Lorna assured herself that she was alright.
On the morning following the gala, she made her coffee as she always did, went over her patient records, and chose to ignore the pain that had become an unwanted intruder in her chest. It had shaken her more than she wanted to admit to seeing Michael again.
The line had been drawn by her.
Professional and unambiguous. Unchangeable.
She had no plans to return.
However, her heart had not signed that contract.
She was deceived by her thoughts. They repeatedly rewound the conversation and whispered his name during quiet times. how he had gazed upon her. "You scare me," he had said.
Nevertheless, she was determined.
He had a client. She had previously assisted a man. Now she was behind whatever it was they had shared, whatever emotional current had ignited between them. She had to create her own life. to preserve her own peace.
She opened her laptop and went back to work.
Until a name appeared in her email inbox and her heart began to race.
Subject: Hudson Holdings Mental Wellness Project: Foundation Collaboration
The coordinator of the Hudson Foundation sent it. an offer for Lorna to work as an outside consultant for the new company wellness program.
The board had recommended her name.
But she was wiser.
Michael.
She let out a slow, irritated breath. She ought to refuse. She would refuse.
She pressed reply.
For too long, her fingers lingered over the keys.
At her, the cursor blinked. accusing. Awaiting.
"Thank you for considering me, but I must respectfully decline at this time," she typed at the end.
She reached for the send button.
However, her phone rang before she could press the button.
Unknown figure.
She didn't respond.
It rang again.
And once more.
At last, she responded with a shortened "Hello?"
Quiet.
Then, "Lorna?"
Her back tensed. "Michaels."
"I didn't intend to annoy you."
"Then don't."
On the other end, he let out a soft exhale. "You saw the email, I know that."
"Yes, I did."
"I intended it as a business proposal. You are the ideal candidate for the position. The board concurred.
"You understand why I am unable to do it."
"I understand why you believe you can't."
She became agitated. "Don't try to manipulate me, Michael. I've reached my limit.
He added, "And I haven't crossed it." "I learned boundaries from you. I'm showing them respect. However, I am also aware that when fate tries to give us another chance, it is not always subtle."
Lorna fell silent.
Michael's tone grew softer. "I won't inquire again. I will permanently leave you alone if you refuse.
Her heart twisted. "What if I say yes?"
"Then I'll interpret it as an indication that we're not done."
More quiet.
At last, she muttered, "I'll give it some thought."
He didn't exert pressure. "That's all I ask."
Lorna sat back and stared at the screen after the call ended.
She ought to leave. for her security. For her own sake.
Clean exits, however, were of no importance to fate.
And hearts that recalled the sensation of being seen didn't either.