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."

and turned around fast. Ethan

I teased, "Mr.

the streetlight. "You've been working hard on

paused, surprised he'd even

back then without holding the past against me. It helped me grow." "It's nothing." Ethan grinned. "Your achievements are all on

skipped

changed the topic. "I just got a new car and haven't really driven

hesitated, wondering if

go for a late-night drive with Ethan alone. But then again, we were partners at work, so it seemed fine. Plus, work had been suffocating me. I could use a chance

to, but..." I left it at that, offering a smile and a

sleek sports car caught

you think of my new ride? Not bad, huh?" Ethan asked,