Chapter five

Five years. That’s how long it had been since I left this city, the place that held so many memories—both good and bad. And now, here I was again, standing in the very city that had changed the course of my life forever. But this time, I wasn’t alone. I had Luke, my son, by my side.

We had just settled into a small apartment. It wasn’t much, but it was ours, a fresh start. The space was modest, a one-bedroom flat on the outskirts of the city, but it felt cozy. I had scraped together enough savings over the years, working whatever jobs I could, and finally, we had a place to call home.

As I glanced around the apartment, still cluttered with boxes, I caught sight of Luke sitting on the couch, swinging his legs absentmindedly. He was small for his age but bright, with eyes full of curiosity and innocence. It was hard not to smile when I looked at him.

“Mom, do you think I’ll make a friend today?” Luke asked, his wide blue eyes locking onto mine, filled with hope.

“I’m sure you will, sweetheart,” I said, smoothing down his black messy hair. “Everyone’s going to love you. You’re smart and funny, and who wouldn’t want to be your friend?”

He beamed at me, and for a moment, everything felt okay. But deep down, I couldn’t help but think about the brother he would never meet. Luke had been born alone, his twin not surviving childbirth. There was a constant ache in my chest every time I thought about it, an empty place where his sibling should have been. They would have been best friends, I just knew it. The thought always lingered, and I often wondered how different life might have been if things had gone the way they were supposed to.

Shaking off the thoughts, I glanced at the clock. It was time to take Luke to school. His first day, and my heart swelled with pride and nervousness for him. After grabbing his backpack, I guided him out the door, holding his small hand in mine as we made our way down the bustling streets.

The city hadn’t changed much. The same towering buildings, the same busy streets, and the same air of hurried people rushing from one place to another. Yet, everything felt different to me now. Coming back after so long made me realize just how much *I* had changed.

After dropping Luke off at school, I stood by the gates for a few extra minutes, watching him disappear into the sea of children. I whispered a silent prayer that he’d find his place here, that he wouldn’t feel the weight of everything he had unknowingly lost.

With a deep breath, I turned and made my way to my new job. Being a secretary wasn’t exactly the dream I’d once had for myself, but it was steady work, and it allowed me to take care of Luke. That’s all that mattered now.

When I arrived at the company building, I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. I had interviewed for the position two weeks ago, and while the hiring manager seemed impressed, I was still uncertain about starting fresh in a new environment. It felt too elegant for someone like me, someone who had spent the last few years scraping by.

When the elevator doors slid open, I was greeted by a friendly woman who introduced herself as Ms. Dawson, the head of HR. She led me down a long hallway to an office at the end. She knocked, and a deep voice called for us to enter.

As I stepped into the room with a practiced smile. Sitting behind the large, mahogany desk was my boss, a blond haired man with a very nice smile.

"Good morning. How can I help you?"

"Good morning Mr. Strauss, I am Nerissa Blake, your new secretary".

"Oh, welcome Miss Blake. I do hope you last longer than the last". He said still flashing me a smile

I didn't know what to make of his comment so I continued smiling.

I heard a cough behind me and I was startled. I didn't realize that there was someone else in the room.

"Oh sorry, I didn't see you...." All the words dried up in my throat because I was staring at those beautiful sapphire eyes I had met in the club five years ago.