Ten years had passed… yet for Aera, those years felt both long and painfully short. London's cold morning fog wrapped the city like a blanket of old memories—memories she had tried to forget, but which time had stitched deeper into her heart.
Across the city, Rihan stepped out of the subway station, adjusting the strap of his worn-out bag. Ten years had changed him—his shoulders were broader, his eyes calmer, but a quiet exhaustion sat behind them. Life had hardened him softly… like rain smoothing a sharp stone.
Today, he wasn't here as the lost boy from Nerathion.
Today, he was here for something different—
an interview at NovaSilk International, one of the most powerful clothing corporations in the world.
He had prepared all night.
He had practiced answers, memorised designs, held hope tightly…
…yet something inside him felt heavier than his bag.
Inside NovaSilk Headquarters
The building towered above him—glass walls reflecting the sky, as if the company itself held the power to reshape destinies. As Rihan entered the lobby, he felt a strange mixture of nerves and déjà vu. The polished floors, the faint scent of perfume, and the buzzing energy of employees moving around him…
It reminded him of something.
Or rather—
someone.
Maybe it was foolish, but the past still whispered, like a quiet echo from Ullu World.
The Unexpected Encounter
When Rihan reached the 17th floor for the interview, he stopped.
Because seated near the conference room—
reviewing documents, speaking to her assistant, commanding the room with calm authority—
was Hana.
Hana…
the girl who had once walked into Aera's and Rihan's life like a quiet breeze.
The girl who had once been gentle, soft-spoken, always trying not to hurt anyone.
Ten years had changed her too.
Her hair was styled professionally, her clothes elegant, her presence sharp but not cold.
She looked stronger.
Unreachable.
And when her eyes lifted—
They met Rihan's.
Just for a heartbeat.
Her pen slipped slightly.
Her breath caught.
But she recovered instantly, as if years of emotional discipline had taught her never to crumble.
Rihan felt his chest tighten.
Memories flashed—laughter, arguments, tears, tough choices…
the beginning of the love triangle neither of them had wanted, yet all three had been trapped in.
Hana Stands
"Rihan…?"
Her voice was steady, but her eyes trembled for a moment.
Rihan forced a small smile.
"Hana. It's… been a long time."
She closed her file.
"It has."
Their brief silence felt heavier than any word.
Ten years of unsaid apologies.
Ten years of unanswered questions.
Ten years of wondering if they had all made the right choices.
The Interview Begins
Hana walked into the interview room along with the other executives.
But she didn't turn back to look at him even once.
That hurt more than he expected.
Rihan took his seat, trying to push away the ache in his chest. He answered questions, presented his ideas, showed his portfolio. But half his mind was stuck on Hana's expression…
That tiny flicker in her eyes—
the one that said:
"Why now? Why here? After everything?"
The Twist
When the interview ended, Hana remained behind as the other executives left.
Quietly, she spoke:
"Rihan… you weren't supposed to come back into my life like this."
Her words were soft, but filled with years of buried emotion.
Rihan lowered his gaze.
"I didn't come for that. I came for the job. For my future."
Hana gave a small, sad smile.
"Futures and pasts… they get tangled sometimes."
He didn't know what to say.
And before either could continue—
A message flashed on Hana's office screen.
"Aera has arrived at NovaSilk Headquarters."
Rihan's heart stopped.
Hana froze too.
Ten years of distance…
Ten years of silence…
Ten years of pain…
And now—
All three would be in the same building.
The love triangle wasn't returning.
It had never truly ended.
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