"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."

The next morning, I sat on my bedgazing at the half-packed luggage in front of me.

I was visiting my dad's new apartment and possibly run into Liam once again, something I wasn't sure I was ready for.

The prospect of seeing him, of perhaps running into him in the corridor or the elevator, wrenched my stomach into knots.

My phone rang on the nightstand, drawing me out of my thoughts. I looked at the computer and saw a message from Ethan.

Hey, how are you holding up?

A little grin pulled at the edges of my mouth.

Ethan had been so wonderful to me over the last several weeks, had a way of making me feel like I wasn’t alone, even when everything around me seemed overpowering.

Me: I’m good, just packing.

His reaction came very instantly.

Ethan: Packing? Are you leaving New York or something?

I grinned and answered.

Me: Lol. No, visiting my dad.

Again, his reaction arrived nearly instantly.

Ethan: Want some company? I can come over if you need assistance or simply someone to chat to.

I paused for a bit, looked around my flat. It was a chaos of clothing, cartons, and half-opened drawers. But the prospect of having Ethan here, of not being alone with my thoughts, was too enticing to pass up.

Me: Sure, it would be nice. I could need the distraction.

Ethan: Be there in 20.

I laid my phone down and glanced around the room again.

It wasn’t just the trash, it was the memories that clung to every nook. I couldn’t help but think of the last time I’d packed up my life like this.. when I left Liam.

A tap at the door shocked me.

I checked the time.. Ethan was early. I hastily brushed a hand through my hair, hoping I didn’t seem as frantic as I felt, and went to open the door.

Ethan was there with a pleasant grin, carrying a tiny bag in his hand.

“I brought snacks,” he added, holding the bag as if it were a peace gift. “Thought you might need a break from all the packing.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle, the strain in my chest relaxing somewhat. “You know me too well.”

His words, so simple but so real, made something within me hurt.

I wasn’t accustomed to this type of support, this kind of kindness.

Liam had never been the soothing kind.. he’d always been aloof, disconnected. But Ethan… he was different. He made me feel secure.

“I appreciate it, really,” I responded, trying to keep my voice calm.

Ethan’s grin was comforting, and he clasped my hand gently. “Of course you do, Soph. You know you can always depend on me.”

We sat in quiet for a minute, our fingers still interlaced, and the air seemed heavy with unspoken words.

Ethan took a big breath as he turned around to face me, his eyes exploring my face as if attempting to judge my response.

"Sophie...I..." he continued, his voice quiet. "Don't you think we should...go out? Officially?"

My heart skipped a beat at his words.

"Since you are divorced, can I pursue you?"Ethan leaned forward, his face sincere.

"I mean, like...on a date. Just you and me. No more 'hanging out' or anything. An real, official date."

He stopped, allowing me a minute to comprehend his remarks.

I swallowed hard, the knots in my gut twisting harder. "Ethan, I...I'm not sure I'm ready for that.”

Ethan's hand had slipped from my own, his fingers delicately tracing the curve of my jaw, his eyes riveted upon mine. His lips, so near to mine, were barely parted, his breath mixing with mine.

I could feel the heat of his body, the intensity of his stare.

"Soph, I...I know there's a link between us. I'm sure you feel it too."

His words hovered in the air, a subtle cry for understanding.

"Why don't we...why don't we try it?" He murmured, looking at me.

My heartbeat sped and thumped fiercely in my chest.

But the doorbell rang, its sound cutting over the heavy atmosphere before I could respond.

Ethan swiftly pulled back, the anger in his eyes dimming as he recovered his control.

I could feel my cheeks burning as I turned away, the air between us suddenly packed with unsaid tension.

"Oh, hey Maya!" Ethan yelled out when the front door opened, the sound of Maya's happy voice filling the room.

"Did I interrupt something?" she inquired, grinning at me as she went inside.

Ethan laughed, attempting to play it off. "Just a friendly chat," he added, his grin somewhat strained.

Maya lifted an eyebrow at Ethan's statement, her gaze moving between us. "Uh huh. A 'friendly' talk. Sure."

I rolled my eyes at Maya's mocking. "It's not what you think, Maya," I emphasized. "We were just talking."

Maya gave me a knowing glance. "Whatever you say, Soph. So, what's this about packing? You moving out or something?"

"No," I responded, motioning at the jumble of boxes. "It's about my dad's gala thing I told you yesterday”

"Well, I didn't realize you'd be leaving soon," Maya remarked, gazing at her watch. "I was just going to chill out here for a bit, maybe nap on your couch or something."

Ethan cleared his throat, pulling our attention back to him. "If Sophie's got a busy day ahead, maybe I can take you out for some lunch, Maya?" he offered, his gaze moving towards me.

Maya’s face brightened up. "Oh, I'm always up for a free meal. And hey, I'll even let you select the place.”

As Ethan and Maya rose up to depart, Maya flashed me a cheeky wink.

As the door closed behind them, the stillness in the flat seemed to accentuate the tangle of ideas pouring in my head.

Ethan’s comments remained, refusing to be put away.

A date. An actual date. It shouldn’t have been such a huge issue, but it was.

The reality was, I hadn’t gone on a proper date since Liam.

I wasn’t even sure I knew how to anymore. And as much as I admired Ethan..his generosity, his warmth..there was still a part of me that was caught in the past, chained to memories of a guy who had never truly been mine.

I groaned, running a hand through my hair as I slid back into the sofa.

What was I doing? Why was I still letting Liam rule so much of my life, even now?

I grabbed the closest article of clothes and shoved it into the luggage, fury rising up within me.

I wanted to break free of him, to go on, but every stride forward seemed to be greeted by an unseen barrier, a reminder of what I had lost.. or maybe, never truly had.

The sound of my phone vibrating again took me from my thoughts.

I grabbed for it, half-expecting another message from Ethan. Instead, it was a notice from my calendar..a reminder about the gala.

I moaned inwardly. The gala.

Another function where I’d have to put on a brave face, smile at people who knew nothing about the anguish within me, and pretend that everything was just perfect.

I arrived at the Imperial Towers.

The Gabsons owned this enormous, opulent building in the center of New York.

The structure was a shining example of contemporary design, its glass exterior reflecting the activity of the city below.

In essence, it was the type of location that was only affordable for the wealthy.

I had a sudden wave of fear as soon as I got out of my vehicle.

I was with Liam when I was last here, and we were both living in our own ignorant bubbles. Those were better days.

My pulse raced at the notion of entering that building and realizing he may be just a few floors away.

I took a minute to compose myself and remind myself of my purpose for being here.

Our past or Liam had no bearing on this. It was to support my father.

I straightened my shoulders, changed the strap on my handbag, then started for the door.

Holding the door open, the doorman politely nodded at me. He was wearing a neat uniform.

"Miss, good day. How may I help you right now?"

I tried to remain calm and said, "I'm here to see my father. He recently moved in, Mr. Greenwoods."

The doorman recognized me, and his eyes brightened. "Yes, Mr. Greenwoods, I see now. Miss Greenwoods, welcome. Allow me to call his flat."

I nodded and observed as the doorman communicated my arrival to someone above by speaking into a little gadget attached to his collar.

As I stood there, the slick, contemporary lobby reminding me of my former life, my thoughts drifted. Everything seemed both very close and quite far away at the same time.

The doorman smiled and turned back to me after a few period. Mr. Greenwood anticipates your arrival. Kindly go over to the apartment in the penthouse. There, the elevator will carry you right away.

Penthouse.

My father would naturally be in the most opulent area possible. My footfall echoed on the marble flooring as I greeted the doorman and headed for the lift.

As soon as the doors slid open, I went inside the elevator and was quickly taken to another planet with the lavish décor and soft lighting.

I tried to calm myself down by pressing the penthouse button and leaning back against the wall.

The trip up seemed endless, as each level passed with a soft ding.

Following everything that had happened, I kept wondering about what it would be like to meet Liam once again and share a room with him.

Would he even find my presence relevant? Would he try to talk to me, or would he dismiss me as like I didn't exist?

The doors opened to expose a large, spacious hallway as the elevator at last reached the top floor.

I walked outside and moved toward the lone entrance on the floor, my footsteps muffled by the thick carpet.

I took a deep breath, knocked quickly, and waited.

Almost instantly, the door opened, revealing my father in all the glory of a prosperous businessman.

It was a relaxed day at home, yet he was dressed neatly in a suit and had his silver hair groomed.

"Sophia, sweetheart!" He drew me into an embrace and said, a warm grin spreading over his face. "I'm very happy you came."

Even though our relationship had sometimes been tense..especially when he coerced me into marriage against my will.. I reciprocated the embrace, overcome with love for the man who had always been my rock.

"Hello, Dad. It's good to see you.”

He withdrew, putting me at arm's length and examining me. "You look amazing, Sophie. Please come on in."

As soon as I entered, the penthouse's sight took my breath away.

Everything I could have expected and more, it was lavish, cutting edge, and very beautiful.

The floor to ceiling windows gave an amazing perspective of the city, and the inside design was the perfect mix of comfort and flair.

As I considered the large living space, opulent furniture, and elegant details that gave the room a cozy feel, I said, "Wow, Dad, this place is amazing."

"Only the finest," he winked in response. "Come with me as I give you a tour."

I was only partially paying attention to what he was saying as he showed me around the penthouse and pointed out all of its features and conveniences.

The other half could not stop thinking about Liam, wondering whether he cared at all, if he was even here, and if he knew I was in the building.

My father looked at me as we passed past the living room, his face softening. "Sophie, I understand that being here may be challenging for you.

I turned to face him, taken aback by his insight. "Dad, I'm okay. Really. I'm here for you”

He grinned, but his eyes held a trace of worry.

"Talking about which, we have a lot on our plate. Why don't you settle in first, though? The last door on the left is your room, which is down the hall."

I nodded, appreciative of the opportunity to gather myself before getting started on the arrangements.

I couldn't get rid of the sense I had as I moved down the hallway, my father's footsteps trailing behind me, that I was approaching an unavoidable situation that I wasn't sure I was prepared for.

I arrived at the door, pulled it open, and entered a well furnished guest room.

The bed was draped in soft sheets, and the large windows gave a magnificent perspective of the downtown skyline.

Even if everything about it appeared perfect, I couldn't get rid of the unpleasant sensation I had as I dropped my bags and glanced around.

I was once again in the world I had left behind, at a location that was filled with a wealth of pleasant and unpleasant memories.

And Liam, the guy who had been everything to me but was now just a bitter reminder of what might have been, was somewhere in this building.

I sighed and perched on the side of the bed running a hand through my hair.

It would be harder than I had expected.

But now that I was here, there was no going back.