Collision course.

As Abigail closed her shop and walked home, her face lit up at the sight of Ethan in the distance. She quickened her pace, running to greet him.

"Ethan, you've been working out! Those muscles!" Abigail teased, guessing he'd just returned from the gym.

Ethan smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "How was your day?"

Abigail's grin faltered for a moment before she replied, "No wonder! Ethan, you're the one who always asks about my day and makes my heart feel like it's dancing."

Ethan's eyebrows shot up. "Wait – did I steal your heart?"

Abigail's response was laced with a playful tone, but her words held a deeper truth: "Yes."

Unbeknownst to Ethan, Abigail harbored feelings for him that went beyond friendship. As her brother's friend and their landlord, Ethan had always been there for her family, offering a helping hand and a caring ear. But with Ethan viewing her as a sister, Abigail felt compelled to conceal her emotions, afraid to risk their special bond.

Amelia's frustration was palpable. "What is it again? The girl is smart, pretty, a doctor..."

Caleb sighed, taking a sip of water. "I already told you, Mom. I'm not interested in a relationship, so marriage is out of the question."

Amelia's expression turned stern. "But why? You're already 32. If you get married and have a child soon, your position as director will be secured," Amelia said, her voice laced with a hint of manipulation.

Caleb had heard this lecture before. "Mom, I'll get married when the time is right. And I can live a happy life without being director."

Amelia's voice rose. "But not me! If you want to see me die worrying about you, that's what you'll get."

With that, Amelia stormed out, banging the door behind her. Caleb closed his eyes, letting out a deep breath. He hoped his mother would understand him someday.

DdB company

Olivia trudged into the office, exhausted from handling numbers all evening during the TV shopping broadcast. She found Sasha huddled with a group of girls, their faces aglow with excitement.

"What's the buzz?" Olivia asked, joining the circle.

Sasha's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Perry Williams asked Caleb out, but he rejected her flat out!"

Olivia's smile seemed relaxed, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of interest. "Ah."

Sasha's curiosity got the better of her. "Olivia, you've known Caleb since college. Did he have a girlfriend back then?" The others leaned in, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Olivia's expression turned nonchalant. "I don't know much about that."

She deftly shifted the attention away from herself. "Great job, everyone! Keep up the good work!" With a warm smile, Olivia made a quick exit, leaving the gossipmongers to wonder.

"Caleb!" Olivia called out, hurrying to catch up to him as he headed out.

"Where are you off to?" Olivia asked, falling into step beside him.

"Inspecting the warehouse," Caleb replied, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

"Caleb, can we grab dinner tonight?" Olivia asked, trying to sound casual.

"Sure, but I might be a bit late," Caleb said, glancing at his wristwatch. "Is that okay?"

"It's fine. Just text me, and I'll wait for you," Olivia said, smiling up at him.

"Keep it up!" Caleb called out, already striding away.

Olivia's gaze lingered on Caleb's retreating back for a long time, lost in thought, until she finally snapped back to reality.

It was evening, and Olivia was busy packing seven boxes, carefully placing each item inside with precision and care. with all her strength, carried the precarious tower out of her shop.

"Bicycle! Be careful!" a man warned, stepping backward.

But Abigail's feet got tangled, and she stumbled. She bumped into the man and fell backward, sending the boxes tumbling to the ground.

Abigail's eyes widened as she saw the man she had bumped into - Caleb. His dark expression made her gasp.

Caleb glared at Abigail, his eyes flashing with annoyance. Abigail's gaze drifted to Caleb's torn shirt, and she slowly rose to her feet.

"I'm so sorry," Abigail said, composing herself. "Did I do that?"

Caleb snapped, "Would I have done it then?"

Abigail tried to move closer to examine the tear, but Caleb quickly stepped back. "I'm just trying to fix it," Abigail mumbled.

Caleb's unreadable expression made Abigail feel defensive. "I'm not a gold digger," she said hastily.

Abigail sat down to inspect the damaged boxes, which were slightly wet from the juice bottle Caleb had been holding.

"What to do?" Abigail said, standing up to face Caleb. "You should have been more careful with your drink. Look what you've done."

Caleb countered, "You should have watched where you were going. Carrying a box that blocks your vision is reckless."

Abigail's irritation flared. "I was being mindful. This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't warned me about a bicycle." She glanced around. "There's no bicycle in sight. You lied, right?"

Caleb gritted his teeth. "I'm not that kind of person."

Abigail warned, "If these boxes are ruined, I'll file for compensation. You'd better be prepared."

Caleb shook his head. "You're impossible."

Abigail shot back, "Right back at you. I told you I never wanted to see you again. Did you think I was joking?"

She paused, her voice rising. "Why did you have to interfere? Why?"

Caleb sneered, pointing at Abigail. "If it's you, I wouldn't have terrorized my eyes. My eyes are tainted."

Abigail shouted back, "Stop terrorizing people's eyes, okay?"

Caleb walked away, leaving Abigail fuming.

"Terrorizing?" Abigail yelled after him. "You terrorized my eyes, hearing, and mood!"

Olivia checked her watch for what felt like the hundredth time, her eyes scanning the restaurant for any sign of Caleb. But he was nowhere to be found.

Just as she was starting to get anxious, her phone buzzed with an incoming message from Caleb. Her heart sank as she read the words on the screen: "Hey Olivia, I'm so sorry but something unexpected came up and I won't be able to make it for dinner tonight. I promise to make it up to you soon."

Olivia's irritation simmered just below the surface as she read the message. She had been looking forward to this dinner all day, and now Caleb was cancelling on her at the last minute?

She let out a frustrated sigh and pushed back her chair, grabbing her purse and storming out of the restaurant.