WHEN LOVE FINDS YOU

Chapter 3: Familiar

Since Alexander's unexpected visit, Mia had been constantly on edge, her thoughts plagued by the memory of his piercing gaze. She could still feel his presence lingering like a shadow over her thought.

That morning, as Mia dressed for work, she glanced at her reflection, the tension showing faintly in her eyes. She quickly masked it with a warm smile as Diva entered the room, still in her pajamas and clutching her favorite stuffed bear.

"Morning, Mama!" Diva's cheerful voice melted some of Mia’s worries, and she knelt down to pull her daughter into a hug.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?" Mia asked, brushing a strand of hair out of Diva's face.

Diva nodded, her eyes bright. "Uh-huh! Can I have pancakes for breakfast?"

Mia laughed. "Of course, I’ll make some right now." She could never deny Diva anything if it made her smile. "Uncle Mickel will take you to school, okay?".

"I'm sorry I can't take you to school anymore, I have to always get to work early".

"I understand mama". She gave a cute smile.

"That's my girl, now let's go make you some pancakes, we should make some for Uncle Mickel too".

"Okay!" Diva skipped off toward the kitchen, leaving Mia to finish getting ready. She checked her reflection once more, forcing herself to focus.

---

By the time Mia arrived at Luxe Atelier, the office was already bustling with energy. Models flitted in and out of the main area, designers were deep in discussion over fabric samples, and the hum of sewing machines filled the air. Mia inhaled deeply, grounding herself in the familiarity of her surroundings. Her nerves began to ease as she buried herself in work, scheduling meetings and checking in with Emma to finalize the week’s agenda.

But by midday, Mia’s calm was interrupted when Emma called her into her office.

“Mia, I need your help with something important,” Emma said, her tone serious but warm. She motioned for Mia to sit, which made Mia slightly anxious.

“Of course,” Mia replied, sitting down across from her boss. “What can I do?”

Emma leaned forward, folding her hands on the desk. “Alexander Grey has requested a private meeting to discuss our upcoming collaboration. I think this could be a big step for Luxe Atelier, and since you’re already familiar with his preferences, I’d like you to join the meeting with me.”

Mia’s heart sank. The last thing she wanted was another close encounter with Alexander, especially in a setting where he could observe her every reaction. But she couldn’t refuse without raising suspicion, and she knew Emma was counting on her.

“Absolutely, I’ll be there,” Mia said, managing a steady voice. Inside, though, her mind raced. She would need every ounce of control to keep her past hidden in front of him.

---

Later that afternoon, Mia sat beside Emma in the boardroom, the large table laid out with samples of fabric swatches and design mock-ups. She felt a growing tension, her heart beating fast in anticipation of Alexander’s arrival.

When he walked in, his presence filled the room instantly. Dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, he exuded an air of authority and confidence that was hard to ignore. His gaze landed on her briefly, before he turned to greet Emma.

“Thank you for meeting with me, Emma,” Alexander said, his deep voice carrying a hint of warmth.

“Of course, Alexander. We’re thrilled to work with Grey Industries,” Emma replied. She gestured for him to sit, and soon the meeting was underway, with Emma diving into ideas for the upcoming line. Mia tried to focus on the presentation, taking notes and nodding along, but she could feel Alexander’s gaze drifting toward her every so often.

As they moved through the designs, Alexander began asking questions, mostly directed at Emma but occasionally glancing Mia’s way. She tried to keep her responses brief and professional, determined to reveal nothing more than necessary.

However, as the conversation turned to branding, Alexander turned his attention fully on her.

“Ms. Reynolds,” he said, his eyes steady on hers, “I’d love to hear your thoughts. What makes Luxe Atelier stand out to you? Why do you think it would resonate with our clientele?”

Mia felt her pulse quicken. She hadn’t expected him to address her so directly. Taking a slow breath, she steadied herself and met his gaze.

“I believe Luxe Atelier has a unique appeal because of its emphasis on elegance and accessibility,” Mia replied, her voice calm but assertive. “The brand speaks to a clientele that values quality without the pretentiousness often associated with luxury. It’s inclusive, inviting, and aspirational. I think that aligns well with Grey Industries’ values as well.”

A faint smile played at the corner of Alexander’s lips. “Interesting perspective,” he murmured. “Thank you, Ms. Reynolds.”

They returned to the topic at hand, but Mia couldn’t shake the feeling that he was studying her, as if trying to understand who she was beneath the surface.

---

When the meeting finally ended, Mia felt a wave of relief. She gathered her things, eager to escape the tension in the room, but just as she turned to leave, she felt Alexander’s hand lightly touch her arm.

“Ms. Reynolds,” he said softly, his voice too low for Emma to hear. “Have we met before?”

Mia felt her heart drop. She forced herself to keep her expression neutral, though her mind was in overdrive. “I don’t believe so, Mr. Grey. I think I would remember.”

He searched her face, his gaze steady and probing. “Forgive me. You just look... familiar.”

With that, he released her arm and offered a faint smile before walking away, leaving Mia standing there, her heart racing.

---

That evening, as she sat on the couch with Diva, watching her daughter’s favorite cartoon, Mia’s mind replayed the events of the day. Alexander’s question echoed in her thoughts, filling her with dread. She had hoped he wouldn’t remember her, but it seemed that something had triggered his memory.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see a message from Logan.

Logan: Heard you met Alexander again today. How was it?

Mia sighed, typing a quick response.

Mia: Let’s just say I’m doing my best to keep calm. He suspects something, Logan. I can tell.

A few moments later, Logan replied.

Logan: Just keep being yourself. He may never piece it together. And even if he does, you have people who’ll stand by you.

Mia took a deep breath, allowing Logan’s words to comfort her. She reminded herself that she had fought hard to build this life for herself and Diva. She had come this far; she wasn’t about to let fear take over now.

Diva looked up, sensing Mia’s unease. “Are you okay, Mama?”

Mia smiled, wrapping an arm around her daughter. “I’m fine, baby. Just thinking.”