Chapter 29: Shadows of the Past
The next morning, Ayla woke up feeling a strange combination of lightness and anxiety. Last night with Caden had been everything she hoped for—open, honest, and real. They'd finally laid their cards on the table, but in the clear light of morning, Ayla couldn't shake the lingering doubt gnawing at her.
As she got ready for work, her phone buzzed with another text. She glanced at the screen, expecting a good morning message from Caden. Instead, it was from Josh.
"Morning, Ayla! Had a great time the other night. Let's hang out again soon."
Ayla groaned. She had been trying to avoid Josh since he'd reappeared in her life, knowing his sudden interest could stir up trouble. Now that she and Caden were finally on the same page, the last thing she needed was to complicate things further.
At the office, she found herself lost in thought, glancing at her phone more often than she'd care to admit. Just as she was about to message Caden, her boss, Mr. Shaw, appeared by her desk.
"Ayla, I need you to attend a client meeting for me today. We're meeting at the Belleview Hotel at 4 p.m. Don't be late," he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
She blinked, surprised. "Of course, Mr. Shaw. I'll be there."
As he walked away, she felt a bit apprehensive. The Belleview Hotel was where she and Josh had once celebrated a big win for the company, back when they'd been close. Memories of that night flooded back, making her stomach churn. But she brushed it off. This was work, and she had no choice.
At 4 p.m. sharp, Ayla walked into the hotel lobby, holding her notes and looking around for her client. Just then, someone called her name. She turned around and froze.
It was Josh.
Her heart sank. "Josh? What… what are you doing here?"
He grinned, seeming unbothered by her surprise. "Turns out I'm the client. Shaw's been in touch with my new company about a possible partnership. Small world, huh?"
Ayla forced a smile, trying to keep her composure. "Right. Small world."
They made their way to the hotel's conference room, exchanging small talk that felt both familiar and uncomfortable. The meeting was professional enough, but Ayla could sense Josh's gaze lingering on her, sparking that uneasy feeling in her gut again.
After the meeting, as they walked out, Josh suddenly turned to her. "How about we grab a drink, for old times' sake?"
Ayla hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to say no. But she didn't want to make things awkward with a potential client, especially one Mr. Shaw seemed eager to work with.
"One drink," she said, relenting. "But just one."
They sat at the hotel bar, and Ayla felt herself relax slightly as they reminisced about their time working together. But then Josh leaned in, his eyes glinting with an intensity she'd forgotten.
"Ayla, I have to be honest," he said, his voice lowering. "Seeing you again has stirred up feelings I thought I'd put behind me. I know you're with someone now, but… I miss what we had."
Ayla's eyes widened. "Josh, we… I thought we agreed that was all in the past."
"Maybe for you, but not for me," he replied, his gaze unwavering. "I've tried to move on, but seeing you again has only reminded me of how good we were together."
Ayla's pulse quickened, a mixture of frustration and discomfort rising within her. "Josh, I'm with Caden now. Whatever we had… it's over. I'm happy, and I don't want to jeopardize that."
He sighed, leaning back in his seat. "I get it. I just… I had to say something. I'd hate myself if I didn't at least try."
Ayla finished her drink quickly, setting the glass down with a finality that matched her tone. "Thank you for being honest, but I think it's best if we keep things strictly professional."
Josh nodded, though the disappointment in his eyes was evident. "Understood. I'm sorry, Ayla. I didn't mean to make things uncomfortable."
They exchanged a few more polite words before parting ways, but Ayla felt an uneasy weight settle in her chest. She hadn't expected Josh's sudden confession, and now she was left wondering if this would complicate her relationship with Caden.
Later that evening, she met up with Caden at his apartment. He greeted her with a warm smile, pulling her into his arms. For a moment, all her worries melted away in his embrace, and she allowed herself to just be in the moment.
"Rough day?" he asked, noticing her tension.
"Just… unexpected," she replied, trying to brush it off. "Work was a bit hectic, and I had to meet with an old colleague. It brought up some… old memories, I guess."
Caden raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. "Old memories, huh? Anyone I know?"
Ayla hesitated, not wanting to ruin the evening with drama. But she also knew that honesty was important if they were going to make this work.
"It was Josh," she admitted, watching his reaction carefully. "He's the client my boss wanted me to meet with. I had no idea he'd be there."
Caden's face grew tense, but he tried to keep his tone light. "Did he… say anything?"
Ayla nodded, feeling a pang of guilt. "He told me he still had feelings for me. I shut him down, told him I'm with you, and that I'm happy. I thought you should know, though."
Caden exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that's… unexpected. But I appreciate you telling me, Ayla."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the situation settling between them. Ayla reached out, taking his hand.
"Caden, you're the one I want. No one else," she assured him.
He gave her a small smile, squeezing her hand in return. "I know. It's just… hearing about this guy, especially now that he's back in your life, it makes me… I don't know, insecure, I guess."
Ayla moved closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "You don't have to be. I'm all in, Caden."
They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other's warmth, until the tension began to ease. But Ayla couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a new challenge. Josh's reappearance had stirred up emotions she thought were long buried, and she couldn't deny the fear creeping into her heart.
As the evening turned into night, Ayla and Caden held each other close, trying to drown out the uncertainties lurking in the shadows of their pasts. And as she drifted off to sleep in his arms, Ayla knew that whatever lay ahead, she was ready to face it—together.