Hedro stood at the window of his luxury hotel suite, gazing at the sprawling New York skyline. The city was unlike anything he had ever experienced—its energy was both invigorating and overwhelming. Yet, his mind kept drifting back to the woman he had bumped into earlier.
Her eyes had held a spark, something that felt real in a way that nothing else in his life did. He shook his head, chastising himself for letting a brief encounter linger in his thoughts.
Tomorrow was a crucial meeting with potential partners. His father's words haunted him again: Build relationships. Make them trust you.
---
Aliana sat in Tara's cozy apartment, sipping on a glass of wine as her best friend recounted a funny story from work. Despite the warmth of the moment, her mind kept returning to the stranger from earlier.
"You're quiet tonight," Tara said, narrowing her eyes.
"Just tired," Aliana replied, though she knew that wasn't the full truth.
"Uh-huh. Spill it. Is it a guy?" Tara teased, leaning forward with a mischievous grin.
Aliana laughed. "No, nothing like that. I just bumped into someone earlier. He seemed… different."
Tara arched an eyebrow. "Different how?"
"I don't know," Aliana admitted. "It's silly. We barely spoke. But there was something about him."
"Well, New York's full of surprises. Maybe you'll see him again," Tara said with a shrug.
---
The next morning, Hedro found himself in the sleek, modern offices of one of New York's top medical distributors. The meeting was going well, but his focus was fractured. He excused himself for a moment, stepping into the lobby for some fresh air.
As he stood there, he glanced across the bustling street. His breath caught when he saw her—the woman from the night before—walking out of a nearby café, a cup of coffee in hand.
Before he could second-guess himself, Hedro crossed the street.
---
Aliana was mid-sip when she noticed someone approaching her. It took her a moment to recognize him, and when she did, she nearly dropped her cup.
"It's you," she said, startled.
"I hope I'm not intruding," Hedro said with a polite smile. "I thought I recognized you."
"Not at all," Aliana replied, her heart racing.
"I didn't get your name last night," he said, offering his hand. "I'm Hedro."
"Aliana," she said, shaking his hand.
For a moment, they stood there, the city bustling around them, as if the world had paused just for them.
"Do you have a moment?" Hedro asked. "I'd like to buy you a coffee. To make up for last night."
Aliana hesitated but found herself nodding. "Sure. Why not?"
As they walked back into the café, neither of them knew that this moment would be the start of something that would change their lives forever.
---