It had been two weeks since the gala, and life had settled back into its usual rhythm for Lily; or at least, that’s what she told herself over the weeks. The days were packed with meetings, client calls, and deadlines, leaving her little time to dwell on anything else. But no matter how busy she was, Aaron’s presence lingered in the back of her mind like a stubborn shadow.
She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon, and certainly not like that-standing across a room, looking at her with a mix of longing and regret.
Lily shook her head as she sat at her desk, trying to push the memory aside.
He doesn’t matter anymore, she reminded herself. You’ve moved on. Your life is yours now.
But the truth was harder to face. A part of her was still drawn to him, to the man who had once made her feel like the center of his universe.
Later that evening at her apartment, as she stepped into the kitchen, her phone buzzed on the counter. She picked it up to see Clara’s name flashing on
