I came out of my car and Ethan was already heading towards me, a worried expression on his face.

His towering, powerful figure moved with an effortless elegance, and despite the stress engraved in his face, there was something soothing about his presence.

He was certainly handsome, but not in the same way as Liam.

Where Liam had a crisp, even scary appeal, Ethan possessed a softness that made him friendlier, more sympathetic.

"Hey," he murmured, his voice low and calming. "I’ve been trying to contact you. It wasn’t connecting. I arrived here a few minutes ago."

I dug inside my backpack, taking out my phone. "It’s been on the whole time," I began, only to see the dark screen. After the call with Angela, the battery must have died. I sighed, feeling a little uncomfortable. "Guess it died."

"It happens," he answered with a tiny grin, but the fear didn’t leave his eyes.

"Come in," I urged, wanting some companionship more than I cared to admit. He nodded, following me inside.

My apartment was basic but attractive, a reflection of my style.

The neutral tones and modest furnishings made the place seem serene, almost like a refuge.

I could feel Ethan’s stare on me as I led him into the living room, where the mellow light of the evening sun streamed through the drapes.

"Can I get you anything?" I asked, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

"I’m fine," he said, but I could see the hesitancy in his eyes.

I grinned, trying to seem lighthearted. "Are you feeling like a visitor? This is your third time here, you know."

That appeared to lessen the strain a bit.

He laughed, the sound pleasant and familiar, and for a minute, it seemed like the weight on my chest had eased just a bit.

But then he rose up and moved towards me in the kitchen, his look turning serious again.

For a few minutes, he quietly stared at me, and I could feel the intensity in his eyes.

With him, it was always this way. Something about the way he stared at me made me feel vulnerable, as if he could see beyond the defenses I had put up.

"Are you okay?" he said in a soft but urgent tone.

"Yes," I answered quickly, but my voice betrayed me, trembling as I struggled to keep back the emotions that were about to boil over again.

I sighed hard, turning to move to the living room, but before I could take a step, he reached out and gently pulled me back.

That little touch was all it needed for the dam to shatter.

The tears I had been battling so hard to hold at away came gushing out, and I couldn’t stop them.

My shoulders trembled with the power of my cries, and I felt Ethan’s arms wrap around me, bringing me close.

"Oh no," he mumbled, his voice full of worry as he escorted me to the sofa.

He sat with me, not letting go, and I was glad for the comfort, for the warmth of his arms.

"What’s wrong?" he questioned again, and this time, I couldn’t keep back.

I told him everything.

About the marriage, the divorce, the humiliation of discovering Liam with another woman on our anniversary. The way it had all gone apart, leaving me devastated and bewildered.

Ethan remained quiet while I talked, but I could see the emotions flashing in his eyes.. astonishment, disbelief, and something more that I couldn’t quite describe. Was it jealousy? Hurt? Or was I simply imagining it, seeing what I wanted to see in the depths of his gaze?

When I finished, there was a lengthy hush.

Ethan didn’t talk, but his hand never left me, his hold warm and solid.

It was if he understood that words wouldn’t be enough to take away the agony, that all I needed right now was someone to be there, to listen, to care.

Finally, I glanced up at him, and our eyes connected.

There was a compassion in his face that made my heart hurt, but I immediately glanced away, unable to maintain his sight for long.

It was too much, too soon. I couldn’t allow myself be dragged into those feelings again, couldn’t let myself dream for something that may never happen.

“Ethan, I’m sorry,” I mumbled, drawing my hand away and wiping the tears from my face. “I didn’t mean to burden you with all of this.”

He shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize, Sophie. I’m pleased you told me. You’ve been dragging this around for too long.”

His remarks were so kind, so sympathetic, that they made me want to weep all over again. But I kept it together, attempting to recover some sort of control.

I took a long breath, seeking to settle my emotions. “It’s just been hard, you know? Liam was the first person I truly allowed in, and he... he broke me.”

Ethan nodded, his face still warm, still compassionate. “I get it, Soph. But you’re stronger than you realize. You’ve gone through hell, yet you’re still standing.”

I smiled faintly at his words, but the anguish in my chest didn’t ease. “Thanks, Ethan. It means a lot, but I’m not sure I’m ready for... anything right now.”

“I understand,” he responded simply, not pressuring me for more. And I appreciated it, more than he could know.

A quiet stillness crept between us, and my mind strayed to how we had met.

It had been two months ago, in a restaurant. A chance meeting, really.

We had exchanged numbers, met up for a couple occasions, and things had simply... clicked.

There was something about him, something that made it easy to open up to him, to be myself with him. He was different from Liam in so many ways.. softer, kinder, more patient.

I had permitted him to come over to my place last month, then a week ago, and now tonight.

Each time, we had spoken, exchanged tales, and laughed a bit.

It was easy with him, and that terrified me.

I had a warm place for him, that much was evident, but I wasn’t ready.

I couldn’t let my guard down again, couldn’t risk my heart, not after all I had gone through.

What if I wasn’t enough? What if I could never be complete again? I didn’t say any of this out loud, however.

Instead, I nodded and leaned into him, giving myself this one moment of comfort, knowing that I would have to face the reality of my predicament sooner or later.

For now, however, I was pleased to let Ethan hold me, to allow myself feel anything other than anguish, even if it was just for a short time.

Maybe I wasn't as alone as I believed.

I entered my friend’s crowded restaurant, the smells of spices and freshly prepared food filling the air.

Maya, her long dark hair tied up in a bun, spotted me from across the room and waved, a smile on her face.

She was busy with her staff, the laughter and talk of customers filling the area around them.

As I took a seat, Maya waved to me, mouthing "I'll be right there" as she ran back to her cooking station.

As I waited for Maya, I let myself to soak in the spirit of the place.

The hum of discussion, the clinking of glasses, the quiet music in the background.. It was a wonderful break from the seclusion of my flat.

When Maya eventually joined me, she put a hand on my shoulder and then hastily sat down.

“Hey Soph, what were you saying over the phone? You actually meant it??.. you met… He is back in New York??”

I nodded, my guts twisting into knots. "Yeah, he's back. I bumped into him at the Art Exhibition last night."

Maya's eyes widened in surprise. "Liam? The Liam? I can’t believe it! If he was at the Art exhibition, that indicates he must have purposefully come for you, since there's no way he'd visit the Greenwoods’ Art Gallery display and wouldn't expect to see you.. so after everything that happened, he simply comes up like that?"

"Exactly," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "And the worst thing is, he appeared different. Like he wanted to communicate, like he wasn’t the same guy who delivered me those divorce papers."

Maya’s countenance softened, her palm extending out to cover mine.

"Soph, you’ve gone through hell because of him. You can’t allow him interfere with your brain again."

I sighed, staring down at our hands, feeling the warmth of her support. "I know, but it’s not that simple. Seeing him brought everything back. All the hurt, the humiliation, everything."

Maya clasped my hand softly. "You’re stronger than you think, Soph. You don’t owe him anything, not even your attention. He made his decision."

"But what if he’s changed? What if…"

Maya cut me off, her tone strong.

"No. Don’t even go there. People like him don’t simply change overnight. You need to concentrate on yourself, on going ahead, not on what-ifs."

I nodded, knowing she was correct, but a part of me still hurt with the unresolved sentiments that seeing Liam had brought up.

Maya reclined back in her chair, observing me for a time before speaking again.

"Listen, why don’t we take your mind off things? Come assist me in the kitchen. We’re overwhelmed today, and I could use an additional set of hands."

I smiled at her offer, happy for the diversion. "Sure, why not? It’s better than sitting here and overthinking everything."

Maya giggled and pulled me up from the chair. "That’s the spirit! Let’s go to work."

As we proceeded to the kitchen, I felt a bit lighter.

Maybe Maya was correct. Maybe what I needed was to focus on the present, on the people who were truly there for me.

Liam was part of my past, and that’s where he deserved to remain.

As Maya and I worked side-by-side in the busy kitchen, our actions settling into a familiar pattern, the quiet hung heavily between us.

Finally, when she took a pot of noodles off the counter, Maya broke the stillness.

"So," she continued, her voice low, "how are things with Ethan? Last time we talked, you were contemplating giving him a chance."

I stopped, the heat from the fire burning my cheeks as I weighed my response.

"He was at my place last night," I continued, my voice low.

At Maya's joyful shriek, my cheeks flamed with shame, and I attempted to ignore the inquisitive eyes of the other cooks.

"Eiiiiiiiiii! Things are beginning up then?" she remarked, her smile growing. "He’s going to your house now? Wow!"

I chuckled, attempting to shrug off her mocking. "It was simply a brief visit. I don’t believe it signifies anything.”

After screaming and joking at my confession, Maya went serious.

"Sophie, I think this guy genuinely likes you," she said, her voice low and sincere. "You know I don’t simply say that about everyone. But Ethan, he seems different. He appears to truly care about you.”

I paused, uncertain of how to answer. I wanted to believe Maya, to trust in Ethan's sincerity, but the scars Liam had left were still fresh, constantly bleeding.

Finally, I spoke. "Maya, I...I finally spoke out to Ethan about Liam.”

Maya nodded, understanding, and then her eyes brightened up. "Oh, you did? That must have been terrible for you."

I sighed, nodding. "It was, but it also felt like a weight off my chest. Ethan was really sweet about it. He genuinely listened."

Maya's grin grew. "That’s wonderful! Ethan seems like such a lovely person. And he's very persistent, which is a wonderful thing."

I smiled back, but a sense of uncertainty swept over me. "I just...I don’t want to be injured again.”

Maya's face relaxed. She was about to speak when the sound of my phone buzzing in my purse broke through the hum of the kitchen.

She raised an eyebrow, a grin flickering at the corners of her lips. "Ooh, Ethan already checking in on you?" she joked, before adding, "Go ahead, check it."

I took out my phone, my pulse beating as I unlocked the screen.

It was an unknown number.

I was cautious about selecting it in the kitchen.

"I'll be right back," I murmured to Maya, the grin on my face seeming forced. "It's the gallery, I have to take this call."

She nodded, giving me a comforting grin as I swiftly made my way out of the kitchen and into the relative stillness of the restaurant's main dining room.

With my pulse still hammering, I answered the phone, speaking gently.

"Hello?”

I held my breath, hoping for a reaction.

"Sophie, it's your dad. Is this a good time to talk?"

My shoulders dropped with relief, my fingers pushing against my chest as if to slow my beating heart.

"Oh, hey dad. Yes, indeed, I'm at Maya's restaurant but I have a minute."

There was a pause, then his voice was softer as he spoke once again.

"Sweetheart, I have to say something.”

“Of course, what’s up?” I questioned, knowing the weight underlying his words.

"You know, I've been in New York for a few months, working on that business deal. Well, there's a charity gala coming up.. one of those enormous occasions where the entire corporate world gathers. It's crucial for my transaction, and I need things to go smoothly," he continued.

"A charity gala? That sounds intense. But what does this have to do with me?" I asked, not sure of where this was leading.

"I'm not feeling my best, Sophie," he replied, his voice thick with tiredness. "My health has been a bit off lately, and your mother has been worried sick back in London. I'm concerned I won't be able to manage all of the preparations on my own, especially considering how crucial this occasion is. I need you to step in, help me with some of the preparations, and guarantee that everything goes smoothly."

"Dad, of course, I'll help," I said without hesitation. "You know you can depend on me. But are you sure you're okay? If you're not feeling well, maybe you should see a doctor huh."

"Don't worry, I have already scheduled an appointment," he assured me. "But for now, I need to focus on the gala. It's too vital for my firm to go wrong, and with me leaving New York soon, I need to make sure everything is in order."

"Leaving? "Are you going back to London soon?" I queried, the realization that he may not be here much longer settling in.

"Yes, as soon as I'm done with this deal and my health is stable, I'll be heading back home," the guy responded. "But for now, I need your support to make this event a success. It means a lot to me, and I am positive that your involvement will be useful as well."

My concern intensified. "Of course, dad. I will come over. Where are you now?"

He hesitated. "That is the thing. I recently moved into a new apartment. It is a condominium in the Imperial Towers."

I froze. "Imperial Towers? Isn't that...?"

"Yes, it is owned by Liam's family." I didn't want to say anything because I understand how you feel about him, but it's a beautiful firm and they gave me a tremendous deal. "I need your help, Sophie, but if you're not comfortable..."

I swallowed hard, my brain whirling.

My father lives in the same building as Liam. The prospect sickened my stomach, but I couldn't leave my father to fend for himself.

The connection became silent, leaving the weight of my decision hanging in the air.

"I'll be there, Dad," I ultimately replied. "We'll get this gala sorted out together."

He thanked me enthusiastically, his relief clear.

"Thank you, Sophie. I knew I could count on you. See you soon."

We exchanged goodbyes, and as I hung up, I glanced at my phone, lost in thought.

Why was I experiencing a sense of disappointment?

Was I expecting Liam to call? He is a devil, he would never call.

I took a long breath, seeking to escape the bad sensation that clung to me.

As I went back into the restaurant, I noticed Maya at the stove, perfectly completing the spaghetti dish.

The lovely aroma filled the kitchen, temporarily distracting me from the talk I'd just had.

Maya glanced up as I came, her visage fascinated.

"Is everything okay?" You seem a bit strange."

"It was my dad," I answered, smiling as I leaned against the counter.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice laced with dread.

"Yeah, it's just... there's a charity event coming up that Dad needs my participation with. He's been under a lot of stress, and I believe it's getting to him," I remarked, trying to keep a calm voice.

Maya nodded, but her eyes narrowed slightly as she inspected my face.

"So why do you appear like the world has just collapsed? Soph, you are more than capable of managing this."

I hesitated, feeling a familiar knot tighten in my belly.

"It's not just that," I responded gently. "The thing is, Dad will be staying in the same building as Liam while he is in New York. It's not ideal."

Maya nearly dropped her wooden spoon she was holding, her eyes growing wide in surprise.

"What? You have got to be kidding me! Is it the same building? How could this ever happen?"

I shrugged, trying not to show how much it affected me.

"It happened, I think. But the prospect of being so close to Liam again..."

Maya shook her head in disbelief, placing the spoon down and crossed her arms while reclining back.

"No wonder you're feeling this way. There's a lot to contend with."

"Yeah," I groaned, running my fingers over my hair. "It's going to be challenging. But I can't disappoint Dad. He needs me, and I must do this for him."

Maya reached out and squeezed my arm, reassuringly.

"You are stronger than you think, Soph. You'll get over this, even if it means facing Liam again. And who knows. Maybe addressing him may help you find closure."

"Closure," I repeated, the word feeling alien on my tongue. "Maybe you're right. Or maybe it will merely rekindle old pains.

"Either way," Maya remarked with a little smile, "you won't be alone. I'll be here for you no matter what happens."

Her statements were reassuring, however the uncertainty lingered in my mind.

I knew Maya was accurate. I had to be strong for both my father's sake and my own. But the notion of meeting Liam again, being so close to the person who had brought me so much grief, was nearly terrible.

I pushed the thought aside as much as I could and manufactured a smile.

"Thank you, Maya. I appreciate it. Now, what about the pasta? I might need something to keep my mind off things."

Maya grinned, the tension lessening slightly as she returned to the stove. "Coming right up. Let's eat and sort out the rest later."