A Chance Encounter

The streets of the city buzzed with the usual evening chatter as Saraphina strolled out of the luxury fashion store where she had just sealed the deal of a lifetime. The collaboration was official, and the next few months would be crucial in designing a year-long series of collections. Yet, despite the triumph, her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she had skipped lunch entirely.

"Just a quick meal, then back to her home," she murmured to herself, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

With her sons safe at home under Evangeline's watchful eye, she allowed herself a moment of solitude. Walking into a cozy, high-end restaurant she had once visited years ago, she let nostalgia wash over her. Everything looked the same—the warm golden lighting, the subtle hum of classical music, and the soft murmur of well-dressed patrons engaged in hushed conversations. She sighed, finding comfort in the familiar.

She was led to a table near the large glass window, giving her a clear view of the bustling streets outside. As she placed her order, a strange feeling crept over her—a peculiar sense of anticipation. She shook it off, assuming it was just nerves from being back home after so many years.

Meanwhile, across the city, Lucian Drax exited the precinct, rolling his shoulders to relieve the tension that had been building all day. His team had wrapped up yet another complex case, and for once, he allowed himself a small indulgence: a quiet dinner alone.

"Might as well eat before Nicholas drags me into another late-night discussion about fate and destiny," he muttered under his breath, smirking.

It was only when he stepped into the restaurant that he felt it—the sharp tug of something he couldn't quite place. He hesitated for a brief moment before continuing inside. The hostess greeted him with a polite smile and led him toward the seating area. That was when he saw her.

Saraphina Vale.

He stopped in his tracks, the air leaving his lungs as if he had been punched. There she was, sitting by the window, lost in thought, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the rim of her glass. The years had only enhanced her beauty—her delicate features now held a maturity that made her even more striking. The sight of her sent a flood of memories rushing back.

She was real. She was here.

Lucian forced himself to move, each step feeling heavier than the last as he approached her table. "Well, well... fancy seeing you here."

Saraphina stiffened at the familiar voice before looking up. The moment their eyes met, time seemed to halt. Recognition flashed across her face, quickly followed by a whirlwind of emotions—shock, disbelief, and something else she couldn't quite name.

"Lucian...?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

His lips curled into a smirk, though his heart was hammering inside his chest. "In the flesh. Mind if I join you?"

She hesitated, searching his gaze for something—maybe an explanation, maybe an answer to the question neither of them had asked in five years. Finally, she gestured to the seat across from her. "I suppose I can't stop you."

He chuckled, settling in. "No, you really can't."

Across the City – Dorian Vale Law Firm

Caelum adjusted his tie for the third time that day as he walked into the office he now shared with Isolde. Working as a legal assistant under his father had been an experience like no other. Dorian Vale wasn't just a mentor; he was a force of nature in the legal world, and he expected nothing less than perfection from his protégés.

"You look like you're about to pass out," Isolde teased, flipping through a case file as she leaned back in her chair.

"That's because I just spent an hour being grilled about case precedent by dear old Dad," Caelum groaned, collapsing onto his seat. "I swear, I think he enjoys watching me struggle."

Isolde rolled her eyes. "He's preparing us for the real world, you big baby. You should be grateful he's taking the time to teach us."

Caelum sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know, I know. It's just... sometimes, I feel like I'll never reach his level. He's Dorian freaking Vale. Every judge respects him, every lawyer admires him. I'm just... me."

Isolde set her file down and studied him for a moment before smirking. "And yet, 'just you' have managed to argue three mock trials better than any of the senior associates. Give yourself some credit, Vale Jr."

Caelum chuckled. "That supposed to be encouragement?"

"Take it or leave it."

Just then, Dorian walked into the room, his sharp eyes scanning the two of them. "Caelum, Isolde, enough chit-chat. We have a major case coming in next week, and I need both of you to be ready."

Caelum straightened immediately. "Yes, sir."

Dorian's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he nodded. "Good. Now, get to work."

As he walked out, Isolde leaned closer to Caelum. "See? He believes in you."

Caelum exhaled, determination settling in his chest. "Then I guess it's time I start believing in myself, too."

Back at the Restaurant

Lucian tapped his fingers against the table, eyes fixed on Saraphina. "So, what brings you back? Business or pleasure?"

She gave him a small smile, stirring her drink. "Business, mostly. I have a collaboration with a major fashion store, and they wanted me to handle the designs personally."

"Impressive." He nodded approvingly. "I always knew you'd make it big."

Saraphina arched a brow. "Oh? And how exactly did you know that?"

Lucian shrugged. "Call it a gut feeling."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, your gut was right."

A comfortable silence settled between them for a moment before Lucian spoke again, this time softer. "You just disappeared, you know."

Saraphina's fingers tightened around her glass. "I had my reasons."

Lucian studied her, noticing the flicker of something guarded in her expression. "You never reached out. Not once."

She looked away, swallowing hard. "Neither did you."

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Fair enough."

The weight of unspoken words hung between them. There was so much to say, yet neither knew where to begin.

Finally, Lucian leaned back, offering a small smirk. "So... do I get to know what's been keeping you busy these past five years?"

Saraphina hesitated, then smiled. "Maybe... over dessert."

Lucian chuckled. "Now that's an offer I can't refuse."

And just like that, fate had once again intertwined their paths, leaving them both unaware of the storm that was yet to come.