Rewriting My Heart's Fate

I quickly looked away, my heart pounding. It all happened so fast, and I wasn't ready for any of it.

Ethan was a lot different than I remembered. He'd outgrown his youthful recklessness and settled into a more mature presence.

But was I ready to let someone in again?

The bad memories from my past life-full of hurt, injustice, and despair-still haunted me. Those scenes kept looping in my mind, and I couldn't stop feeling uneasy. "Evelyn, are you alright?" Kevin's voice, full of concern, broke through my thoughts.

I shook myself out of it and forced a small smile. "I'm fine, just need a quick break. Don't mind me. I'm going to take a breather outside."

I hurried out of the venue. The quiet of the night only made my anxiety worse. I wandered down the street, lost in my thoughts.

I spent the last few years pouring everything into my career just to prove myself. Love was the last thing on my mind, but Ethan's return stirred up a whirlwind of emotions. Everything about him-the way he looked at me and smiled-tugged at my heart.

"You seem kind of low today, Ms. Wiley."

fast. Ethan had

cool as I teased, "Mr. Grayson, are you actually concerned

his shadow stretching out beneath the streetlight. "You've been

surprised he'd even

I've finally made it. I should thank you, though, for offering your help back then without holding the past against me. It helped me grow." "It's nothing." Ethan grinned.

heart skipped

topic. "I just

wondering if it was

partners at work, so it seemed fine. Plus, work had been suffocating me. I could use a chance

that, offering a smile and a nod before following Ethan

car caught

new ride? Not bad, huh?"