WHEN LOVE FINDS YOU

Chapter 5: Mia

Alexander sat in the dimly lit club, nursing his drink as he tried to drown out the pounding music and flashing lights. Beside him, Brendan Parker was in high spirits, chatting up the bartender and a group of women nearby. It wasn’t unusual for Brendan to drag him out to clubs—after all, Alexander wasn’t known for his social life. But tonight, no matter how much he tried to ease into the evening, his mind wasn’t on the setting or the company. It was back at Luxe Atelier, back with Mia.

He could hardly admit it, but the truth was obvious: he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Everything about Mia felt… different. Unlike anything he had experienced, she had this presence that lingered long after she’d left the room. It frustrated him. He wasn’t supposed to feel this way, especially over a woman he hardly knew. And yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

A young woman approached him, a sultry smile on her lips as she leaned in closer. She was beautiful, with dark eyes that gleamed in the club’s dim light. Her intentions were clear, and she made no effort to hide them as she slid a hand down his arm, whispering something he barely heard.

But instead of feeling drawn to her, Alexander felt indifferent. Her beauty didn’t capture him; her touch didn’t spark any interest. The only image he could summon was that of Mia—she was beautiful, he admitted.

"Come on, Alex," Brendan said with a smirk, nudging him. "She’s all over you. Just take her home and let loose for once. Forget work, forget all the serious stuff. Tonight’s about fun.”

Alexander glanced at Brendan, trying to conjure up some enthusiasm, but the truth was, he didn’t want a meaningless encounter. However, he also didn’t want to spend another evening lost in his own thoughts, caught in an endless loop about a woman who barely knew him.

With a resigned sigh, he gave in, allowing the woman to take his hand and lead him out of the club. But even as they left, his mind remained elsewhere.

---

Later that night, Alexander lay beside the woman, feeling nothing but an emptiness that confirmed what he already knew. He couldn’t escape the thoughts of Mia. Every time he tried to focus on someone else, her image would surface, consuming him with a relentless pull that no one else could match.

The woman beside him had been eager, beautiful, everything he would have loved but since that night with that girl five years ago, he couldn't enjoy s*x the way he enjoyed it with that girl, not even with his girlfriend, it was the best night of his life.

It wasn't just the s*x, he felt something different for her.

He came back to this town to look for her, he wanted her.

All of a sudden, Mia is trying to make him forget why he came here.

He sat up, staring blankly at the city lights outside the window. It was maddening, this obsession with Mia Reynolds.

Was he in love with her?

Shit!

---

Across town, Mia stood at the familiar gates of the foster home, her breath catching slightly as she looked up at the old, worn-down building. She visited every year without fail, each time greeted with memories that were equal parts comforting and painful. This place had been her home for so many years, shared with her younger brother Mickel. They had grown up here, learned to survive, clinging to each other for support through every hardship.

Walking through the gates, she was flooded with memories of the two of them sneaking through the halls, always careful not to get caught by the stern staff who wanted them separated. They had made a pact early on, a promise to stay together no matter what. And so, when adoptive parents came in looking to take only one child, Mia and Mickel would do everything they could to avoid being chosen. The idea of losing each other was too painful to bear.

It had been Madame Olive who’d understood them best, a warm, caring woman who treated them with kindness in a place that often lacked it. She had given them moments of happiness, offering gentle words and a comforting presence when life at the foster home grew difficult. Madame Olive knew how important they were to each other and had done her best to keep them together, offering support when others had looked the other way.

Mia walked down the hall, breathing in the familiar scent of the old building, and finally reached Madame Olive’s office. The door was slightly opened, and Mia peeked in, a smile forming as she saw the older woman sitting at her desk, sorting through paperwork.

“Madame Olive?” Mia’s voice was soft but steady, and it only took a moment for Madame Olive to glance up, a look of recognition spreading across her face.

“Mia!” Madame Olive’s eyes filled with warmth, and she got up, walking around her desk to embrace her. “Oh, my dear, look at you. It’s been too long.”

Mia smiled, hugging her tightly. “I couldn’t stay away too long. This place… it’s still home in so many ways.”

Madame Olive held her at arm’s length, taking in the sight of her, pride shining in her eyes. “You’ve grown into such a strong woman, Mia. I always knew you would.”

They sat down, talking quietly about the past and catching up. Mia updated her on her life, mentioning her job at Luxe Atelier, but avoiding details about the struggles that had come afterward. There was too much pain tied to those years, and Mia preferred to leave it unspoken, at least for now.

As they spoke, Mia’s thoughts drifted back to when she had turned eighteen. It had been a bittersweet time, leaving the foster home for the first time but knowing she would take Mickel with her. She had worked tirelessly to save enough money to rent a tiny apartment, determined to keep her promise and look after him. Shortly after, however, Mickel’s illness had worsened, and life had taken a difficult turn. She had been forced to grow up quickly, facing challenges she hadn’t anticipated.

But through it all, Madame Olive had been there, offering her words of wisdom and compassion when things became too overwhelming. Mia had relied on those memories, the comforting reminders that someone believed in her, that she was not alone.

After a while, they fell into silence, each lost in their own memories. Finally, Madame Olive spoke again, her voice gentle but filled with concern. “You’ve been through a lot, Mia. And I know you still carry some of those burdens with you.”

Mia nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. “I have, but… I’m managing. I’ve found ways to make it work.”

Madame Olive reached across the table, taking her hand in a familiar gesture of comfort. “You’ve always been strong, my dear, but don’t let the past hold you back. You deserve happiness too.”

Mia felt a pang of emotion, but she managed a smile, nodding as she held Madame Olive’s hand tightly. She wished, more than anything, that she could follow that advice, to let go of the fears that haunted her. But part of her knew it wasn’t that simple. Not when she had so much to lose.