Chapter 15: Unfinished Conversations

The office was busier than usual when Evelyn arrived. Phones rang off the hook, printers hummed, and the scent of coffee lingered in the air. She took off her coat, shaking off the remaining raindrops before hanging it over the back of her chair. Her desk was already stacked with documents, some marked with sticky notes from her editor.

Sighing, she settled into her chair, flipping open her notebook. Despite everything that had happened that morning, she had work to do. There was no space for distractions—not from Alexander, not from her own thoughts.

"You're here early," Daniel's voice broke through her concentration.

She looked up to see her colleague leaning against the edge of her desk, coffee cup in hand. He gave her his usual easy-going smile, but there was curiosity behind his eyes.

"Needed a head start on this article," she replied, gesturing at the pile of notes. "What's your excuse?"

"Couldn't sleep," he admitted, taking a sip of his coffee. "Too many things on my mind."

Evelyn gave a small nod of understanding. "I get that."

Daniel hesitated for a moment before setting his cup down. "You okay? You seem... distracted."

For a split second, she considered brushing it off, but something about the concern in his voice made her pause. "Ran into someone this morning. Someone I wasn't expecting."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "That sounds ominous."

She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Alexander."

His expression darkened slightly. "Your Alexander?"

She frowned at the wording. "He was never mine."

Daniel tilted his head. "Could've fooled me."

Evelyn let out a humorless laugh. "Well, he's back. Or at least, he says he is."

"And do you believe him?"

That was the question she had been trying to avoid all morning. Did she? Could she?

She shook her head. "I don't know."

Daniel studied her for a long moment before giving a slow nod. "Just be careful."

"I always am."

But they both knew that wasn't entirely true.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of meetings, emails, and deadlines. By the time she looked at the clock again, it was nearly seven in the evening. Most of the office had cleared out, leaving only a few lingering employees wrapping up their tasks. She stretched her arms, rolling her stiff shoulders before gathering her things.

As she stepped outside, the rain had finally stopped, leaving behind the scent of wet pavement and fresh air. The streets were quiet, the city lights reflecting in the puddles along the sidewalk. She took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment of peace.

Then, as if the universe had other plans, a familiar figure appeared in her peripheral vision.

Alexander stood across the street, hands tucked into his coat pockets, watching her. He made no move to approach, simply waiting to see if she would acknowledge him.

Evelyn's heart gave an involuntary lurch, but she forced herself to remain composed. Taking a step forward, she crossed the street, stopping a few feet away from him.

"You're persistent," she said, keeping her tone even.

He gave a small smile. "You always said that was one of my worst qualities."

"Still true."

"And yet, here we are."

She sighed, crossing her arms. "What do you want, Alexander?"

He was quiet for a moment before answering. "A conversation. A real one. No running away, no pretending we don't have unfinished business."

Evelyn looked up at him, searching his face for any signs of insincerity. To her frustration, she found none.

"Fine," she said at last. "But not here."

His smile widened slightly. "Then lead the way."

And for reasons she couldn't quite understand, she did.