he insisted.
"How can you want us to talk after abandoning me for years?" I asked angrily.
"About what exactly? About how stupid I am? Or how unfaithful I am?" I continued.
"Let's not talk about the past," he said.
"Oh, we shouldn't talk about the past? Then what should we talk about? The future?" I replied bitterly.
"You left me five years ago because you thought I cheated on you. You can't expect me to forget that, can you?"
"Juliana, please. We need to sit down and discuss this properly," he said.
The tears finally fell.
I couldn't hold them anymore.
I felt overwhelmed, hurt, and angry all at once.
Without thinking clearly…
I slapped him.
"I don't think I need to discuss anything with you, Justin. Excuse me," I said and walked away quickly.
Back in my office, I closed the door and leaned against it.
I wiped my tears.
If I had known he was the investor, I would have terminated the project immediately.
I sit alone in my office, the silence pressing against my thoughts.
Justin's face keeps flashing in my mind.
And suddenly — I am no longer in my office.
I am back there.
Eight years ago.
I am walking through the hallway of the university campus, holding my books tightly against my chest.
It is my first year in the School of Arts and Design. I am focused, determined, and not interested in distractions.
As I turn the corner, I accidentally bump into someone.
"My apologies—" I begin.
But when I look up, I see him.
Tall. Handsome with the most striking blue eyes. Confident. Hands in his pockets like he owns the world.
He looks at me briefly, not smiling.
"You should watch where you're going," he says calmly. And rude too, I thought to myself.
I raise my eyebrows.
"Actually, you were the one standing in the middle of the hallway," I reply confidently.
A few students nearby go quiet.
He studies me carefully, like he is surprised I answered back.
"Interesting," he says.
I don't know him, but I can tell he is used to people being intimidated by him.
I refuse to be one of them.
"Next time," I say firmly, "try not to block public space."
Then I walk away without waiting for his response.
Later that week, I discover we are in the same faculty — but different departments.
He studies Business Administration.
I study Fashion Design.
We share some general courses, so I see him again during one of my lectures.
This time, he is speaking during a discussion.
He is confident — maybe too confident.
When he dismisses another student's idea in a slightly harsh tone, I feel irritated.
So I raise my hand.
"Yes?" the lecturer says.
"With respect," I begin calmly, "I think opinions can be corrected without making someone feel small."
The room becomes silent.
All eyes turn to me.
Including his.
For a moment, I expect him to argue.
Instead…
He smiles.
Not mocking.
Interested.
That smile changes something.
After the lecture, he approaches me.
"You're not afraid to speak your mind," he says.
"I don't see a reason to stay silent when something is wrong," I reply.
He nods slowly.
"I like that."
I narrow my eyes slightly.
"I'm not here for anyone's approval."
He chuckles softly.
"I can see that."
From that day, he starts appearing more often.
Not in a strange way — but intentionally.
He waits after lectures.
He offers to walk me to the bus stop.
He asks about my designs.
He remembers small details.
One afternoon, he invites me for coffee.
I almost refuse.
But something about him feels different now.
At the café, we talk for hours.
About dreams.
About ambition.
About our future goals.
He tells me he wants to build something big in business.
I tell him I want to own a global fashion brand.
He listens carefully — not interrupting.
For the first time, I feel heard.
Over time, the meetings become dates.
The dates become long conversations.
The conversations become laughter.
And slowly…
Without forcing it…
We fall in love.
He tells me I inspire him.
I tell him he motivates me.
He holds my hand proudly.
He looks at me like I am important.
Like I matter.
Back then, I believe nothing could break us.
I believe our love is strong.
I believe we are unstoppable.
I never imagine that one misunderstanding could destroy everything.
And suddenly, I am back in my office.
The present.
Justin Hayes is no longer the confident student I once knew.
He is now the investor sitting across from me.
And the man I loved…
Is now the man I fear.A knock sounded on my door.
"Come in," I said.
Stacy entered and sat down.
"Hey, Juliana. How are you doing?" she asked gently.
"I don't know, Stacy. What do you think?" I replied.
She sighed.
"I know I shouldn't say this… but please consider accepting the contract. It could really benefit our company."
I looked at her in disbelief.
I could barely control my emotions.
"I can't believe you're advising me to accept a deal with Justin," I said.
"Juliana, I know he hurt you, but you can't keep dwelling on the past. This opportunity is too big to ignore," she replied calmly.
She continued explaining how the upcoming season and festivals would increase demand, and how they would need strong financial support to meet production needs.
Then she added something that made me pause.
"We could work with his company directly. You wouldn't need to talk to him. I can handle all communications."
I sighed.
She was right.
But my heart was still hurting. "Stace you're right but I can't accept the investment no matter how huge it is, we will look for another investor" I replied and she sighed. "What time do we have to look for investors Julie" she asked "look just think about it okay. You don't have to give an answer now. Take your time and I'm here if you need me" she said and I forced a smile "I know". I replied. Then she left the office. I sat quietly in my office. Stacy is right what he was offering to invest was huge but I couldn't bear to work with him not considering our past but maybe I needed to let go of the past.
Because somehow…
I had a feeling this was only the beginning.