Hearts Aligned

Chapter 3

Elara awoke to the soft light filtering through the curtains of her flat. She could hear Orion stirring in his bed, his small voice calling out for her. It was a Saturday morning, and the usual rhythm of her life as a single mother was in full swing. As she made her way to Orion's room, she couldn't help but think about the gala from a few nights ago.

Orion's room was a colorful haven of toys, books, and a small, neatly made bed. Elara gently lifted him from the bed, his little arms reaching out for her. "Good morning, sweetie," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

As she changed his helped him brush his teeth and dressed him, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. It was a message from Lila. "Good morning! Did you survive the night? 😉"

Elara chuckled softly, carefully placing Orion in his chair for breakfast. "Yes, I survived and had a great time. Thanks for making me go!"

Lila's response was almost immediate: "I knew you'd have a blast! By the way, Harry asked for your number. He seems quite taken with you. 😊"

Elara's heart skipped a beat as she read the message. "Really? I didn't think he'd be interested."

Lila's reply came quickly: "He definitely is. I'll text you his number. Maybe you should give him a chance!"

Elara hesitated, glancing at Orion as he ate his breakfast with a messy enthusiasm. The idea of diving into a new relationship felt daunting. She had been so focused on her role as a mother that the thought of dating seemed almost foreign. The prospect of bringing a new man into her life and Orion's seemed overwhelming.

"I'll think about it," she replied to Lila, her mind racing with possibilities and concerns. The day ahead promised the usual routine of playdates, work, and managing the small but bustling world of her son.

One week later

The days passed in a blur of work and parenting. Elara had been caught up in a flurry of deadlines for her children's clothing line and keeping Orion entertained with his favorite toys and activities. Life was a constant balancing act, and she found herself hesitating about making time for Harry.

Despite her reservations, Harry had been patient, sending occasional texts and asking about Orion's favorite activities. His messages were thoughtful and genuine, showing an interest in her life that went beyond casual flirtation.

One evening, after putting Orion to bed, Elara sat on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Harry had texted again, asking if she'd be interested in meeting for a casual coffee. Elara sighed, feeling the pull of curiosity and the weight of her responsibilities.

She decided to accept his invitation, agreeing to meet him at a nearby café the following Saturday. As the day approached, she prepared for the outing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She carefully chose an outfit that was both comfortable and flattering, feeling the familiar pang of self-consciousness.

Elara arrived at the café early, wanting to get there before Harry. She chose a table by the window, a spot where she could see the bustling street outside. The café had a charming, rustic ambiance with wooden tables and mismatched chairs, creating a cozy atmosphere.

As she waited, she couldn't help but glance at the clock, her nerves getting the better of her. She sipped her coffee, trying to focus on the book she had brought along, but her thoughts kept drifting to Harry and the upcoming conversation.

When Harry walked in, he was dressed casually but stylishly, his presence immediately drawing attention. His easy smile and the way he scanned the room for her made Elara's heart race. He spotted her and made his way over, his face lighting up with genuine delight.

"Hey, Elara," Harry greeted warmly as he reached her table. "It's great to see you."

"Hi, Harry," Elara replied, standing up to greet him. "Thanks for meeting me."

They settled into their seats, and Harry's easy demeanor helped ease some of Elara's initial nervousness. As they talked, Harry asked about her work, showing a genuine interest in her life.

"I've been following your designs for a while," Harry said, leaning in slightly. "I love how you create such unique and beautiful clothing for children. What inspired you to start?"

Elara's eyes brightened as she spoke about her work, her passion evident in her words. "After Orion was born, I wanted to make something special for him. It started with simple designs, and it just grew from there. It's challenging, but it's incredibly fulfilling."

Harry nodded, his attention unwavering. "It sounds amazing. Balancing that with being a mother must be a lot of work."

"It is," Elara admitted. "There are days when it feels overwhelming. But Orion is my motivation. I want to give him the best life I can."

The conversation continued smoothly, with Harry sharing anecdotes about his travels and experiences. The connection between them grew stronger, but Elara remained cautious, aware of her responsibilities and the complexities of introducing someone new into her life.

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A/N
I know i know another short chapter I'M SORRY! From here on out i swear they will not be short anymore just bare with me while i get used to this!

-K