After the devastating loss of her parents, Hazel took some time away from work to heal.
With the constant support of Marriam, her loyal friend, she decided to take a well-needed vacation.
The trip was peaceful, giving her the space she needed to breathe and clear her mind, though the ache in her heart still lingered.
As they returned from their trip, Hazel and Marriam stopped by a cozy little coffee shop.
The familiar scent of roasted beans filled the air as Hazel walked up to the counter to place their order.
Lost in thought, she didn't notice someone approaching until she bumped into him.
"Can you watch where" Hazel started fiercely but froze the moment her eyes met his.
Two deep brown eyes stared into hers, filled with warmth and something she couldn't quite explain.
In that instant, her anger melted into an unexpected sense of comfort.
"I'm so sorry about your beautiful dress!" the man said with a warm smile, his voice calm and reassuring.
Looking down at the coffee stain on her dress, he added sincerely, "I didn't see you there. I hope it's not too bad."
Hazel's irritation softened completely.
"Oh, it's okay," she replied gently, surprised by her own calmness.
There was something about him—something familiar, as if their souls had crossed paths before.
After cleaning up in the washroom, Hazel emerged to find him waiting nearby, his smile hopeful.
"Please, let me make it up to you," he said earnestly, his voice kind.
"Let me introduce myself properly. I'm Peter."
"Hazel," she replied, feeling an unusual but pleasant flutter in her chest as they exchanged names.
For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still between them.
Mariam, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with a soft, knowing smile.
She could almost feel the spark igniting between her friend and this stranger.
Perhaps this is fate, she thought silently, delighted to witness something so unexpectedly beautiful.
"Let's go, I need to change my dress," Hazel said calmly to Marriam, though inside, her emotions were swirling.
"Sure," Marriam answered, still smiling as they walked to the car.
As they drove home, the car was filled with a light, electric atmosphere.
They chatted casually, but Hazel's mind kept drifting back to Peter—his voice, his smile, and those kind eyes.
Arriving home, Hazel stepped out of the car and waved goodbye to Marriam, who stayed seated, her expression full of encouragement.
The cool evening air brushed against Hazel's skin as she walked inside.
The familiar scent of lavender, her mother's favorite, still lingered throughout the house, bringing a bittersweet sense of comfort.
She leaned against her bedroom door for a moment, replaying the encounter with Peter in her mind.
Rushing to the bathroom, she splashed cool water on her face and caught sight of her flushed cheeks in the mirror—a mix of embarrassment and excitement.
She quickly changed into her favorite oversized T-shirt and flannel pants before crawling into bed, letting her thoughts drift into hopeful dreams of what the future might hold.
The Next Morning…
As soft rays of morning light filled her room, Hazel woke with a sense of anticipation.
Today felt different. Her heart beat with a quiet excitement.
She went about her routine—washing her face, applying a light touch of makeup, and selecting the perfect outfit.
She chose an elegant emerald green dress that shimmered gently under the sunlight, accentuating her graceful figure.
Paired with simple gold jewelry and her soft waves cascading over her shoulders, Hazel admired herself in the mirror.
With a hopeful smile, she grabbed her bag and headed for the office, feeling stronger and more alive than she had in weeks.
Stepping into her company building, Hazel was greeted warmly by her assistant.
"Welcome back, Hazel!" Sarah beamed.
"Thank you," Hazel replied, her tone calm but determined. "How were things while I was away?"
Sarah handed her a few reports. "Everything went smoothly. These are the project updates and timelines."
Hazel reviewed the documents, nodding in approval. "Good work. Schedule a team meeting—I want to catch up with everyone."
As she settled back into her work, her thoughts occasionally drifted back to Peter.
Would she see him again? The quiet hope lingered like a whisper in her heart.