Chapter 21

Damien sat across from his client, the aroma of gourmet food filling the air around him. They were deep in conversation about projections for the upcoming quarter—something that usually held his full attention. But today, his thoughts wandered away from spreadsheets and business deals. Instead, they drifted to Charlotte, a sudden flare of curiosity and longing erupting in his chest. It had been months since their brief encounter, and yet he could still recall the way her laughter had once lit up a room.
As he nodded along to whatever his client was saying, handsome and well-dressed, he found himself absentmindedly stirring the remnants of his now-cold coffee. When thoughts of Charlotte crept in, he pictured her smile and the way her eyes sparkled as she spoke about her dreams. He hadn’t understood the gravity of their situation until it had been too late.
Across the restaurant, Charlotte and her best friend, Janine, settled into a cozy booth, the air filled with their animated chatter. Charlotte looked radiant, her eyes shining with excitement as she recounted stories and memories from her time spent apart from her friend. It was refreshing to see her happy, even if it stirred something bittersweet within Damien. He noticed how Janine nodded enthusiastically, clearly enjoying their reunion, celebrating their bond in the warm atmosphere of the bustling café.