Threads of destiny

It's six in the morning, and Lisa's phone rings, jolting her out of her sleep. She reaches out for her phone, her mind is still foggy from the lingering effects of sleep. "Good morning, baby girl," speaks Jonathan from the other side. "Hey! Feels like I didn't sleep at all the whole night." "Of course, you didn't. So are you ready for the trip? I was truly hoping to be with you for the month." "Don't worry, Jonathan. It's just about a month. I want to spend some time on my own and will be back very soon." "Yes, that is completely fine. I may have to move to Alaska for a few weeks. Some complaints about work are getting me tired." After a few more conversations, Lisa hangs up the phone and lies back in bed, her mind drifting. Despite having everything she could ever want in life, there is a void that keeps her restless. What could it be? She has already lost her parents but was left with all the wealth one could dream of. Big houses, luxurious cars, and servants—she has everything that others desire. She even has Jonathan, her boyfriend, but deep down, she knows her heart belongs somewhere else. "Mam, may I come in?" somebody knocks at the door. A maid enters the room with a cup of coffee. "Thank you, Agata." "Everyone is ready and waiting for you to join them," said Agata. Lisa nods her head and takes a sip of coffee. Agata leaves the room, closing the door gently behind her. Lisa prepares herself and steps outside. "I hope you realize how long it takes to get there. Why don't you listen to me and try to be more punctual?" her aunt June cries out, slightly exasperated. "I know, Aunt June," Lisa responds. They get into the car and head towards the countryside. June, Lisa's father's sister, has been taking care of her since her parents passed away when she was only 12. According to her father's will, Lisa is supposed to be under June's care until she turns 23 and starts a life of her own. June is a smart and disciplined woman, but Lisa can't help but long for the day when she can be independent. Lisa, born and raised in Ireland, is considered attractive and often finds herself in uncomfortable situations with men following her. She has fair skin, brown wavy hair, and a body that catches the attention of others. She mostly spends her time alone, engrossed in her gadgets or buried in books. Despite her popularity, she feels a sense of loneliness that wealth and companionship cannot fill. The cottage they are heading to is nestled in a green haven with a cool environment and beautiful streams nearby. However, this time, Lisa doesn't seem to be enjoying the ride. She carries the weight of unpleasant memories from a year ago associated with this place. After several hours of driving, they finally reach their destination. The car stops in front of a small cottage surrounded by trees and vibrant flowers, with birds singing in the background. Erik and Mary, faithful servants of Lisa's parents, warmly welcome them. Unclear sounds echo in the background as maids enter the cottage, and Lisa's aunt June laughs and chats with Mary. Sensing the need for a moment of solitude, Lisa slips away and makes her way toward the stream. As she stands in that familiar spot, memories flood her mind, refusing to fade away unless the people themselves are forgotten. The weight of the past rests upon her, and she finds herself transported back in time, eager to revisit the moments shared with Ethan. It's time to unravel what might have truly transpired during that significant encounter. ONE YEAR AGO Lisa finds herself walking through the woods when she stumbles upon Ethan near the stream. He stands there, eyes closed, and hands wide open, mumbling something. Ethan's presence is striking—tall, fit, with a chiseled jawline and light brown skin. "Heaven forbid! Could a man like him really exist in this place?" Lisa wonders to herself. "I'm sorry, my lady, but I can hear everything you're thinking at the moment!" Ethan opens his eyes and looks at Lisa. Lisa, with fair skin and a body like that of a Greek goddess, captivates Ethan's attention. She is draped in a yellow dress that shimmers in the sunlight, revealing her legs. Some part of her cleavage could be seen as her dress was a little deep. Ethan can't help but be drawn to her. "I apologize again, but one doesn't expect to meet an angel in the woods," Ethan moves closer to Lisa, extends his hand, and kisses it. "I am Ethan, and may I have the pleasure of introducing myself to the Angel of the Woods?" Lisa, mesmerized by Ethan's charm, looks at him with sparkling eyes. "I am Lisa, and I come from not so far away." "But I come from far away," Ethan responds cryptically. "Which place is it?" Lisa eagerly asks. "You will know." As Lisa and Ethan continue talking, they discover shared interests and hobbies. The sun begins to set on the horizon. "It was nice talking with you, Ethan, but now I must leave," Lisa says reluctantly. "Yes, sure. It's time for me to go too," Ethan replies. "I hope we meet again tomorrow," says Lisa. Ethan doesn't respond but walks away, disappearing into the mist of the woods. That night, Lisa struggles to sleep. Thoughts of Ethan consume her mind, and his irresistible presence plays with her imagination. She wonders if Ethan is thinking about her too. It was love at first sight for Lisa, and she falls asleep, hoping for their paths to cross again, anticipating their first kiss.