Chapter 4: A Chance Meeting
Hedro and Aliana settled into a quiet corner of the café, the hum of conversation around them blending into the background. Hedro ordered a black coffee, while Aliana chose her usual latte.
"So, what brings you to New York?" Aliana asked, genuinely curious.
"I'm here for work," Hedro replied. "My family runs a pharmaceutical company, and we're exploring expansion opportunities in the U.S."
"Sounds intense," Aliana said, sipping her latte. "Do you enjoy it?"
Hedro hesitated, then smiled faintly. "It's complicated. I suppose I've always known this would be my path, but sometimes I wonder if it's really what I want."
Aliana nodded, understanding more than she expected. "I get that. I love my job, but there are days when it feels like it's all I have. Like there's no room for anything else."
Their conversation flowed easily, covering everything from their careers to their favorite cities. Hedro was captivated by Aliana's passion for her work, while she was intrigued by his thoughtful demeanor and glimpses of vulnerability.
As they parted ways, Hedro couldn't help but feel a strange pull toward her. "Perhaps we'll run into each other again," he said with a hopeful smile.
"New York's a big city, but who knows?" Aliana replied, her own smile lingering as she walked away.
---
Chapter 5: Worlds Apart
Hedro spent the next few days immersed in meetings and networking events. Despite his busy schedule, his thoughts often drifted to Aliana. He found himself searching for her in the crowds, hoping for another chance encounter.
Meanwhile, Aliana returned to her demanding routine at Hopkins Hospital. Yet, she couldn't shake the memory of Hedro—the way he had listened so intently, the way his words carried both confidence and a hint of uncertainty.
One evening, as Aliana walked home, she received a message from Tara:
Met someone interesting yet? Or still playing it safe? ;)
Aliana laughed, shaking her head. She replied:
Maybe. Not sure where it's going, though.
She couldn't explain it, but meeting Hedro had stirred something within her—a curiosity, a yearning for something beyond her ordinary life.