Chasing Shadows

That night, in a luxurious steak restaurant with warm lighting, Calista managed to completely divert Frans's thoughts from Viona.

"So, there's this super rich client of mine, but he always forgets his own email password!" Calista laughed while cutting her steak. "Every week he definitely calls IT support. My team has even made a bet on when he'll forget it again!"

Frans chuckled. "Seriously? That's so ridiculous."

"Totally!" Calista enthusiastically nodded. "And there's this new employee in the office. He's super ambitious but once accidentally sent an important email to the entire company. What was in it? His complaint about his own boss!"

Frans laughed harder this time. "How did that turn out?"

"Fortunately, the boss wasn't mad; he just replied to the email with one word: 'Noted.' That was it. The whole office got scared!"

Frans shook his head with a smile. He didn't know when exactly, but the heavy feeling that had haunted him all day began to fade.

Calista was indeed like that—calm, confident, full of energy. A successful career woman, with a personality that made people feel at ease around her.

"By the way, I'm happy to see you laughing again," Calista said while sipping her wine. "This morning, your face looked like someone who just got hit by a truck."

Frans smiled faintly. "Yeah, maybe I really needed to get out and hear silly stories like this."

"I know," Calista grinned. "So, don't overthink it. You're a doctor; you should know that stress isn't healthy."

Frans nodded, enjoying the warmth of their conversation. For the first time in days, he was not thinking about Viona.

And maybe… that was a good thing.

After dinner, Calista and Frans strolled out of the restaurant. The night in the city felt cool, with streetlights twinkling like stars.

"Do you want to take a short walk?" Calista asked. "Or head back to the hotel straight away?"

Frans thought for a moment. It had been a while since he enjoyed a night without heavy thoughts weighing him down. "A short walk sounds fine."

They walked along the sidewalk, occasionally laughing as Calista continued with her silly office stories. Eventually, they stopped at a small bridge overlooking the river.

"Do you remember when we were kids, we used to go to places like this?" Calista suddenly asked.

Frans nodded slowly. "Yeah. We used to play guessing games about who could find the brightest star."

Calista smiled. "And you always lost because you never took it seriously."

Frans chuckled softly. "Maybe I preferred looking at the river rather than the sky."

For a moment, they fell silent, enjoying the sound of the water flowing calmly underneath them.

"You know, Frans," Calista said gently, "I wouldn't mind if your family tried to matchmake us. But I also don't want to be a distraction for you."

Frans turned to her, slightly surprised by her honesty.

"I know you're still thinking about Viona," Calista continued, her tone gentle. "And I won't force you to suddenly fall in love with me. But if one day you get tired and need someone… I'm here."

Frans looked into her eyes. There was something in Calista's gaze—sincere honesty, without any demands.

He let out a soft sigh. "I… don't know what to say."

Calista smiled and lightly patted his shoulder. "You don't have to say anything. I just want you to know."

After that, they continued walking toward the hotel, chatting casually, as if that earlier conversation had never happened. But for Frans, Calista's words left something lingering in his heart. Something he wasn't ready to understand.

But maybe… someday.

The next day, Frans woke up with his head still feeling a bit heavy from the wine last night. He rubbed his face before looking at his phone lying on the bedside table.

No messages from Viona.

He should have stopped hoping.

He got up from bed and prepared to face the day, trying to distract himself from thoughts of Viona, who he imagined was probably with Steve now. However, before he could truly focus, his mother called.

"Do you have time? Mom wants to talk," her voice sounded firm, as always.

Frans sighed. "Sure. What's up, Mom?"

"Yesterday, I sent you that photo of Viona and that guy. Have you seen it?"

Frans frowned. "Yes."

His mother paused for a moment before saying in a tone full of certainty, "She's not for you, Frans. I've told you from the beginning."

Frans closed his eyes, trying to hold back his emotions. "Mom, I don't need this right now."

"You need to listen," his mother insisted. "Calista is better for you. She's mature, has a clear career, and can support your future. Viona? What can she do for you except keep you confused?"

Frans clenched his hands at the edge of the bed. "Mom, I don't need a woman to 'do something for me.' I just need someone I can love."

His mother let out a small, cynical laugh. "Love? Frans, that feeling won't pay the bills or build a future. Look at Calista. She's right there beside you, while Viona? She's busy with another guy."

Silence.

Frans had no answer because part of his mother's words was true.

"Think carefully, Frans," his mother continued. "Mom and Dad just want the best for you."

After that call ended, Frans threw his phone onto the bed and let out a long sigh. His head felt heavier.

He needed some fresh air.

Without thinking much, he grabbed his jacket and left the hotel. He walked aimlessly, letting his steps take him wherever.

Until finally, he stopped in front of a place he knew all too well.

A small café with the soothing sound of piano music inside.

And there, sitting in the corner, were Viona and Steve.

They were laughing together, looking so comfortable.

His heart sank.

Had he really lost Viona?

Frans stood in front of that café, his heart racing uncontrollably. The sight before him was so painful—Viona smiling, giggling slightly as Steve said something. Their gazes looked so intimate, so close.

His hands clenched at his sides. He wanted to go in, to ask if Viona had really forgotten him this quickly. But he knew he didn't have the right to do that.

Hadn't Viona clearly said they were finished?

Wasn't he the one who hesitated when Viona asked about their future?

Hadn't he always chosen his family over her?

But still… seeing Viona with another man felt much more painful than he had imagined.

He was about to turn away when his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. A message from Calista.

"Where are you? I'm at a restaurant near the office, and I have something to tell you. Please come?"

Frans stared at the screen of his phone for a long time before finally typing a short reply.

"Okay. I'm on my way."

He walked away, distancing himself from that café without looking back.

At the restaurant where Calista was waiting for him, Frans found her already seated with a glass of wine in front of her. She looked classy as always—with an expensive blazer and her hair neatly tied back.

Calista smiled as she saw Frans arrive. "You look… like you didn't get enough sleep."

Frans sat down across from her and sighed. "A lot on my mind."

Calista raised an eyebrow. "Viona?"

Frans didn't respond, but Calista seemed to already know the answer.

"Listen, I know this is hard," she said, pouring wine into Frans's glass. "But you have to realize that life goes on. You can't keep torturing yourself with her shadow."

Frans took his glass, swirling its contents slowly. "Maybe I just need time."

Calista smiled faintly. "I can give you time. But on the other hand… I can also give you something more certain."

Frans looked at her.

Calista rested her chin on her hand, gazing at Frans with an expression full of conviction. "You know I can be a good partner for you, right?"

Frans fell silent.

He knew. Calista was everything his family wanted—smart, successful, beautiful, and stable. No drama, no uncertainty. With her, Frans's future was clear.

But why did his heart still feel empty?

Calista smiled again, then raised her glass to toast. "Whatever your choice is later, I'll still be here. But I just want you to remember one thing, Frans."

Frans slowly lifted his glass. "What?"

Calista looked at him intently before saying in a teasing tone, "I'm not the type to easily give up."

They toasted.

And out there, Viona was still laughing with Steve, unaware that Frans had just chosen to walk in a different direction.