Just as Emily was about to go have that talk with Sam, a call came in. It was Joey, a friend from Emily's single days and the inadvertent matchmaker who had introduced her to Bradley, a chief executive with a kind heart.
In the days of her singlehood, Bradley and Emily's paths crossed, though the spark took its time to ignite. It was two years after their initial meeting, during a ride back from Bradley's sister's wedding, that their connection became irresistible. Emily found herself at a crossroads, contemplating calling off her engagement to Sam. Bradley, aware of her commitment, held on, guiding and supporting her career aspirations. Despite being in the same professional sphere, Bradley remained a mentor miles ahead.
Now, the call from Joey brought unexpected news—Bradley was appointed the country director of the
Econu company Ltd. A multinational company based in America with offices in London, Nigeria Keny and Singapore. Emily's heart leapt with joy, but Joey's teasing remark stung. If she had chosen Bradley, she'd have known about his new role first. The thought haunted her, questioning the path she had taken.
Since Emily married Sam, Bradley had distanced himself, getting married a year later. However, as Emily learned of his professional success, a rush of emotions flooded her soul. She missed the connection they shared, one that surpassed anything she had experienced with Sam over five years of marriage.
After the call with Joey ended, Emily stood in silence, enveloped in bittersweet thoughts. The specter of regret loomed large, fueled by the realization that perhaps she had made a mistake. Just as she allowed herself to be carried away by these emotions, a small voice cut through the silence—Aliya, her perceptive daughter, asking why she was crying.
With a swift return to reality, Emily reassured Aliya that she wasn't crying. Yet, the child persisted, noting the tears in her mother's eyes. Emily, masking her inner turmoil, embraced Aliya and feigned a smile, concealing the echoes of a past connection that still lingered in her heart. The path of reminiscing had stirred a dormant ache, and Emily grappled with the complex dance between the choices made and the paths not taken.