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."

turned around fast. Ethan had somehow snuck up behind

it cool as I teased, "Mr.

streetlight. "You've been working hard on your career by

paused, surprised he'd even

Luckily, I've finally made it. I should thank you, though, for offering your help back

heart skipped a

Ethan changed the topic. "I just got a new

hesitated, wondering if it was a

But then again, we were partners at work, so it seemed fine. Plus, work

I left it at that, offering a smile and a

car caught

new ride? Not bad, huh?" Ethan asked,