Hedro paced the length of his hotel suite, the sound of his shoes muffled against the plush carpet. His father's impending arrival weighed on him like a storm cloud. Javier Galván was not a man who came to New York for sightseeing. His visit was a message—a reminder that Hedro's place was at the helm of the family business, not chasing personal whims.
For the first time in his life, Hedro felt torn. His conversations with Aliana had awakened a part of him that he didn't know existed, a longing for something beyond corporate success and family duty. Yet, the thought of his father's disapproval filled him with dread. Javier had spent decades building Organic Chemist Company into an empire, and Hedro was expected to carry that legacy forward.
"Focus on the business," Javier had said during their last call. The words echoed in Hedro's mind like a mantra—or a warning.
---
Across the city, Aliana stood in her modest kitchen, chopping vegetables while her mother's voice played on speakerphone.
"Your father and I will be there tomorrow evening," her mother said. "I hope you've been eating properly. You're working too hard."
"I'm fine, Mom," Aliana replied, trying to keep her tone light. "You don't have to worry about me."
Her mother hesitated. "You know we just want what's best for you. Have you thought any more about taking that position closer to home? You'd have more support here."
Aliana sighed. This was a familiar conversation. Her parents admired her ambition, but they often questioned why she chose to stay in New York, so far from family.
"I love my job, Mom. Hopkins is one of the best hospitals in the country," she said firmly.
"Yes, but what about your personal life? You're not getting any younger, Aliana. Have you met anyone?"
Aliana froze, the image of Hedro flashing through her mind. She hadn't told her parents about him, and she wasn't sure if she wanted to—not yet.
"Let's talk about this when you're here," she said quickly, changing the subject.
---
The next day, Hedro met his father in the lobby of a high-end restaurant downtown. Javier arrived with his usual air of authority, dressed in a crisp suit and exuding confidence.
"New York suits you," Javier said, shaking Hedro's hand firmly.
"Thank you," Hedro replied. "I've been making good progress with the local partners."
They took their seats, and Hedro launched into a detailed report of his work over the past few weeks. Javier listened intently, nodding at times but offering little in the way of praise.
"You've done well," Javier finally said. "But remember, the stakes are high. Our competitors are watching, and any misstep could cost us."
Hedro nodded, feeling the familiar weight of his father's expectations.
As they finished their meal, Javier leaned back in his chair and studied his son. "You seem... distracted. Is there something you're not telling me?"
Hedro hesitated, his thoughts immediately turning to Aliana. But he shook his head. "Nothing important. Just adjusting to the pace of the city."
"Good," Javier said. "Stay focused. This is your future, Hedro. Don't let anything jeopardize it."
---
That evening, Aliana's parents arrived at her apartment, their faces lighting up when she opened the door.
"Aliana!" her mother exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. Her father followed suit, patting her back affectionately.
They sat together in the living room, catching up on family news and reminiscing about old times. Aliana felt a pang of guilt as she realized how much she missed them, but she also felt the familiar tension of their expectations pressing down on her.
"So, what's new with you?" her father asked, his tone casual but probing.
Aliana hesitated. "Work is good. Busy, as always."
"And outside of work?" her mother prompted.
For a moment, Aliana considered telling them about Hedro. But what would she say? That she had met a man whose life was so different from hers, and yet she couldn't stop thinking about him?
"It's been quiet," she said instead, avoiding their gaze.
Her mother sighed. "Aliana, you know we just want you to be happy. You've worked so hard, but you deserve more than just your career."
Her father nodded. "You should consider giving someone a chance. Life isn't just about work, sweetheart."
Aliana forced a smile. "I know, Dad. I'll keep that in mind."
---
As the week went on, both Hedro and Aliana found themselves increasingly preoccupied with their family dynamics. Javier's presence was a constant reminder of Hedro's responsibilities, while Aliana's parents' visit reignited her doubts about her ability to balance her personal and professional life.
Their paths crossed again on a rainy Thursday evening. Aliana had just finished a long shift at the hospital and was walking home when she spotted Hedro standing under an awning, shielding himself from the downpour.
"Hedro?" she called out, surprised.
He turned, his face lighting up when he saw her. "Aliana. You're a sight for sore eyes."
She smiled, stepping under the awning beside him. "What are you doing out here?"
"Clearing my head," he admitted. "It's been a long week."
"Tell me about it," she said with a laugh.
For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, listening to the rain. Then Hedro turned to her, his expression serious.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," she said, her heart skipping a beat.
"Do you ever feel like you're caught between two worlds?"
Aliana met his gaze, her own doubts mirrored in his eyes. "All the time," she admitted.
Hedro smiled faintly. "Maybe we can figure it out together."
As the rain continued to fall, they both felt a flicker of hope—a small but powerful promise that, no matter the obstacles, they weren't alone in their struggles.
---
Would you like the next chapter to focus on their growing relationship or the challenges posed by their families?
I made up by making this chapter a long one .