RECLAIMING EMMA

Episode 6

Emma’s Pov

“ I am supposed to meet a potential new client who had expressed interest in partnering with our company. I am used to these meetings, but what is Sam doing here?”

However, I was not prepared for the shock that awaited me when the door opened, and my secretary ushered in a figure from the past who had searched everywhere to no avail.

“My breath caught in my throat as Sam stared around the office.”

He is looking really different now, his hair streaked with hints of gold but the only difference is the status. The Sam I know was not rich, he was just a common driver.

Years ago, Sam had been my secret lover. He was the P. A and also Jeff’s driver, he was there for me anytime Jeff was maltreating and bullying me. We had been seeing each other secretly and promised each other the world.

We planned to elope with Sam, but Jeff had eyes everywhere and he knew about all our plans. Sam was picked and since then we lost contact and eventually Jeff served me divorce papers.

And now, here he is, sitting right in front of me in my office, as though fate had decided it wasn’t quite finished with us.

“Emma,” Sam said, his voice smooth but tinged with surprise. “It’s been a long time.”

I was shocked, even while I pretended with my dark glass, Sam could still recognize me. I composed myself, my heart raced as I forced a smile.

“Sam. Yes, it’s been long.”

“The air between us crackled with tensions, the years of unspoken words, unresolved feelings, and memories that we both shared rekindled in my heart.” I have never been this distracted in a business meeting, but seeing Sam after a long time knocked me off balance.

I could feel his gaze, and I wasn’t expecting that. I had faced competitors, board members, and industry leaders with ease, but this was different.

“I didn’t realize you were the CEO here,” Sam said, in a calm tone now, though his expression betrayed a hint of admiration.

I raised my eyebrow, regaining my usual poise. “Surprised?”

He chuckled softly. “I shouldn’t be. You were always the most driven person I knew.”

My heart gave a little flip at his words, but I quickly pushed the feeling aside. This is supposed to be a business meeting, not a trip down memory lane. I need to get back to work and let not my emotions cloud my judgment. I need to make Mrs Williams proud and also elevate the company.

“So,” I said, leaning back in my chair, “what brings you to William’s Corp?”

Sam’s expression changed, and for a moment, he looked uncertain. He cleared his throat, clearly trying to compose himself. “I’m here on behalf of my company. We’re interested in partnering with William’s Corp on a new project. I didn’t know until today that you were the CEO.”

Hmmm. I studied him, and my mind worked through the implications. It wasn’t just the shock of seeing him again that was unsettling, but the fact that the two companies would be working together. If our paths would cross again after all these years, I wasn’t expecting it in such a professional setting, and also not this early.

“Well,” I said after a moment, “I think we have a lot to discuss.”

We spent almost two hours discussing business. Sam presented his company’s proposal, and I listened, taking notes and asking the right questions as a trained professional in the corporate world. But underneath it all, my mind kept drifting back to the past.

Sam had been a huge part of my life once. We had dreamed of a future together, though those dreams eventually drifted apart. Seeing him again now, after so many years, stirred emotions I thought I had buried long ago. I wondered if he felt the same, but that is so hard to know... His demeanor was polished and businesslike, making me surprised and difficult to believe that he was the Sam I fell in love with.

The meeting finally came to a close, Sam stood up, extending his hand. “Thank you for your time, Emma Jones. I hope we can work together on this.”

I hesitated for a second before taking his hand. It was a simple handshake, but it felt like a connection.

“Thank you, Sam,” I replied. “I’ll be in touch.”

Sam turned to leave, and he paused at the door, glancing back at me. “It was good seeing you again,” he said softly.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. “You too.”

Once the door closed behind him, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I sat back in my chair, staring at the space where Sam had just been. It felt surreal, like a scene from a movie. I never expected to see him again, let alone in such a professional setting. And yet, there he was, the man who had once meant everything to me, now just a client.

But was he really just a client?

The rest of the day passed in a blur. I was going through the motions, meetings, calls, and emails, but my mind kept wandering back to Sam. It’s so hard to shake the feeling that our encounter wasn’t just a coincidence. There is something unfinished between us, something that had been left unsaid all those years.

In the evening, as I sat on the balcony of my apartment looking at the beauty of the city, I allowed myself to dwell in the past. I sip wine from my cup as I settle onto the couch, my thoughts drifting back to years ago.

The following week, I received a call from Sam’s company wanting to move forward with the partnership, and a second meeting was scheduled to finalize our discussion.

I was expecting their calls actually, after all their company stands to benefit greatly from the collaboration but part of me wishes to avoid another face-to-face meeting with Sam again.

I was so nervous on the meeting day, that I felt like a college student about to take an exam.

As I walked into the conference room, I saw Ethan already seated, reviewing some documents. The sound of my heels drew his attention, he looked up as I entered, and for a moment, our eyes met.

“Emma,” Sam greeted with a smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Good Morning, Sam,” I replied, taking my seat across from his.

The meeting was straightforward. We discussed the terms of the partnership and negotiated the finer points, and by the end, both parties were satisfied.

As the meeting drew to an end, and others left the conference hall, Sam lingered for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

“Emma,” he said slowly, “there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

I raised my eyebrow, my heart beating a little faster. “What is it?”

He hesitated as if choosing his words carefully. “Do you ever think about the past? About... us?”

Emma was taken aback by the question. I wasn’t expecting him to bring up that, especially not in such a direct way.

“I do,” I admitted, with a soft voice. “Sometimes.”

I don't think that is necessary, we have moved on, and am sure by now you will be married with kids as I do.

Sam nodded, his gaze intense. “I’ve been thinking about you since Jeff ordered my kidnap and paid me off from seeing or having anything to do with you, Emma i suffered and all that made me almost loss my Mum.