𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

35: Innocence Captured

───※ ·❆· ※───

As the realization of my love for someone blossomed within me, a vivid flashback transported me back to the moment I met the mysterious stranger who held a power I had yet to understand. It was a power that seemed capable of shaping my fate, even against my own disbelief in such matters.

The scenes of our encounter played out before my eyes, akin to a captivating film sequence.

The setting was a calm morning at a cozy café. I sat comfortably and awaited the arrival of my coffee.

Immersed in an article on business and finance, I was interrupted by the presence of a person approaching my table. The café was filled with the murmurs of morning coffee lovers, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

"Excuse me, it appears you've found an ideal corner," a voice remarked. I raised my gaze, taking a moment to collect my thoughts, and locked eyes with the stranger. Conscious of keeping a calm manner, I decided not to meet his gaze directly.

"Pardon me, did you say something to me?" I inquired politely, aiming to keep the encounter minimal.

It was a morning filled with promise, and I wanted to start the day on a positive note.

"The sunlight," he replied, gesturing toward the nearby window where the sun's rays touched playfully upon the glass. I nodded in acknowledgment, offering a brief and polite response.

"You didn't recognize me," he expressed with surprise and confusion in his voice. Puzzled by his statement, I wracked my memory, trying to recall if our paths had crossed before. Suddenly, it dawned on me—he was the same mysterious stranger I had met at the party, Mia's grand restaurant inauguration, hosted in the grandeur of the Oberoi hotel.

"Oh, indeed," I whispered to myself, the memory flooding back, accompanied by the spine-chilling sensation I had experienced that fateful night.

We had shared a moment amidst the festivities, and now he stood before me, seeking acknowledgement.

"I apologize for my past behavior," he offered sincerely, a genuine desire to make amends clear in his eyes. I pondered his words, contemplating whether to accept his apology or remain guarded, mindful of the lingering echoes of our first encounter.

"It is alright," I responded cautiously, keeping a certain distance to shield myself from the vulnerability that threatened to seep in.

"May I join you?" he asked, pointing toward an unoccupied sofa nearby. Wanting to uphold the decency of the situation, I considered his request. After all, the seating arrangement allowed for a comfortable and respectful separation between us.

"No, seriously, my behavior was unacceptable," he persisted, capturing my attention once more. I turned my gaze toward him, seeing his genuine contrition.

"I genuinely appreciate your apology," I reassured him, grateful for his sincere regrets. "Please rest assured that it is genuinely fine."

A sense of relaxation washed over him, visibly putting him at ease. We proceeded to enjoy our coffees in comfortable silence, embracing the peaceful atmosphere that surrounded us. Minutes slipped by, accompanied by the melodic hum of the coffee machines and the gentle clinking of cups and saucers.

"So, you don't work for the Oberois...then, may I ask, if you don't mind?" he inquired after a brief pause, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Yes, please," I replied, open to answering his question.

"What were you doing at that party?" he asked, his curiosity evident. "I mean, I have never seen you before, and being in such close proximity to the Oberois, whom I am not familiar with,"