Morning came too quickly.
Lena stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her collar for the third time. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her—calm on the outside, restless underneath.
You're not here for him, she reminded herself.
You're here for work. Focus.
The office building rose tall and unfamiliar, glass reflecting a version of herself she was still learning to accept.
She stepped inside.
"Lena?"
The voice made her stop.
She turned slowly.
Ethan stood a few feet away, phone in hand, surprise clear on his face.
"You work here?" he asked.
"So do you," she replied quietly.
Fate, it seemed, had a sense of humor.
They rode the elevator in silence.
The space between them felt louder than conversation.
"So… you stayed," Lena said, breaking the quiet.
"I didn't have a reason to leave," Ethan replied.
She almost laughed. Almost cried.
At the meeting, they sat across from each other—professional, distant, careful. But every time Ethan spoke, Lena remembered how his voice used to calm her. Every time Lena smiled politely, Ethan wondered when she learned to hide her emotions so well.
Their hands brushed when they reached for the same file.
Lena pulled back instantly.
"Sorry."
Ethan's fingers curled slowly.
"You always apologize first," he said softly.
"Even when it's not your fault."
She met his eyes.
"Some habits don't fade."
Neither did the feelings.
As the meeting ended, Ethan hesitated before speaking.
"We should keep things… professional."
Lena nodded, relief and disappointment mixing painfully.
"Yes. That's best."
But as she walked away, she felt his gaze follow her.
And she knew—
this was only the beginning.