On one distant summer day, Mike and Lara were playing in the old neighborhood where they had grown up. They were inseparable—always spending their time together exploring hidden spots behind the trees or collecting colorful stones along the nearby riverbank. There was a strong bond between them, so much so that even their friends noticed how they seemed to complete each other in a way no one could explain.
Mike: (smiling as he throws a stone into the water)
"If you weren't here, who would I enjoy all of this with?"
Lara: (laughing)
"You always think you're the best at everything. Let me tell you, if I weren't here, you'd have way too much time to sit around thinking about all the adventures you never had."
Mike: (pretending to think)
"Adventures? I don't think I need more than this to be happy—as long as you're with me."
Those were the unforgettable moments of their childhood, a time when they had their own world—far from the complications life would bring later. They were true childhood friends, unaware of what loss or distance meant, and time seemed to stand still for them.
But as the years went by, distance grew between them. Lara, preparing to leave for university in another city, soon began her college life, while Mike got busy building his career. Messages became less frequent, meetups rare, until eventually, they lost touch.
Now, years later, their eyes met again—only to realize that life wasn't what they had imagined back in those innocent days. Yet somehow, it gave them another chance to continue what had once begun in childhood.
Mike: (smiling nervously)
"I can't believe I'm seeing you here, Lara. But maybe... maybe this was the only place where we were meant to meet again."
Lara: (looking at him closely before smiling)
"Where do I begin? It's been so many years since I last heard from you... and now here you are, part of this project, with this company. I never imagined we'd run into each other in a place like this."
Mike: (calmly, trying to steady his emotions)
"Yeah, life's full of surprises. I didn't know you worked in this field... but it seems like fate wants us to work together again."
Lara: (meeting his gaze)
"Life really does lead us down unexpected roads. But I'm glad we'll be working together again—even if we were apart for so long."
Mike felt a mix of surprise and comfort. The more they talked, the more the emotions they'd buried in the past began to resurface.
Mike: (carefully, with a soft smile)
"I've often wondered where you disappeared to. How have you been?"
Lara: (smiling softly)
"Life got really busy, you know how it goes... but I still remembered our childhood from time to time."
Mike: (leaning in, his tone more serious)
"You were always the one who brought light into any moment. And now you're here—it's like time never passed."
Lara: (genuine smile, though a bit hesitant)
"And you've changed so much. Your life is full of accomplishments now. The company you and Victor built is growing stronger every day."
Mike: (warmly)
"Change is part of life, but I still believe some things never change. Maybe this moment—us meeting again—is one of those things."
—
Moments later, Lara left, and Mike quickly called Victor to share what had happened.
Mike: (cheerfully)
"Victor! I've got news for you. Remember my childhood friend Lara—the one I always talked about?"
Victor: (curious)
"Lara? Yeah, I remember."
Mike: (serious now)
"She's the one joining our team. I saw her recently, and honestly, I was shocked by how professional she's become. She's sharper than I ever imagined. I think she'll be a strong addition to our team."
Victor: (surprised)
"If she's as good as you say, then we should definitely give her a chance. We need people like that."
Mike: (smiling)
"Exactly. She's even more prepared than I thought. That's why I brought her in—I'm confident she'll be valuable."
—
A week later, after Mike returned to Rome, he and Lara headed to the company. Mike was excited to introduce his childhood friend to Victor, while Lara felt a bit nervous. At the same time, Emma happened to be in the office for a meeting with Victor regarding their joint project.
Mike walked into the office with his signature wide grin.
Mike:
"Victor! Get ready—I've got a surprise that's going to make your day way better."
Victor raised his eyebrows, suspicious.
Victor:
"I hope this surprise isn't like your last ones—more work for me."
Mike laughed, gesturing behind him at Lara.
Mike:
"Nope, this one's different. Meet Lara—my childhood friend and our newest team member."
Victor stood up, offering Lara a calm handshake.
Victor:
"Welcome, Lara. Glad to have you with us. Hope you're ready for what's ahead."
Lara: (a little shy)
"Thank you, Mr. Victor. I'll give it my all."
Before Victor could reply, Emma stepped forward with a warm smile.
Emma:
"Lara? Is it really you? I've seen your work in a few magazines before. You're really talented!"
Lara: (surprised and happy)
"Emma?! I can't believe I'm seeing you here! Thank you for the kind words—it means a lot."
Mike: (joking)
"Oh great, looks like everyone's impressed with Lara more than me now. Should I be worried about early retirement?"
Emma: (laughing softly)
"Don't worry, Mike. You've got your own special place... just not that special."
Victor: (serious but smiling faintly)
"Back to reality, everyone. Emma, we have that meeting coming up. Lara, you're welcome to join and get a closer look at our work."
Mike: (interrupting)
"Come on, Victor—don't be so serious all the time. Admit it, I brought in an amazing addition to the company. Maybe it's time for my promotion?"
Victor: (quickly)
"We'll talk about that in 2030. For now, focus on your job."
Emma burst out laughing, while Lara tried to suppress hers.
—
A week later...
Victor sat in his office, staring blankly at the stack of paperwork in front of him. The company's recent crisis had pushed him to the edge, but his pride kept him from asking for help. Emma, who came by to discuss some partnership matters, immediately noticed the tension.
Emma: (seriously)
"Victor, are you okay? You look... drained."
Victor: (hesitant)
"I'm fine. Just work stress. It'll pass."
But his eyes told a different story. Emma decided she wouldn't let him fall apart alone.
Emma: (firmly)
"Tell me the problem. If you think I'm just a name on paper, you're wrong. I'm here to help."
After a long pause, Victor gave in and explained. A legal issue with an investor was threatening the company's reputation and future.
Victor: (frustrated)
"He's exploiting legal loopholes to force new terms. I can't deal with this right now."
Emma: (confidently)
"I know people who can help. Give me your lawyer's number—I'll handle it."
An hour later, Emma led a meeting with the legal team and partners, using her influence and connections to find a way out.
Emma: (firmly)
"This company isn't a playground. If you want to be partners, you follow the rules."
Everyone was stunned by her command. Even Victor, sitting silently, felt proud to have her by his side.
After hours of negotiations, the meeting ended with a deal that saved the company.
As they celebrated the success, Victor showed signs of exhaustion—his face pale, hands trembling.
Emma: (worried)
"Victor, are you alright?"
Victor: (weakly)
"Just... a little tired."
But he didn't finish his sentence. He collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Emma: (shouting)
"Victor! Someone call an ambulance!"
—
At the hospital
After a long wait, Victor finally opened his eyes to find Emma sitting beside him.
Victor: (softly)
"Emma... you're here?"
Emma: (with a reassuring smile)
"Where else would I be? You nearly died from your own stubbornness."
Victor: (grateful)
"You saved the company... and you saved me."
Emma: (gently)
"I won't let you fall apart while I'm here. We're a team, right?"
Victor: (deeply moved)
"Thank you, Emma. I didn't expect you to be here for me like this."
Emma: (sincerely)
"I know what it feels like to be alone. I don't want you to ever go through that again."
They shared a genuine smile—and in that moment, something shifted between them. A new beginning rooted in respect and quiet gratitude.
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To be continued...
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