The scent of yesterday

Episode 1: The Collision The city was alive, but Ethan Blackwood walked through it like a ghost. Dark suit, darker eyes. His presence alone made people step aside. No one dared speak to him—not even the staff that bowed as he entered Blackwood Enterprises. He barely glanced their way. Ethan wasn’t cold because he wanted to be. He was cold because it was the only way to survive the silence that screamed in his chest. It had been five years since the fire. Five years since his world ended in smoke and ash. Now, all that remained was power, control… and revenge. “Sir, your meeting is in thirty minutes,” Raymond said, walking beside him. Ethan gave a curt nod. “Make sure Kingsley has the financials ready. I want no mistakes today.” He didn't believe in mistakes. Or second chances. But fate didn’t need his permission. --- On the other side of town, Nicole Hart balanced a box of coffee cups and a tray of pastries while dodging people on the sidewalk. Her manager at the café had threatened her—again—that if she messed up one more order, she’d be replaced. She couldn’t afford that. Not with a stepmother who treated her like free labor. Not with stepsisters who mocked her every move. She worked for them. Paid their bills. Cleaned their mess. And yet they hated her. Only Laura, her best friend, reminded her she was more than a burden. That maybe—just maybe—love wasn’t a fantasy. Nicole didn’t believe her. Not really. --- She turned the corner—and slammed right into a wall. No—not a wall. A man. Coffee flew. Pastries hit the pavement. Her knees buckled, but strong arms caught her. “Watch where you’re—” Ethan stopped mid-sentence. His eyes locked on hers. The world paused. She smelled like something he couldn’t name but couldn’t forget. Her face—it couldn’t be. It wasn’t possible. Nicole blinked up at him, stunned. “I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t see—” Ethan’s heart thundered in his chest. Why did she look exactly like her? Why did his body recognize her before his mind could catch up? He stepped back, jaw clenched. “Get out of my way.” Nicole flinched as he stormed past, leaving her in a puddle of spilled coffee and confusion. But he didn’t get far. He stopped halfway across the street, fists curled. Her face. Her voice. Her scent. This couldn’t be a coincidence. And for the first time in five years… Ethan turned back.