rning sun filtered through her window. Today was the day she had been looking forward to-her date with Eugene. She had chosen her outfit carefully, wa

hristine arrived, she spotted Eugene waiting for her at a table, his face lighting up with a smile that sent butterflies flutte

g!" he said, standing

habby yourself," she replied, her

the silly crushes, and the unforgettable moments that had shaped their friendship. Laughter filled the air as they exchanged playful j

and they turned out like little hockey pucks?"

. "I still can't believe you ate on

aning back in his chair. "But hey,

nted when her gaze drifted across the restaurant. That's when she saw him-a tall, strikingly handsome man with chiseled feat

pt with five years ago, just before she had left the country. The memory flooded back-his playful banter, t

voice broke through her thoughts

e. "Uh, yeah! Just... um, I think I saw some

is brow furrowing slightly.

eplied quickly, forcing a

that night flooded her mind, and she felt a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. She was on a date with Eugene, the

ugene asked, concern

ed," she admitted, her mind raci

drifting back to the handsome stranger, the memories of their night together swirling in her mind like a whirlwind. Would he recognize her? Would he come

ncidence? A lot of questions were going thro

**

ices filled his senses, mingling with the low hum of conversation and clinking of glasses. He scanned the room, his eyes

ver down his spine, a curious mix of intrigue and unease. He turned slightly, and there she was: a woman with stri

fleeting encounter at a conference? The more he stared, the more th

s he inhaled, he was met with a heavy cloud of perfume-sweet and floral, almost suffocating. It enveloped

ay, dismissing the moment as he approached his

the image of her face lingered at the edges of his thoughts, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. He stole

aking off the

**

g down, a small whirlwind of energy rushed toward her. "Mommy!" Nadia sque

off the ground and spinning her around. The familiar scent

wide with excitement. "I made a picture

t swelling with pride. She set Nadia down and knelt to meet her at eye lev

pping together. "A new school? With new

ear. "Of course! And guess what else? I'm starting

rs!" Nadia declared, her imagination alrea

Secretary!" Christine replied, her heart warm

ia the pictures of the school. They spent the next hour chatting, planning

ing her blouse-a crisp white shirt paired with a tailored navy blazer. She wanted to make

chosen a lovely dress for her daughter-a bright yellow sundress adorned with tiny white flowers that danced as Nadia

eetheart," Christine said, he

utching the hem of her dress. "A

Nadia into her booster seat, fastening the straps securely before slid

ia through the rearview mirror. "Are yo

can't wait to meet my new fr

ol, a cheerful building with bright colors ar

ine watched as her daughter ran toward the entrance, her heart swelling with pride and a tinge of

job. The company was known for its innovative projects and vibrant culture, and sh

ly receptionist directed her to the elevator, and as the doors sl

greeted her with a warm smile. "Hi, you must be Christine! I'

ide as she took in the vibrant atmosphere. Employees were engaged in an

lled office, Sarah paused. "And here

ened the door. She stepped inside,