AFTER THE HEARTBREAK

full swing. As the CEO of one of the city's most powerful companies, every day was packed with decisions, meetings, and deadlines. But James thrived in this

d, for the past three years, his wife. Their marriage had brought a sense of stability and companionship that he had come to appreciate more deeply than he'd initially realized. Yet, recently

esk buzzed, jolting h

through, "your 10 a.m. appointment with the l

send her in," he repli

estructuring contracts and managing some ongoing acquisitions. A colleague had highly recommended someone, saying she was talented and well-suited to t

te smile freezing on his face. The woman who s

abe

hat held both surprise and amusement

ered, perhaps even more so. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and she wore a tailored suit that fit her perfectly, exuding both elegance and authority. She l

g his voice. "I didn't realize.

oom to shake his hand. Her touch was light, professional, but he cou

lecting himself. "I suppose I

seat across from him. "But life has a funny wa

Ava, a whirlwind romance that had felt intense and all-consuming at the time. They had parted ways when he realized their ambitions and ideals weren

d. Alvine Corporation is in the middle of a significant expansion, and we need to tighten

h the briefing documents, and I think I can be of help. Alvine's

ined to keep things professional. "Thank you. It's been

vine's business strategy and offering insightful suggestions. Despite his best efforts to remain focused, James found himself distracted by her presence. There was s

t smile on her lips. "You know, I wa

fe in these settings, but Isabelle's gaze was unwavering, her curiosity apparent.

subtle edge he couldn't quite place. "It's always nice

ingering hint of something unspoken. He pushed the thought away, remi

te-night talks about their dreams, the intensity of their connection. He had loved her once, in a way that was raw and uninhibited. Their time together had been

ngs, Isabelle glanced up at him. "I look forward to work

d. "Likewise. I'm sure you'l

in a way that felt more intimate than it should have. There was a spark

e said, her voice so

er of his life when he married Ava, and he was committed to her, to their life together. But something about Isabelle's

n't realize he had been holding. For the first time in a long time, he felt as though h

nding him of dinner plans they had that evening. He stared at the screen, feeling

, a business arrangement. Nothing more. But as he looked at the closed door where Isabelle had stood just

n years, he felt uncerta