Chapter 10: A Step Forward

Evelyn spent the next few days in a state of emotional limbo. Her mind kept replaying her conversation with Alexander, dissecting every word, every look, every hesitation. No matter how much she tried to push it aside, the past had a way of creeping back in, demanding attention.

She immersed herself in work, taking on extra projects and extending her hours at the office. Yet, even as she tried to bury herself in deadlines and reports, her thoughts drifted back to him. The way he had looked at her, the weight of regret in his eyes—it unsettled her in ways she didn't want to admit.

On Friday evening, she found herself walking through the city streets aimlessly. The cool night air did little to calm her restless mind. She knew she had a choice to make, one that could redefine everything between them. Could she let herself trust him again? Could she open that door without getting hurt all over again?

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, snapping her out of her thoughts. She pulled it out and saw a message from her best friend, Lila.

Lila: "Movie night at my place. No excuses. I have wine."

Evelyn hesitated before replying. "Be there in 20."

When Evelyn arrived at Lila's apartment, the smell of buttered popcorn filled the air, and a half-empty bottle of wine sat on the coffee table. Lila, dressed in oversized pajamas, waved her over.

"You, my dear, look like someone who needs a distraction," Lila declared, handing Evelyn a glass of wine. "So, spill. What's going on in that overthinking brain of yours?"

Evelyn took a sip of her drink before flopping onto the couch. "It's Alex."

Lila groaned dramatically. "Of course, it's Alex. What did he do this time? Did he send you a five-page letter begging for forgiveness? Or maybe a grand romantic gesture involving a billboard?"

Evelyn let out a tired chuckle. "Nothing like that. He just… he wants another chance. And I don't know what to do."

Lila gave her a knowing look. "Do you want to give him another chance?"

Evelyn sighed, swirling her wine in the glass. "That's the problem. I don't know. I want to believe he's changed, that things could be different this time. But what if they aren't? What if I end up right back where I started, hurt and regretting everything?"

Lila reached for the popcorn, munching thoughtfully. "Okay, let's break this down. Do you still have feelings for him?"

Evelyn hesitated. "Yes."

"Do you think he's being honest about wanting to fix things?"

Another pause. "Yes."

Lila nodded. "Then maybe you don't need to make a big decision right now. Maybe just take it one step at a time. See where it goes."

Evelyn exhaled slowly. "One step at a time."

Lila raised her glass. "To questionable life choices and best friends who drink wine with you."

Evelyn clinked her glass against Lila's, feeling a little lighter than before.

The next morning, Evelyn found herself standing outside a familiar café. It was a place she and Alexander used to visit often, a small, quiet corner of the city where they had shared countless conversations over coffee.

She hadn't planned on coming here, but somehow, her feet had led her straight to it. And now, standing here, she realized she wasn't alone.

Alexander was inside, sitting by the window, staring down at his phone. As if sensing her presence, he looked up, his eyes meeting hers through the glass.

For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, slowly, he raised his hand in a hesitant wave.

Evelyn took a deep breath before stepping inside.