Over the next few weeks, Emma found herself returning to Liam's bookstore more often than she had anticipated. Each visit, their conversations grew longer, and Emma discovered that Liam wasn't just a bookstore owner—he was a man with a rich inner world, someone who had left behind a high-paying corporate job to pursue his true passion for literature.
In contrast, Emma's life seemed to be all about deadlines and corporate achievements. As they spent more time together, Liam's carefree attitude and dedication to his passions started to make her question her own choices.
"Why did you leave the corporate world?" Emma asked one afternoon as they sat in the back corner of the bookstore, sipping coffee.
Liam shrugged. "It wasn't fulfilling. I needed more than just a paycheck—I wanted to live for something I loved."
Emma pondered his words as she looked around the bookstore, realizing how little she'd allowed herself to pursue anything outside of work.