WHEN LOVE FINDS YOU

Chapter 8: A Vow

It was late afternoon when Alex’s phone rang, breaking through the hum of his office. Recognizing the number, he answered, leaning back in his chair.

“We’ve gathered some background on Logan Reed,” the investigator reported.

Alex sat up, his focus sharpening. “Go on.”

“Logan Reed comes from a well-off family,” the investigator began. “He has a mother, a sister, and a stepfather. His family is known in business circles for owning a few successful ventures around the city. From what we gathered, he’s a respected guy—seems to be the only real friend Mia has. He’s been by her side for years.”

Alex absorbed the details, impressed yet wary. “And how close are they? Anything beyond friendship?”

“Not that we can find,” the investigator replied smoothly. “It’s strictly friendship, from everything we’ve observed. In fact, it was Logan who helped her secure her job at Luxe Atelier. He seems loyal and supportive, that’s it.”

Alex’s mind wandered back to Mia. He thought about asking his investigator to dig deeper—specifically into Mia’s past. There were so many unanswered questions, and he could easily have the answers in a matter of days. Yet something held him back, something he couldn’t quite put into words. Maybe it was the intrigue, or perhaps a curiosity he wanted to satisfy himself, even if it took time.

“Thank you,” he said, his tone thoughtful. “Keep me updated if anything else comes up.”

“Yes, Mr. Grey.”

The call ended, leaving Alex with his thoughts. Logan seemed harmless, but there was still something unresolved gnawing at him, some invisible tether drawing him closer to Mia. He shook it off and turned back to his work, deciding to bury himself in it until his upcoming appointment.

---

By evening, Alex was driving through the city toward his meeting with one of New York’s most reputable art dealers. Art wasn’t a particular interest of his, but he saw its value in investment—and he found it refreshing to immerse himself in circles outside his usual realm of business.

The meeting went smoothly, and as they wrapped up, he was preparing to leave when he saw her—Mia. She was at the far end of the gallery, conversing quietly with one of the curators. Her dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, and there was a quiet elegance in her posture that made him pause.

He suddenly started thinking about how soft she must be when he hugs her, her beauty was mesmerizing. Her hair, a deep chestnut shade, fell in loose waves around her shoulders, The gentle curls framed her face perfectly, accentuating the delicate lines of her high cheekbones and soft, naturally flushed cheeks. Her eyes, a warm shade of hazel with flecks of amber.

She wore no makeup, her features needed no embellishment; her beauty was raw, effortless, and untouched. Her lips, soft and full, curved naturally in a way that seemed to tease a smile but held a quiet strength. Her skin had a subtle glow, hinting at natural warmth, and her every movement exuded a calm elegance that was captivating without trying.

Alex couldn’t look away. Her beauty was striking but unassuming, the kind that didn’t demand attention, but effortlessly drew it in.

At that moment, he could only see her, it felt like all other people there disappeared.

What was this thing he was feeling? He couldn't explain it.

He watched her for a moment, noticing how she seemed completely absorbed in her surroundings. Her expression was softer, less guarded than he’d seen before.

Mia looked up, noticing him across the room. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise, and then she offered him a polite smile.

“Mr. Grey,” she greeted, as he approached.

“Mia,” he replied, smiling slightly. “What a coincidence to see you here. I didn’t realize you were interested in art.”

She nodded, glancing around the gallery with a faint smile. “I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but there’s something about art that speaks to me. Each piece tells its own story.”

Her insight surprised him, and he found himself more drawn to her, intrigued by the depth she held. “A good observation. It’s the reason I find myself here from time to time.”

They fell into an easy conversation, and for once, Alex felt no pressure to stick to business. Mia’s perspective on art was refreshing, and there was an intelligence behind her words that captivated him. He wanted to know more about her, to peel back the layers that made up the woman standing before him.

“So,” he said, unable to help himself, “did you always plan on working in the fashion industry? Or was Luxe Atelier just a lucky break?”

Her expression softened, and for the first time, he saw her smile genuinely, a warmth lighting her face. Something fluttered in his chest, catching him off guard.

“I've wanted to work at a fashion industry but I didn't have a chance, they all rejected me,” she replied. “I actually didn’t get to finish college. Things...changed, and I had to make some adjustments. My friend Logan helped me get the job with Emma, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get on her good side as she gives lots of opportunities to learn and experience more despite my low level of education.”

Alex listened intently, noting the careful way she spoke, as though choosing her words to reveal only enough but not everything. He admired her resilience and her dedication to making things work, no matter the obstacles. He wanted to ask more, to uncover the pieces of her life that she guarded, but he held back, not wanting to spoil the moment.

Mia seemed equally drawn to their conversation, though she avoided his gaze, her cheeks faintly coloring as he looked at her. She seemed vulnerable, almost shy, and he felt an urge to reach out, to ease the tension he saw flickering in her eyes.

Before he could say more, her phone vibrated. She glanced at it, her expression shifting as she realized she needed to leave. “I should go,” she murmured, offering him a polite nod. “It was nice running into you, Mr. Grey.”

He inclined his head. “Likewise, Mia. Take care.”

As she walked away, he felt a strange pang in his chest. Talking to her had left him unsettled, as if he’d glimpsed a part of her that was real and unguarded. He couldn’t deny the draw he felt toward her, and it frustrated him that he couldn’t shake it.

Mia on the other hand felt relieved to stop the conversation. She didn't know why this time she felt less tensed towards him, she wasn't worried about Diva or anything, she just found talking to him interesting.

---

The next day, Alex returned to his office, he kept wondering where the woman he slept with five years ago was, he needed to see her, she was the key to his answers, he didn't understand why he couldn't feel the way he felt for her with another woman.

There was nothing really special about her, he remembered well that he was the one who dis-flowered her, he remembered the blood, her tears but he couldn't remember her face.

He tried to refocus on his work, but a knock on his door interrupted him. Evelyn stepped in, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she crossed the room. She looked poised and confident as usual, but he noticed the slight frown on her face.

“Alex, we need to talk,” she said, taking a seat without waiting for an invitation.

He suppressed a sigh, already sensing where the conversation was headed. “What is it?”

“I spoke with Sophia recently,” she began, her tone pointed. “She’s concerned. She said you’ve been acting distant, distracted. Alex, she deserves better than that.”

He clenched his jaw, irritation flickering in his eyes. “Sophia and I have an understanding. I don’t see why she would be concerned.”

Evelyn’s expression hardened. “Because she genuinely cares for you, Alex. She’s good for you. She understands our family, our world. And yet you’re off searching for some girl you met years ago—a woman you’ll likely never find, She might be dead...who knows.”

“Evelyn,” he replied, his voice cool, “I told you, my interest in finding that woman has nothing to do with Sophia. It’s about understanding something about myself.”

She shook her head, exasperation clear in her eyes. “You’re being foolish, Alex. Sophia is here, and she’s willing to support you. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and a perfect match for you. Chasing after a memory will only lead to disappointment.”

Alex held back his retort, his irritation simmering just below the surface. “This isn’t about Sophia, Evelyn. And it’s certainly not about satisfying your ideals of a ‘perfect match.’ I need answers, and until I get them, I won’t be committing to anyone.”

Evelyn studied him, her gaze unwavering. “Just remember, Alex,” she said softly, her tone losing its edge, “don’t make a mistake you’ll regret. Sophia is a wonderful woman, and she won’t wait forever.”

With that, she rose, giving him one last look before exiting his office. He watched her go, her words lingering in the air. Evelyn’s arguments didn’t sway him; if anything, they only strengthened his resolve. He knew he had to see this through, even if it led to consequences he couldn’t foresee.

After Evelyn left, he leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and letting out a long breath. Somehow, he felt more alive around Mia than he had in years.

As he gazed out the window, he made a silent vow. Whatever it took, he would get close to Mia Reynolds, even if it took months—or years—he was willing to wait.

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