Chapter 7: An Unexpected Encounter
536 Words
The next morning...
Emma arrived at Blackwood Group earlier than usual.
She hoped an early start would help her avoid Adrian.
She was wrong.
"Ms. Carter."
Emma froze.
Daniel approached her with a polite smile.
"The CEO would like to see you."
She closed her eyes for a brief second.
"...Now?"
"Yes."
Emma knocked softly.
"Come in."
Adrian didn't look up immediately.
He was reviewing several documents spread across his desk.
Only after a few seconds did he speak.
"Close the door."
Emma obeyed.
"I've reviewed your reports."
She waited silently.
"They're impressive."
Emma blinked.
She hadn't expected a compliment.
"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood."
Adrian finally lifted his gaze.
His expression remained unreadable.
"I want you to join a new financial restructuring project."
Emma's heart sank.
Working directly under him?
Every day?
"I'm afraid there are more experienced people."
"There are."
He leaned back in his chair.
"I chose you anyway."
Their eyes met.
For a split second...
Neither of them looked away.
Later that afternoon...
Emma left work earlier to pick up Ethan and Ella.
This time...
She smiled the entire drive.
She had promised them ice cream.
"Mommy!"
Ella ran into her arms.
"You came!"
"I always will."
Ethan quietly slipped his hand into hers.
"Can we stop by the bookstore?"
Emma smiled.
"Of course."
The small bookstore was peaceful.
Ella disappeared into the children's section.
Ethan wandered toward the science books.
Emma searched for a bedtime story.
Meanwhile...
A black SUV pulled into the parking lot outside.
Adrian stepped out.
He had only intended to buy a book for an upcoming business conference.
Nothing more.
Inside the bookstore...
Ethan reached for a dinosaur encyclopedia placed on the highest shelf.
Too high.
He stretched.
Almost...
Almost...
The book slipped.
Before it could hit the floor—
A large hand caught it.
"You should be careful."
Ethan looked up.
A tall man in a dark suit smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Mister."
Adrian handed him the book.
"You like dinosaurs?"
Ethan nodded enthusiastically.
"I'm going to be a paleontologist."
"That's... ambitious."
"My mommy says I can be anything if I work hard."
A small smile appeared on Adrian's face.
"Your mommy is right."
Across the bookstore...
Emma finally found the book she wanted.
"Kids?"
No answer.
"Ethan?"
Still nothing.
A strange feeling settled in her chest.
She hurried toward the science section.
Just as she turned the corner...
She saw him.
Adrian.
Standing only a few steps away from Ethan.
Emma's face turned pale.
"ETHAN!"
Her voice echoed through the quiet bookstore.
Both Ethan and Adrian turned at the same time.
Emma rushed forward and gently pulled Ethan behind her.
For the first time...
Adrian noticed something.
The little boy's eyes.
Bright blue.
Calm.
Unusually familiar.
He frowned.
Why...
Did those eyes remind him of someone?
Emma forced a polite smile.
"Thank you for helping my son."
The word hit Adrian harder than he expected.
My son.
Emma didn't wait for another second.
She took Ethan's hand.
"Ella, let's go."
The twins waved politely.
"Bye, Mister!"
Adrian watched them leave.
His gaze remained fixed on the little boy until they disappeared beyond the bookstore door.
For reasons he couldn't explain...
His heart suddenly felt strangely heavy.
- Writer
