Chapter 5 – Old Wounds, New Sparks

The next morning, Mia was halfway through her first coffee when her phone buzzed.

Ethan: "We have a problem. URGENT. Meet me in the conference room in 15 minutes."

Her stomach tightened. Problems in the Makati project at this stage could mean a huge loss—not just for the company, but for her reputation. She quickly grabbed her laptop and hurried to the 15th floor.

When she entered the conference room, Ethan was pacing, a file in hand. He looked up the moment she stepped in.

“Mia, the client’s main supplier backed out. We have three days to find a replacement or the entire launch gets delayed by weeks.”

She blinked. “Three days? That’s impossible—”

“Not for us,” Ethan cut in, determination flashing in his eyes. “We’ll work on it together.”

Mia’s instinct was to protest, but she knew he was right. “Fine. But let’s be clear—this is work. Nothing else.”

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. “Understood. Work.”

Day 1 – 11:47 AM

They spent the morning calling contacts, searching for suppliers who could meet the strict quality standards and timeline. Ethan handled negotiations while Mia managed the design adjustments that might be needed if they had to change materials.

By lunch, they were both running on caffeine and sheer willpower. Mia stepped out to grab sandwiches from the café downstairs.

When she returned, Ethan was at the whiteboard, sketching adjustments. She set a sandwich in front of him without a word.

He glanced at it, then at her. “You remembered I like chicken pesto.”

“It’s the only edible option they have today,” she replied flatly, though the truth was she had chosen it on purpose.

Day 1 – 9:38 PM

Most of the office was dark by now. Only their workspace was lit, papers and coffee cups scattered across the table.

“You should go home,” Mia said, glancing at Ethan.

“Not until we find a solution,” he replied, typing furiously on his laptop.

She sighed. “You always did overwork yourself.”

He paused, his fingers still on the keys. “And you always stayed late to make sure I wasn’t alone.”

Mia froze for a moment, the memory rushing back—years ago, when they’d sit in his old apartment, working side by side until midnight, sharing takeout and quiet moments.

“That was a long time ago,” she said, turning back to her notes.

“Doesn’t mean I forgot,” he murmured.

Day 2 – Afternoon

A breakthrough came when one of Mia’s old university contacts offered a lead on a small but reliable supplier in Laguna. The catch—they’d have to visit the facility in person tomorrow to secure the deal.

“We’ll go together,” Ethan said, already booking the car.

Mia hesitated. “It’s a three-hour drive one way.”

“Then we’ll have plenty of time to discuss the project,” he replied with a knowing look.

She rolled her eyes. “Project only, Ethan.”

Day 3 – The Laguna Trip

The drive started quietly, the hum of the car engine filling the space. Mia focused on her tablet, reviewing the supplier’s details, while Ethan navigated.

But somewhere between the skyline of the city and the green fields of the province, the conversation shifted.

“Do you ever think about… us?” Ethan asked suddenly.

Mia didn’t look up. “We’re not talking about that.”

“I know,” he said softly. “But I do. All the time.”

She set her tablet down. “Ethan, you walked away. You made that choice.”

“I thought I was doing the right thing,” he said, gripping the wheel. “Back then, I convinced myself my career had to come first. That I could circle back to you later. But life doesn’t work like that. I lost you.”

Mia stared out the window, watching the rice fields blur past. “Some things, once broken, don’t go back the same.”

“I’m not asking for the same,” he said quietly. “I’m asking for a chance at something better.”

Laguna – Supplier Meeting

The supplier turned out to be exactly what they needed. The meeting went well, and the contract was secured by late afternoon.

They should have headed back right away, but a sudden downpour flooded part of the highway. They were stranded in a small roadside inn until the water receded.

That Evening – The Inn

There was only one available room—two beds, at least—but the situation still made Mia tense.

Ethan ordered room service while Mia sat by the window, watching the rain.

“You’re quiet,” he said, placing a cup of hot chocolate beside her.

“Just thinking,” she replied.

“About?”

“About how complicated this is,” she admitted. “Working with you. Remembering things I tried so hard to forget.”

He sat across from her. “And maybe remembering things you don’t want to lose completely?”

She met his gaze then, and for a long moment, neither spoke.

The air between them felt charged, like the pause before a lightning strike.

---

**Back in the City – The Next Day**

They returned to the office victorious—the supplier secured, the launch back on track. The team celebrated, but for Mia and Ethan, the win was bittersweet.

Because now, there was no excuse to keep spending late nights together. And yet, something between them had shifted in those three intense days.

That night, as Mia was leaving, Ethan caught up to her at the elevator.

“Dinner. Tomorrow,” he said—not asking, but stating.

She opened her mouth to protest. But then, almost against her will, she found herself nodding.

“Tomorrow,” she agreed softly.

To Be Continued…