Ethan's POV
The last day of the seminar had finally wrapped up, and now came the customary meet-and-greet session—a chance to network before everyone parted ways. Normally, I would have gone through the motions, made a few connections, and left. But this time, I stayed for a reason I couldn't quite explain.
I had spent the past few days trying to understand why I felt this pull toward her. Emily. A name that now lingered in my mind like a whisper I couldn't quite grasp. She had been avoiding me—I was sure of it. Every time I tried to get close, she disappeared. But the strange thing was, I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew her, that I should know her, even though my mind refused to make the connection.
As I moved through the hall, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, I found myself speaking with Dr. Torres, the MD of a hospital in San Diego. She had attended my presentation and was impressed by my work.
"You should visit our hospital while you're in town," she said warmly. "We have an incredible team. I'd love for you to meet some of our doctors."
I nodded, interested but distracted. My mind was elsewhere—searching, always searching.
Dr. Torres continued, "You'd really get along with one of our best, Dr. Emily. She's brilliant, dedicated. You should meet her."
Something in my chest tightened.
Dr. Emily.
Before I could process my thoughts, as if the universe had conspired in my favor, she appeared.
Emily.
She was walking past, moving quickly as if she hoped no one would notice her, but Dr. Torres called out, "Emily! Come here for a second."
I watched her pause. Just for a split second. Then, as if composing herself, she turned and walked toward us.
My pulse quickened.
She was even more stunning up close, her dark brown eyes guarded but impossibly captivating. Her presence filled the space around her, yet there was a hesitance in the way she carried herself, as if she was bracing for impact.
"This is Dr. Emily, one of our finest," Dr. Torres introduced with a proud smile. "Emily, meet Dr. Ethan Carter. He gave an excellent presentation on immunology yesterday."
Emily's gaze met mine, and for a moment, the world slowed.
A strange feeling gripped me—something close to déjà vu, but not quite. Like a melody I had heard once in a dream but couldn't remember the lyrics to.
I swallowed, suddenly unable to find my words.
She hesitated for a fraction of a second before giving me a polite smile. "Nice to meet you."
The moment she spoke, something stirred deep inside me.
Her voice.
It was soft but strong, steady but laced with something I couldn't name. It hit me in a way that didn't make sense. Like a forgotten memory trying to surface.
I was still staring at her when Dr. Torres spoke again, completely unaware of the charged silence between us.
"Since Ethan's new in town, I was just about to suggest that he should get to know the area," she said. "You should show him around."
Emily's body stiffened.
I could see the internal battle playing out in her eyes. The hesitation, the wariness.
She didn't want to say yes. That much was obvious.
But then, after what felt like an eternity, she nodded. "Of course."
Before I could react, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small card, handing it to me.
Her fingers brushed mine—just barely—but even that slight contact sent a shiver down my spine.
I curled my fingers around the card, staring at the name printed so clearly.
Emily.
I had no idea why, but something about seeing it written there made my chest tighten.
"If you have any questions or need recommendations," she said carefully, "you can call."
Her words were polite, professional. But there was something else beneath them, something unspoken.
I wanted to ask her. I wanted to understand.
But before I could say anything, she stepped back.
We said our goodbyes, and I watched her walk away.
And as I stood there, gripping the card like it was the answer to a question I didn't even know how to ask, one thought consumed me.
This wasn't over.
She had been running from me all week. But now, she had given me an opening.