The year 2058:

The professor gazed at the holographic image of the Milky Way galaxy that filled the entire wall of the classroom. She was a tall and slender woman, with black hair and blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence and passion. She wore a white lab coat over a black dress. She was one of the most respected and renowned experts in cosmology, but she also had a personal reason to believe in extraterrestrial life.

She turned to face the students who were sitting in their seats, listening to her lecture with varying degrees of interest. Some were bored, some were curious, some were fascinated. She smiled and said, "As we marvel at the wonders of the cosmos, we can't help but wonder if we are truly alone in this vast and mysterious universe. Of course, I have no evidence to support this claim, but it's a fascinating possibility to imagine. Well, that's all for today's class on cosmology. You are free to go now."

She pressed a button and the image faded away. The students got up from their seats and filed out of the classroom, chatting with each other or checking their phones. Except for one who lingered behind.

He was a young and handsome boy, with black hair that matched his father's and brown eyes that matched his mother's. He wore a casual shirt and jeans, and a backpack that contained his laptop and books. He was one of the brightest and most curious students in the class, but he also had a dream that his family didn't approve of because his family was the wealthiest family on earth his dad was the world's wealthiest man with a huge business empire, he let his son pursue his career because of his wife's persuasion only who's words mattered to him the most.

He walked up to the professor's desk and said, "Professor, I'm intrigued by what you said. How can you be so sure that there are other intelligent beings out there? What made you believe in this idea?"

The professor sighed and looked at her watch. She had finished her work for the day, but she was reluctant to share her story. It was a painful memory that haunted her for years. A memory that involved her best friend who had sacrificed everything for this belief.

She said, "Listen, kid. It's a long and complicated story. And it involves someone very dear to me who sacrificed everything for this belief. Maybe I'll tell you some other time when I'm in a better mood. But right now, you should go home. It's getting late, your mom might call and ask me if I trouble her baby even after the class time is over for your studies or give an extra lecture." she said jokingly

But the boy was persistent and pleaded with her.

He said, "Please, professor. I won't bother you again. I just want to know more about this topic. It fascinates me too. Please, tell me your story."

She smiled and said, "Tomorrow, after the classes are over, I will show you some evidence that might make you believe better. It's good that you are curious. You must have a lot of interest in cosmology, right?" "Yes, ma'am. I have always been fascinated by the universe, even though my family is into business. My mom says I inherited this interest from you." The professor smiled and said, "The school time is over. You can call me an aunt now." The boy agreed, but asked, "Aunt, does my mom also know about that story that makes you believe so strongly?" The professor's expression changed and she said, "No, and please never ask her anything about this. I will tell you why someday. I was also very keen on the universe, but my interest grew after someone very dear to me lost the most important person in their life. That's enough for today. Go home now. Your mom must be waiting for you."

She watched him leave and then locked the door behind him. She walked over to her desk and opened a drawer. Inside was a photo of a pretty girl with dark brown hair and brown eyes with a handsome man who had blue eyes.

She smiled and said looking at the photo, "Even though both of you loved each other truly, one cannot go beyond fate ".

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Hello, readers! Welcome to the first chapter of my 2nd book, "Just 100 Light Years Away". It's a sci-fi, They live on different planets and they were never supposed to meet. But fate has other plans for them. What will happen when they cross paths? You'll have to read to find out. 😉

If you enjoyed this chapter, please don't be a silent reader and leave me a comment. I appreciate your feedback and it motivates me to write more and better. 😊

Also, this book has many secrets that only I know and you will discover as you read. Trust me, you don't want to miss them. They will blow your mind! 🤯

So, please don't be shy and let me know what you think. Thank you for your support and stay tuned for the next chapter! <3