When hearts collide

Unexpected Encounters

Under shimmering lights, paths intertwined,
Eyes met, and time froze, leaving the world behind.
Unspoken words danced in the air,
Echoes of love, of pain, of despair.

He stood tall, guarded yet torn,
She trembled, her heart heavy and worn.
Once lovers, now strangers fighting the past,
Haunted by memories meant to last.

One step closer, bridges to mend,
One whisper away from the heart's end.
Fingers grazed, breaths held tight,
Hoping for dawn after the longest night.

In the shadows, love fought for a chance,
Amidst stolen glances and a hesitant dance.
Two souls, scarred but brave,
Facing the fire, ready to be saved.

The hall buzzed with excitement, laughter echoing off the gold-painted walls as shimmering lights cascaded from the crystal chandeliers. Lesley felt the familiar thud of her heart as she stepped inside with Ebi and Ade by her side.

The black strapless gown clung perfectly to her curves, the slit revealing just enough leg to command attention. The bead-like ringlets draped over her back, shimmering under the lights, giving her an ethereal glow.

"You are a showstopper tonight," Ade whispered with a grin. "If no one notices you, they're probably blind."

Lesley laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "You are just saying that because you are my friend."

"Nope," Ebi chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "He's right, You look hot. So relax and prepare to have a good time."

A faint blush crept up her cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by Ebi's loud gasp. "Oh my God, the cocktails are divine! Let's get some!"

Iredia's breath caught in his throat as he watched her, his heart pounding. He wasn't prepared for this. He hadn't expected to see her here, dressed like a vision, her beauty so breathtaking it was almost painful.

He downed his drink, his jaw tightening. He was supposed to be over this, over her but one look and his carefully built walls came crashing down.

"Are you alright, man?" A colleague asked, noticing his distracted gaze.

Iredia forced a smile, tearing his eyes away just to reply. "Yeah... just didn't expect to see someone here."

His colleague shrugged. "It's a small world."

Too small, Iredia thought bitterly, too small to run away from her.

He couldn't draw his gaze from her

Lesley was finally beginning to feel at ease, the music and laughter wrapping around her like a protective cocoon.

But then, everything stopped and she could feel a piercing gaze.

Her heart dropped, her pulse quickening as her eyes landed on the one person she never expected to see tonight.

Iredia.

He stood across the room, his tall frame commanding attention even amidst the crowd. His tailored suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, his hair neatly styled but it was his eyes, those piercing familiar eyes that shattered her composure.

They were locked on her, intense and unyielding.

Lesley's breath hitched, her body freezing. She could feel her heartbeat thundering in her ears, the room spinning as the memories came flooding back his touch, his laughter, her betrayal, his pain.