was it love ?

Chapter 2: I have a family I need to get back to

David

The day started with a familiar routine. The sun was just beginning to creep over the horizon when I pulled myself out of bed. The shower's hot water helped to wake me up and wash away the remnants of sleep. I knew Mia and Lily would be up soon, and I was looking forward to spending a bit of time with them before heading off to work.

I gave Mia a quick kiss, trying to infuse some cheerfulness into my words, despite the exhaustion I felt. I hated that my work schedule was so unpredictable, but it was the reality of my job. I promised myself that today would be different. I'd finish my work early, make it home in time for dinner, and we could all have a normal evening together.

The morning went by in a blur of meetings and phone calls. My team was working on a crucial merger, and the pressure was on. I was determined to finish everything on time. I glanced at my watch and saw the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the office floor. I was making good progress, and if things went well, I'd be able to head home earlier than usual.

As the clock inched toward 6, I wrapped up the last of my tasks. A sense of relief washed over me. Today was going to be a success. I packed up my things and headed to my car, eager to get home and see Mia and Lily. The thought of an evening with my family gave me a renewed burst of energy.

I had just started the engine when my phone rang. It was Noah, my business partner. I frowned at the name on the screen, already sensing that the call might delay my plans.

"David," Noah said, his voice tinged with urgency. "We have a problem. Mr. Smith, the owner of the hotel we're trying to merge with, just flatly refused our deal."

I sighed. "Of course he did. I've been expecting this. What's the next step?"

Noah hesitated. "We're hoping you might be able to change his mind. I've managed to get him to agree to meet with us this evening. It's at the hotel, and I really think your presence might make a difference."

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation. "I was planning to head home early tonight, Noah. Mia and Lily are expecting me. Is there any way we can reschedule this?"

"David, I understand, but this is a crucial moment. If we don't seal this deal, we could lose everything we've worked for. I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Please, we need you."

I looked out the windshield at the setting sun, feeling a pang of guilt. I had promised Mia I'd be home for dinner, and now it seemed that promise was slipping through my fingers.

"Alright," I said with a resigned sigh. "I'll head to the hotel. What time is the meeting?"

Noah quickly provided the details. I texted Mia to let her know I'd be late again, hoping she'd understand. It was becoming a pattern I didn't like but felt powerless to change.

When I arrived at the hotel, I was met with the sleek, modern lobby and a sense of dread. I parked and walked in, feeling the weight of my decision. The thought of family dinner slipped further away as I approached the meeting.

The meeting room was set up for negotiation, and Noah was already there with Mr. Smith. The conversation was intense but productive. Mr. Smith was a tough nut to crack, but with some skilled negotiation and a bit of compromise, we made headway. By the end of the meeting, I felt we'd made significant progress, though the deal was not yet finalized.

Noah clapped me on the back and said, "Great work tonight. It's almost midnight; I booked us a room for the night so we can rest. How about dinner in the hotel restaurant? It's on me."

I glanced at my watch and nodded wearily. "Sounds good. I'm starving, and it'll be nice to decompress after this."

As Noah and I settled into our quiet corner of the hotel restaurant, the soothing hum of background music was a welcome change from the hectic pace of the office. The warm ambiance of the room offered a brief escape from the stress of the day. I was distractedly picking at my food, my mind focused on Mia and Lily, the disappointment of missing dinner with them hanging over me.

Noah seemed more at ease, chatting about the merger and the evening's events.Just as I glanced up from my plate, I saw someone familiar walking into the restaurant. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized her-Alicia, someone from my past. We had a history, a complicated one that had ended long before Mia and I started our life together.

She seemed surprised just as i was but she didn't hesitate instead she made her way to our table with a confident stride. I felt a jolt of anxiety mixed with an old sense of nostalgia. Alicia's presence was unexpected, and it stirred up memories I'd long thought were buried.

"David," she said with a hint of surprise and perhaps a touch of hesitation. "I didn't expect to see you here."

I managed a polite smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. "Alicia. What a surprise. How have you been?"

Before Alicia could respond, Noah looked up from his plate with a curious expression. "Oh, you know Alicia?"

"Yes," I said, glancing back at Noah. "Alicia and I go way back."

Noah stood and extended a hand. " Alicia, It's a pleasure to see you again"

Alicia shook his hand, her gaze flickering between Noah and me. "Noah, I'm surprised to see you two here."

I could sense the undercurrent of tension in the air. Alicia's presence had already altered the dynamic of the evening, and Noah, ever perceptive, seemed to pick up on it.

"Well, it's a small world," Noah said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "We're actually Partners and we are here for business."

Alicia's eyes softened slightly as she took in the information, but her gaze remained steady. "I see. Well, it's a small world indeed. I'm here on business as well, just having a late dinner after a long day."

Noah smiled "Why don't you join us, Alicia? We were just wrapping up a long day of negotiations and could use some company."

Alicia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, why not?" She slid into the seat across from me with a grace that I remembered all too well. Noah, ever the diplomat, engaged Alicia in light conversation about her business trip and recent projects. He seemed to be enjoying the novelty of the situation, while I struggled to keep my composure. I could feel Alicia's gaze on me occasionally, and each time, it was like a small electric shock I tried to avoid.

After a few minutes of this forced pleasantry, Noah excused himself to take a phone call, leaving Alicia and me alone at the table. Alicia leaned in slightly, her voice low and intimate. "David, it's been a long time. It's strange, but being here with you now... it brings back old memories. Maybe we could talk somewhere more private?" Her gaze was intense, filled with a mixture of longing and curiosity.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling a mixture of unease and nostalgia. Alicia's presence was a blast from the past, and her words stirred up a swirl of emotions I thought I had long since buried.

"We're in a public place, Alicia," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is not the time or place for old memories."

Alicia's eyes softened, but there was an unmistakable hint of disappointment in them. "I understand. It's just... seeing you again, it's hard not to think about what once was."

I took a deep breath, trying to refocus on the present. "It's good to see you, Alicia. But I'm here on business, and I have a family I need to get back to."

Alicia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I get it. I really do. It's just strange how some things resurface when you least expect them."

Before the conversation could delve deeper, Noah returned to the table, his phone call apparently concluded. He took his seat and glanced between us, sensing the charged atmosphere.

"Everything okay?" Noah asked, his tone casual but his gaze sharp.

"Yes," I said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just catching up on old times."