4

Aisha's POV

The Paris sky that evening was a golden orange, reflecting the shadows of streetlights on the bustling city sidewalk. I sat on the balcony of my apartment, watching the hustle and bustle below while sipping on warm tea.

Five years had passed since I left my old life. Five years since I chose to disappear. Along the way, I had found a new self, but the shadows of the past still clouded my mind.

I was no longer the weak woman who felt unworthy of love. Now, I was a respected heart surgeon.

A strange paradox, isn’t it?

Saving the hearts of others while my own lay in ruins. Every operation I performed was a reminder of the helplessness I had once felt.

"Dr. Aisha, the surgical team meeting will start in fifteen minutes," my assistant's voice came through the phone.

"I'll be there soon, Lina. Thank you."

I stared at my reflection in the glass. A firmer face, sharper eyes, and a smile that was no longer forced. I had grown, but those memories lingered. Every moment in the past was a lesson that shaped me into a stronger woman.

Yet, I couldn’t deny that there was still a part of me scarred by old wounds. Every time I saw couples holding hands on the street, there was a piercing pain that was hard to explain.

I tried my best not to let the past ruin my present life. But the shadow of Sean and everything that had happened between us still haunted me.

One night, while reading patient reports, a notification email came through on my phone. I took a slow breath before opening it, feeling tension in my chest.

[Alumni Reunion Invitation from the Medical School.]

I stared at the screen for a long time, contemplating the invitation. The event would be held in my hometown, where I once loved someone with all my heart, only to be mercilessly shattered. I wanted to refuse, to delete the email without a second thought. But before I could do that, another message came in from an old friend.

“Aisha, I heard you’ve been very successful. Come, we miss you. Oh, by the way, I heard Sean is still single. It seems he hasn’t been able to move on from you.”

I froze.

Sean. That name still had the power to make my chest feel tight.

So, he was still single?

After everything he did, after shattering me like that?

Why should I care?

Yet, beneath my anger, there was a stirring curiosity.

Did he really regret everything?

Or was this just a coincidence?

What happened to the man I once loved with all my heart?

I closed the email, closing my eyes for a moment. Going back to my hometown wasn’t a good idea, but something in my heart told me this wasn’t just an ordinary invitation. This was the beginning of something inevitable.

I took a deep breath. Perhaps it was time for me to return, not for him, but for myself. But it could also be an opportunity to find the closure I had been seeking.

Days passed, and the reunion invitation continued to haunt me. Every time I looked at the beautiful Parisian skyline from my apartment balcony, I felt trapped in a cycle between fear and courage. Was I ready to return to a place filled with so many memories?

Finally, I decided to attend the reunion. This wasn’t just about Sean; it was about all the friends who had once been a part of my life. They were part of the past I wanted to remember.

The day of the event arrived. I stood in front of the mirror, wearing a simple yet elegant black dress. I wanted to look confident, but inside, there was an unsettling anxiety.

The thought of a potentially emotional reunion made me hesitate.

After preparing myself, I left the apartment and headed to the train station. The journey to my hometown felt long and hopeful. Every second that passed reminded me of the memories I had decided to leave behind. Every station I passed was a reminder of the past.

When I arrived in the town, the familiar atmosphere welcomed me immediately. I could feel the energy of this place, but there was also a sadness that accompanied it. Every corner of the street reminded me of the beautiful and bitter memories I had experienced.

I stepped into the meeting place, and as I entered the room, I was greeted with warm smiles from old friends. My anxiety began to dissipate. We chatted, laughed, and shared stories about our lives.

Although everything felt pleasant, my heart was still pounding, waiting for the moment Sean would appear.

As the night wore on, I saw him. Sean stood in the corner of the room, wearing a suit that made him look more mature. His gaze searched the crowd, and when his eyes finally met mine, there was a flash of recognition there.

He approached, and my heartbeat quickened.

"Aisha," he said, his voice deep and filled with emotion. "It’s good to see you."

I smiled slightly, trying to hold back all the feelings that flooded my heart.

"Good to see you too, Sean."

Our conversation felt awkward, but there was an unavoidable tension. We talked about our lives, but it all felt like a game. You could feel all the unspoken questions between us.

"I’ve heard about your success as a surgeon," he said, trying to break the silence.

"Thank you."

My voice sounded lower than I had hoped.

"I'm glad to be helping others."

But inside, I longed for honesty. I wanted to know what he truly felt.

After a while, we both stepped away from the crowd to talk more privately. We walked to the terrace, where the atmosphere was quieter and more pleasant. The evening breeze blew gently, carrying the scent of blooming flowers.

"So, how has your life been after everything that happened?" I asked, trying to open up the conversation.

He sighed, looking heavy.

"It’s been hard," he replied. "I’ve never really moved on. Every time I think about the past, I can only regret everything that happened."

His words made my heart tremble.

"You know, I feel the same way. But I’m trying to move on."

"And you’ve succeeded," he said, his gaze filled with admiration. "I’ve always admired your courage, Aisha."

His words felt like a sword piercing my heart.

"But you also hurt me. You shattered my trust in you."

He fell silent, seemingly pondering every word I had said.

"I know. And I’m very sorry. In my mind, I’ve always hoped I could fix it."

"But how can you fix something that’s already broken?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Our eyes locked, and in an instant, all the memories flowed back. I remembered all the happiness we had shared, but also the sorrow it brought.

"I don’t want to demand that you come back," he continued. "I just want you to know that I still love you, even though I know that’s not enough."