"Take Me Back"

Episode 6: The Professional Edge

The glass doors of "Horizon Publishing" swung open, and for the first time in five years, I felt like I was wearing my own armor. I wasn't just Aria anymore; I was a lead editor with a deadline and a reputation.

"Aria, the new investor is in the conference room," my assistant, Sarah, whispered, looking a bit flustered. "He’s... well, he’s intense."

I adjusted my blazer and took a deep breath. "Intense is fine, Sarah. I’ve dealt with intense before."

I pushed the door open, expecting a corporate shark in a stiff suit. What I found was Kabir. He was standing by the window, looking out at the city skyline he had conquered while I was busy rebuilding my soul. He turned around, and the "investor" mask he was wearing slipped for just a fraction of a second when he saw me.

"Aria," he said, his voice professional but with an edge that reminded me of our conversation in the rain.

"Mr. Malhotra," I replied, sitting at the head of the table. I didn't offer my hand. "I didn't realize your interest in the arts extended to struggling publishing houses."

He sat opposite me, leaning forward. "I told you I wouldn't run, Aria. If I have to buy the whole building just to make sure you hear me out, I will."

"This isn't a café, Kabir. This is my work. You don't get to buy your way into my forgiveness."

"I’m not buying forgiveness," he said, sliding a contract across the table. "I’m buying time. This is a proposal for a new series. I want you to edit it. It’s a story about a man who lost everything and is trying to find the only thing that ever mattered."

I looked at the title on the first page: The Epilogue of Us.

My heart hammered against my ribs. He was using my own words against me. He was turning our tragedy into a project I couldn't ignore.

"You’re playing a dangerous game," I whispered.

"It’s not a game," he replied, his eyes dark and unwavering. "It’s a mission."