The afternoon sun was sinking behind the skyline of East City when Selene finally returned home from a series of meetings. The energy of the day clung to her in traces—emails unanswered, blueprints reviewed, and deadlines looming. But none of that could compete with the soft flutter in her chest as she stared at her closet, trying to decide what to wear for tonight’s reunion.
She didn’t want to overdress. It wasn’t a formal gathering, just a casual get-together with some old friends—and with him.
After ten minutes of indecision, she settled on something simple: fitted black jeans that hugged her long legs, and a crisp white polo blouse tucked neatly at the waist. It was clean, effortless, and just polished enough to show she cared—without saying too much.
She ran a brush through her hair, leaving it down in soft waves. A bit of nude lipstick and light blush added a glow to her already smooth complexion. She glanced at the mirror and gave herself a small nod. Presentable.
Just as she was about to reach for her purse, her eyes wandered toward the top drawer of her dresser—the one she hadn’t opened in months.
Inside was a small ring box. She didn’t need to open it to know what was inside.
The promise ring. The one she used to wear every day.
The same ring that once represented a bond she thought was unbreakable.
Her hand hovered over it before she finally picked it up. Slowly, she opened the box. The silver band glinted under the soft light—simple, but meaningful. For a moment, she just stared, caught in the flood of memories it brought—late-night study sessions, shared dreams, the way Sebastian used to hold her hand like the world could crumble and he wouldn’t let go.
Selene exhaled, her throat tightening slightly.
She wasn’t the same girl anymore. And neither was he.
Still, tonight felt significant, like it had the potential to either heal or further deepen the scar time had left between them.
She reached for a delicate gold necklace chain and gently slid the promise ring onto it. The band rested at the center of her chest when she clasped it behind her neck. It wasn’t quite wearing the ring the old way—but close enough to remind her of what once was, and maybe, what could still be.
Grabbing her purse, she stepped out of her apartment and called her driver. The venue address Sebastian had sent earlier was saved on her phone: a quiet, rustic-themed bistro tucked just outside East City. It was known more for its privacy and charm than glamour—a place for real conversations.
The sun had set by the time her car pulled up to the warmly lit place. Strings of fairy lights decorated the entryway, and the scent of grilled steak and baked pastries lingered in the air.
Selene stepped out and walked slowly toward the entrance, her heels tapping softly against the wooden flooring. The hostess smiled and led her to the private dining area Sebastian had reserved.
And there he was—already seated by the corner window, dressed casually in dark jeans and a gray shirt, his blazer hanging loosely on the back of the chair. He looked up the moment she arrived and stood quickly, his eyes scanning her from head to toe in that old familiar way.
“You came,” he said, his voice a mix of relief and warmth.
“Of course I did,” she replied, offering a soft smile as she took the seat across from him. “You invited me, didn’t you?”
“I did,” he chuckled, sitting down again. “You look… good. Really good.”
“Thanks,” she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You too.”
There was a moment of silence between them—not awkward, but loaded. They weren’t just two professionals sharing a table. They were something more complicated. Something unfinished.
“I called the others,” Sebastian started, tracing the rim of his glass. “But they all declined. They had prior commitments, you know how it is—every member of the Hillwood Investment Club is an heir to some family empire.”
Selene took a slow sip of water. “So this isn’t a reunion after all.”
“Maybe it still is,” he replied. “Just a different kind of one.”
Their food arrived shortly after—a modest dinner of grilled salmon for her and steak for him. They talked about the project, the workers, and a few familiar names from the club. But eventually, the conversation turned deeper.
“So,” Selene began, glancing down at her plate, “how are things now that you’ve officially taken over as heir to Ford Corporation, and running your own business?”
“Well, nothing too surprising,” he replied. “Just double the time spent on work compared to what I did as the club president.”
“I see. You’re a busy man now.”
“And you’re a busy woman,” he countered. “With your current status in the industry, I’d say you’re more powerful than anyone in the club.”
“Is that why you didn’t say goodbye?” she asked quietly. “Didn’t even show up for the graduation?”
Sebastian hesitated. “Something came up. I had to leave.”
“Without saying goodbye?”
“It just… happened. I got caught up in a bad situation.”
“Bad situation, huh?”
“You’ve known me since college. I’m the type who disappears without notice.”
“I see.” She gave a small nod. “And now that I see you’re okay, I’m happy for you.”
“You seem fine too.”
“Of course. Being left behind isn’t new to me. I guess I’ve grown immune to it.”
Sebastian didn’t respond. Just as he was about to signal the waiter for their bill, someone called his name.
“Seb? Sebastian Ford?”
His face changed the moment he saw the woman approaching.
“Monica Hudson?”
“Yes, it’s me. After two years, I’m glad you didn’t forget me.”
“I don’t forget that easily. What are you doing in East City?”
“I have a fashion show here. My brand’s clothes and jewelry are being modeled tomorrow.”
“I see… Well, this is Architect Selene Mondiego, my business partner for the new project.”
“Mondiego?” Monica’s eyes widened. “Are you connected to Kian Mondiego?”
“He’s my older brother,” Selene answered calmly.
“Oh wow. It’s great to meet you. My company partnered once with Mondiego’s Clothing Line, the famous winter coats and golf clothing were featured and my company models were contracted to model the clothing designs.”
“ahh i see, It was under his supervision,” Selene replied with a polite smile.
“Well, here’s my card, Seb. Let’s have dinner tomorrow after the show?”
“I’ll see if I can make time.”
“You will. Call me, or I’ll be the one calling.”
With a playful smirk, Monica left.
Sebastian sighed. “Sorry about that. I didn’t expect to run into her today, of all days.”
“So, you two were romantically involved?” Selene asked.
“I wouldn’t say that. She was more romantically interested in me.”
“Still the same thing.”
“It’s not serious if only one person has feelings. You know the saying—it takes two to tango. She was just… clingy. People around us assumed something was going on.”
Such a jerk. Selene kept the thought to herself. You didn’t even break up with me properly, and now you’re bragging about your clingy admirer?
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I think it’s getting late. I’ve got a lot of work waiting at home.”
“Let me drive you home.”
“I already texted my driver while you were talking to Monica. He’s waiting outside.”
“You didn’t need to do that. I could’ve taken you home.”
“Well,” she said as she stood up, grabbing her purse, “I don’t usually trust people who’ve been strangers to me for so long.”
“Selene…”
“I’ll see you soon—for the next site inspection.”
Without waiting for another word, Selene left. She dropped her share of the bill on the table, not even glancing back.