CHAPTER TEN: A DAY OF NEW BEGINNINGS
887 Words
Chloe had been waiting for this day with a nervous excitement she couldn’t hide. Her interview at Ethan’s company was finally here. She smoothed her blazer, fixed her burgundy pants, and reminded herself she had earned this chance. Today wasn’t just an interview it was a step toward building the life she wanted.
At Ethan’s office, the conference room was already filled. Ethan sat with three of his associates, prepared for a joint meeting with another company. As the visiting team walked in, Ethan’s eyes paused on someone he never expected to see Julia, his high school crush. She looked effortlessly elegant in a burgundy pantsuit, her long blonde hair flowing softly across her shoulders.
Throughout the meeting, Ethan tried to focus, but his eyes kept drifting toward her. Julia caught him twice and gave a knowing smile that made his stomach twist. When the meeting ended, Ethan offered to walk her out. They talked lightlylife updates, careers, and memories they both still held. At the car, Ethan asked gently, “Are you married now?”
“Invisible, I guess,” she laughed.
He smiled shyly, admiring her posture, her glow, the familiar aura she carried from school. When she drove off, he found himself standing still longer than he intended.
Meanwhile, Emily was arranging books at her store when her phone rang. It was Brian. She immediately tried to cut the call short. “Brian, I’m really not comfortable with these calls,” she admitted.
“I know,” he said calmly. “I’m calling because I want to order books. Forty-five of them for my son’s classmates.”
She relaxed. “Oh! Okay. That I can help with.”
He transferred the money immediately and explained the delivery needed to happen at the school the next day. They talked a little afterward, clearing up any awkwardness. When the call ended, Emily breathed out, feeling lighter. She decided part of the money would help her restock the store.
Later that afternoon, Chloe walked into Ethan’s office for her interview. She presented her qualifications clearly and confidently, explaining her degree, her experience, and her leadership skills. Ethan kept the interview strictly professional—no favoritism, no personal connection. By the end, his entire team was impressed. Chloe earned the position on merit, and Ethan congratulated her sincerely.
Back at the bookstore, Emily was preparing Brian’s package when he arrived. His security opened the door for him, and he stepped in with his usual calm confidence. Emily greeted him warmly.
“Thank you for doing this so quickly,” he said, watching her add balloons and small gifts to the package. “You’re really thoughtful.”
“It’s his birthday,” she replied. “He should feel special.”
When the books were ready, Brian nodded to his security to load them into the car. Then he turned to Emily. “Can you come with me to the school? My son would love to meet you. It would mean a lot.”
Emily hesitated, then agreed with a small smile. “Sure. I’ll come.”
As soon as they got into the car, Brian asked the driver to stop by a supermarket for some last-minute shopping
Emily sighed dramatically. “Really? We’re already late, and you want to go shopping?”
Brian grinned. “Come on. I promise it’ll be quick. Plus… I like watching you shop.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
“In a charming way,” he said confidently. “Honestly, you’re adorable when you’re focused. I could watch you look at cereal boxes for an hour.”
Emily laughed, pretending not to blush. “Stop. I’m working, not modeling.”
“That’s the problem,” he teased softly, stepping a little closer. “You’re working… but you still look amazing.”
She gave him a playful glare. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re mesmerizing,” he replied, lowering his voice slightly. “Every time I see you, it gets worse.”
Emily shook her head, laughing. “You’re lucky I like you.”
Brian smirked. “Oh, I know. And I’m going to enjoy every second of that.”
They walked through the aisles together, teasing, laughing, brushing hands occasionally. Brian kept sneaking glances at her, admiring how she smiled, how she moved, how natural she was. Emily felt it too—the softness, the warmth, the unspoken connection forming between them.
When they were done, Brian paid, still smiling like a man who had just found something rare.
After the supermarket, they continued to the school. The birthday celebration was lively and filled with laughter. Emily handed out the books to the children with bright smiles, and Brian’s son immediately took a liking to her. They took pictures, shared lunch with the kids, and spent time talking while the children played.
Brian watched her throughout the afternoon her kindness, her patience, her easy connection with the kids. It drew him in more than he expected.
When it was time to leave, he walked her to the car. “Thank you,” he said softly. “Today was… special. Because of you.”
Emily smiled, warm and genuine. “I’m glad I came.”
As they drove off, both of them sat with unspoken thoughts light, sweet, and quietly hopeful.
- Writer
