The CEO'S forgotten love

Chapter Two

(Izzy's POV)

The invitation sat on my kitchen counter for days before I finally decided to go. Julian has been insistent, his words ringing in my ears every time I looked at the elegant card.

"It's a golden opportunity, Izzy. The kind of event that could put Sweet Haven on the map. You have to go."

And so, here I was, standing at the entrance of the Callahan Grand Hotel, feeling completely out of place. The marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, and the soft hum of conversation filled the vast ballroom. Waiters in crisp black uniforms weaved through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Everything about this place screamed wealth and privilege, a world I have never been a part of.

I smoothed my hands over the soft fabric of my navy blue gown, a last-minute find, thanks to Julian.

"If you're going to make an impression, you might as well look like you belong," he had said, practically shoving me into the dress.

A deep breath. You can do this.

Clutching my small purse in one hand and Sophia's hand in the other, I stepped into the room, my eyes scanning for Julian. He promised to meet us here, but so far, there was no sign of him.

I never intended to bring Sophia along because this event isn't exactly kid friendly, but I couldn't find a babysitter I was comfortable with and there was no one else to watch her. It was in moments like this that I miss my mom so much.

I spotted a long table near the far end of the ballroom, adorned with an elegant display of pastries—my pastries. My heart swelled with pride. This was why I was here. Callahan Enterprises had contacted me the day after I got the invitation and asked me to bring samples of my baked goods. They're basically advertising small businesses they saw potential in and luckily, mine is on the list.

Making my way toward the table, I heard a few attendees who complimented my work. It was surreal hearing strangers gush over my desserts. For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of confidence. Maybe Julian was right, maybe this was exactly what Sweet Haven needed.

I was still scanning the hall, looking for any sign of Julian. Sophia was looking around in complete awe, fascinated by everything. I made sure she stayed beside me. Casually sipping from my glass of champagne, I saw him enter the hall. The man I've spent the last five years trying to forget.

Alex.

A shiver crawled up my spine, the sensation was so strong that I almost dropped my glass. I swallowed, my fingers tightening around the stem.

I felt the air rush from my lungs. My vision tunneled, and for a split second, the world faded into the background. It was as if I had been thrust into a moment I wasn't prepared for, like the universe had played a cruel joke on me.

Five years.

Five years since I last saw him. Since he walked out of my life.

He stood across the ballroom, engaged in a conversation with another guest, but I barely noticed them. My focus was solely on him. He was different, yet the same. The boyish charm I remembered has sharpened into something more refined. His dark hair was styled neatly, his navy tuxedo tailored to perfection. But it was his presence that rattled me the most—commanding, effortlessly magnetic.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, he turned.

Our eyes met.

A jolt shot through me, a flood of emotions I thought I had buried long ago. Pain. Longing. Regret.

His brows furrowed slightly, his lips parting just a fraction. I waited to see any reaction—surprise, guilt, or pain but, there was nothing. It was like he was looking at a stranger. I couldn't move, my feet remained planted as my heart hammered against my ribs.

Then someone called his name, breaking our staring contest. Alex blinked, shifting his attention back to the conversation he was having.

I forced myself to breathe, to think.

Doesn't he remember me?

Or is he just pretending?

A hand suddenly landed on my arm, startling me. I turned to find Julian grinning. "There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere."

"Julian," I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper.

His expression shifted instantly. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Not a ghost. Just the man who once held my heart in his hands and shattered it.

I forced a smile. "I’m fine. Just… taking it all in."

Julian didn't look convinced, but thankfully, he didn’t push. "Come on. There's someone I want you to meet."

With one last glance in Alex's direction, I let Julian pull me away, but my mind was a whirlwind.

Alex is here, not just in New York but in the same room as me.

Fate really has a cruel sense of humor.

(Alex's POV)

I adjusted the cuff of my tailored tuxedo as I stepped into the grand ballroom of the Callahan Grand hotel. The chandeliers overhead cast a golden glow across the polished marble floors, the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and champagne.

This was just another event, another night of forced conversations with New York’s elite. I've attended dozens of galas like this before, but this one is different. Tonight, Callahan Enterprises will publicly announce its partnership with small businesses in Brooklyn.

I nodded politely at a few familiar faces, murmuring greetings. My company donated a significant sum to the evening’s cause, ensuring my obligatory presence. These events were good for business, for networking. I scanned the room, searching for nothing in particular until my gaze landed on a lady standing across the room, she was already looking at me.

For a moment, my breath caught. She was standing near a dessert display, her posture uncertain yet poised, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. There was something familiar about her. I narrowed my eyes, trying to place the feeling gnawing at the edges of my mind.

I continued staring at her, and she stared right back. Her eyes focused solely on me, oblivious to the world around. For a while, neither of us looked away until someone called my attention, forcing me to move my gaze from hers.

The conversation around me continued but my mind wasn't fully in it. The blonde lady..there was just something about her. As if having a mind of their own, my eyes darted back to where she was standing and I saw her again, but this time, she wasn't alone.

I watched as she spoke with a man beside her. That was when I noticed a little girl with her too. The girl had dark hair and was pulling the blonde lady's hand to get her attention. What if that's her husband and daughter? I shouldn't be admiring someone's wife. I forced myself to look away and saw Vanessa walking towards me.

“Alex, I've been looking for you all evening.” She said the moment she got closer.

She was wearing a fancy green gown and holding a silver purse. Her brown hair is an elegant updo.

I smiled. Vanessa the fashionista. “You look stunning.” I told her.

“Thank you.” She replied with a blush.

“I just saw your mom. She was saying something about you going on a date with Victoria Belmont.”

“You know my mom, always looking for an opportunity to set me up with any available eligible woman.” I said.

“Oh..I just thought the date was your idea.”

“Vanessa, I have a lot to deal with right now. I don't think I'm emotionally ready for any romantic relationship.” I said with all sincerity.

She looked at me with a little frown on her face.

“Come on, dance with me?” I held out my hand and she placed hers in it. We started walking to the dance floor.

Vanessa is my close friend, I consider her my best friend. We've been friends for a really long time and she's my trusted doctor. From the day of the accident up till this moment, she's been of great help. Helping me with my recovery and making sure I'm okay.

We danced to the slow music playing through the speakers along with other attendees.

My eyes briefly looked at the spot the blonde lady was standing, but she was no longer there. I slowly scanned the room in search of her but she was nowhere to be found.

There was just something familiar about her..I wonder if we've met before.