REKINDLED

THE PAST REVEALED

Lexi spent the rest of the day working on the proposal for the team-building event. She was determined to make it a success, not just for the team but also to prove herself to Ethan and the rest of the company.

As she worked, she couldn't help but think about Ethan and their past. She remembered the way he used to make her laugh, the way he used to hold her hand. She felt a pang of nostalgia, wondering what could have been if things had worked out differently between them.

Just as she was finishing up the proposal, Ethan walked into her office. "Hey, Lexi, can I take a look at the proposal?" he asked.

Lexi nodded, handing him the document. "Sure, I just finished it."

Ethan scanned the proposal, his eyes narrowing slightly as he read. "This looks great," he said finally. "I think we can make this work."

Lexi smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "I'm glad you like it," she said.

As Ethan handed her back the proposal, their fingers touched, sending a spark of electricity through Lexi's body. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks, hoping Ethan hadn't noticed.

"Lexi, can I ask you something?" Ethan said, his voice low and serious.

Lexi nodded, her heart racing. "Sure, what is it?"

Ethan hesitated, his eyes searching hers. "Why did you leave the company three years ago? You just disappeared without a word."

Lexi felt a pang of guilt, remembering the pain and confusion she'd felt at the time. "I...I had my reasons," she said finally, trying to brush it off.

Ethan's eyes narrowed, his expression intense. "I want to know, Lexi. I deserve to know."

Lexi took a deep breath, wondering how much she should reveal. But something about Ethan's expression made her want to be honest. "It was because of us, Ethan," she said finally. "I couldn't handle the way things ended between us. I needed a fresh start."

Ethan's eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said finally.

The air was thick with tension, and Lexi wondered what Ethan was thinking. Was he regretting the way things had ended between them? Was he wondering what could have been?

The silence between them was palpable, and Lexi felt like she was reliving the past all over again. She wondered if she'd made a mistake by being so honest with Ethan.

Finally, Ethan spoke up, his voice low and husky. "I had no idea, Lexi. I'm sorry. I didn't realize how much I hurt you."

Lexi felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Ethan. She saw the sincerity in his eyes, and for a moment, she felt like she was transported back to a time when things were simpler between them.

"It's okay, Ethan," she said finally, trying to brush it off. "It's in the past. Let's just focus on the present, okay?"

Ethan nodded, but Lexi could tell he was still processing everything. She wondered what he was thinking, what he was feeling.

As they stood there, the tension between them began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding. Lexi felt like she was seeing Ethan in a new light, like she was getting to know him all over again.

"Let's get back to work," Ethan said finally, breaking the silence. "We have a team-building event to plan."

Lexi nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Right, let's do it."

As they worked together, Lexi couldn't help but notice the way Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. She felt a flutter in her chest, and she knew she was in trouble.

She was starting to feel things for Ethan again, things she thought she'd long buried. And she wasn't sure if she was ready for that.