unexpected reunion

FIVE YEARS LATER

The bustling airport terminal was alive with the clatter of luggage, overhead announcements, and the hum of travelers. Amelia walked gracefully through the crowd, her posture confident, her steps light but purposeful. She wore a soft pink coat over a cream blouse, paired with dark jeans and ankle boots. Her long, golden-blonde hair flowed in waves down her back, and though her pale green eyes were tired, they carried a quiet strength.

Beside her walked a little boy, his hand tightly gripped in hers. He looked about five — with messy dark hair and pale ocean-blue eyes. Striking, but serious. He clutched a small backpack, sharp but reserved, studying the airport surroundings in silence.

“Leo,” Amelia called gently, “We’ll see Grandma Celia soon, alright?” she said gently. “And maybe get some ice cream later.”

He nodded, barely glancing up. “Okay,” he murmured.

Amelia glanced at him with a soft smile, her heart tightening. He had always been a quiet child. Observant. Serious beyond his age. He never asked for much. Sometimes Amelia wondered if it was because he understood too much for his age. Maybe it was because it had always been just the two of them — no big family dinners, just them and mutual understanding.

After being thrown out of her family home, Amelia had fled abroad, desperate to protect the life growing inside her. She worked odd jobs, swallowed pride, scraped by — and finally, through grit and luck, found stability working for a prestigious international firm. When she was offered a post as liaison for a major client back in the city, she hesitated. But in the end, it was for Leo. She had returned.

At the far end, a man stood near the airport exit —Matteo Lior. His expression blank as his assistant updated him on a business deal. He looked every inch the powerful tycoon he was, dressed in a three piece-custom-made suit. His sharp, chiseled features bore the same stoic expression they always did, but this time mixed with curiosity.

He had recently secured a deal with a major international organization, one of the biggest of his career. Part of their agreement had stated that they would send one of their dedicated and trusted assistants to work directly with him, ensuring a smooth collaboration.

Asad glanced at Matteo and cleared his throat. “Sir, you should return to the office. I'd take care of her arrival and escort her to the office. You've been standing here for a long time now.”

“No need,” Matteo shook his head, his tone firm. “I'll receive her personally.”

Asad raised an eyebrow, surprised. His boss rarely bothered with such formalities.

“I want to ensure she understands the stake of this partnership,” he added calmly, though he wasn't entirely sure why he wanted to meet this assistant himself.

They retrieved their bags quickly, and Amelia led Leo toward the arrivals area where a company assistant was scheduled to meet them. Her eyes briefly scanned the crowd for a placard or familiar logo.

“Mommy,” Leo said quietly, tugging her hand. “Can I go look at the ice cream stand over there?”

Amelia glanced at the nearby café “Alright, but stay close,” she said, handing him her scarf to hold. “No touching anything.”

She turned her back for just a second — adjusting a strap on her luggage — when she heard a gasp.

Leo had wandered a few feet ahead and accidentally collided with a man near the café line. A cone of vanilla ice cream fell from another customer’s tray and splattered on the polished floor… and the man’s shoe.

“Oh no,” Amelia rushed forward. “Leo! Are you okay?”

Leo stood still, his expression impassive. He looked at the mess on the floor, then up at the man. “I'm Sorry,” he said flatly, but politely, stepping back. “It wasn’t mine.”

The man blinked, then looked down at his stained shoes. His sharp features were momentarily unreadable. He seemed more confused than upset.

“No harm done,” he said finally, brushing it off. “It’s just ice cream.”

Amelia exhaled. “I’m terribly sorry. He didn’t mean-”

She turned, then froze. Her eyes landed on a tall man, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his expression unreadable. Ice cream clung to the glossy leather of his shoes.

“It’s alright,” the man interrupted. His voice was calm, clipped.

Leo’s hand tightened around Amelia’s fingers, his eyes drifting up briefly to the stranger, then away. He remained silent.

Amelia gave a tight, polite smile. “Thank you for understanding.”

Then, the man’s gaze shifted. A flicker of recognition sparked in his eyes — faint, but certain. His attention moved to the ID card hanging from her neck.

“You're Amelia Harper, From DZY co-operations?” he said slowly.

“Yes?” she replied, guarded.

"Oh great! I was about to call. I’m Asad Khan,” his face softened, as he extended his hand for a shake. “I was sent to pick you up. Lior Group.”

“Oh! I mean, I was coming to meet you,” Amelia said, taking his hand nervously.

Asad smiled. “My boss is right over there—” He pointed, but then Matteo instinctively turned towards the same direction.

Amelia turned to see a figure approaching from the crowd — tall, commanding, dressed in a sleek charcoal suit. Her breath hitched slightly. His presence was undeniable — dark hair, strong jaw, cool gray familiar eyes. But she quickly straightened her shoulders.

Matteo froze for a moment, his brows furrowing.

No way. It was unmistakable.

He allowed a faint smile and walked in their direction, though his mind was in turmoil. It was her. The woman from that night. He could never forget her face. That blonde hair.

Pushing his thoughts aside, he extended his hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Harper. I'll be the one closely working with you on this project.”

“Mr. Lior,” she replied, maintaining a calm, professional smile. “Pleasure to meet you.”

She didn’t seem to recognize him — or if she did, she gave no sign.

Their hands met briefly — and Matteo’s gaze lingered. Her face. Her eyes. The trace of memory itched in the back of his mind. But he gave no outward sign.

“I wasn’t expecting a personal welcome,” Amelia said, sensing the tension.

“I believe in setting the tone for partnerships,” Matteo replied coolly. “And this is an important one.”

“You have a beautiful son,” Asad remarked, glancing down at Leo.

Matteo’s gaze followed.

Leo stood behind her, clutching her coat. Matteo’s gaze dropped to him. His breath caught. She was married? With a kid?

“Is he yours?” he asked, too quickly.

“Yes,” Amelia answered, voice firm. “Is that a problem?”

“No.” His voice flattened. “Of course not.”

Leo looked up at him for the briefest moment, then looked away, indifferent. He said nothing, his small fingers still curled around his mother’s scarf.

Matteo couldn’t explain the sour jolt in his chest. The boy didn’t even look at him twice. He was quiet. Reserved. Almost cold.

"Can we go now, mommy?"

Yes,” she said gently.“

“I’ve arranged for you to be taken to our corporate guest residence,” Matteo said, clearing his throat.

“Thank you, but I’ll be staying with my grandmother,” Amelia replied.

He frowned faintly. “It’s important for us to ensure security — and accessibility for briefings. I’d prefer you stay in company housing.”

Amelia hesitated.

“I’d also like to make sure your son is comfortable,” Matteo added, his gaze flicking toward Leo. “We can arrange anything he needs.”

Leo stared at him blankly. “I didn’t ask.”

Matteo blinked. The response, so simple and detached, threw him off.

“Leo,” Amelia said with a tired sigh. “It’s fine, we’ll go with them for now.”

Matteo nodded once and turned toward the exit.

As they followed behind, Amelia’s mind turned. Something about him... a strange familiarity. But she had no time for doubts. She was here to work. Nothing more.

And Leo… he remained silent, walking closely beside her, his little hand never once letting go.