The Man of My Dreams

Chapter Three: The Start of Something New

A week after her enchanting encounter with Ethan, Mia couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She met Neal at their usual café, practically bursting with stories to share. "You won't believe what happened!" she blurted, her heart racing as she settled into her seat.

Neal looked up, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. "Let me guess—you're here to tell me about your dream guy?"

Mia nodded vigorously. "Yes! I met him! His name is Ethan, and he's amazing! We had this incredible conversation at the gallery, and then I found out something shocking—he already knew my name!"

Neal's brow furrowed as he leaned in closer. "Wait, how does he know your name? You hadn't met before, right?"

Mia bit her lip, trying to brush it off. "I don't know! Maybe he overheard me talking to someone else at the gallery. It just... it caught me off guard, okay? It felt so surreal!"

Neal studied her, concern etching his features. "That does sound a little odd. Just be careful, Mia. You barely know him."

Mia waved her hand dismissively, her excitement bubbling over. "We went out for coffee yesterday, and he brought me flowers—my favorite, lilies! It was the sweetest thing."

Neal raised an eyebrow, but his playful smile returned. "Alright, alright. Just keep your eyes open, okay? You know I'm looking out for you."

Later that week, Ethan picked her up for their second date, a picnic he had planned at a local park. As they laid out the blanket beneath a sprawling oak tree, Mia felt a flutter of anticipation.

"Lasagna? You remembered!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she discovered the delicious meal he had prepared.

"Of course," he said, grinning as he handed her a plate. "I couldn't let you go hungry! I wanted it to be special."

They shared stories and laughter, the afternoon sun warming their skin. With every bite of lasagna, every smile exchanged, Mia felt a growing connection to him. It felt so easy, like they were meant to be together.

On their third date, Ethan suggested they revisit the art gallery where they had met. Mia's heart raced with excitement as they strolled through the familiar space, the air thick with creativity. But then, something caught her eye—an exhibition featuring a new painting by Ethan.

Her breath caught in her throat as she approached it. The canvas depicted her, captured in a serene moment of sleep, bathed in soft light. It was hauntingly beautiful.

"Ethan," she whispered, turning to him with wide eyes. "This is incredible! You painted me?" He stepped closer, a shy smile on his face. "I wanted to capture a moment that felt intimate and real. I've been inspired by you since the first time we met."

Mia's heart raced. "But... it's a little surreal seeing myself like this. And how did you know me well enough to paint this?"

"It's a glimpse of how I see you," he said softly, his gaze sincere. "I wanted to show that beauty." As they stood in front of the painting, a mix of admiration and apprehension swirled within her. Ethan's charm was undeniable, and each date only reinforced her feelings for him. Yet, Neal's concerns echoed in her mind, particularly about Ethan knowing her name before they'd even met.

"Ethan, you really know how to pull me in," she said lightly, trying to shake off the doubt.

He laughed, the sound warm and inviting. "I just want to make you happy, Mia."

Later that evening, as Mia lay in bed, she replayed the day's events. Ethan was unlike anyone she had ever met, and the chemistry they shared felt so real. But a small voice in the back of her mind questioned the mystery surrounding him.

"Maybe I'm overthinking this," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes.

But as she drifted off to sleep, the thoughts lingered, weaving through her dreams like shadows dancing at the edges of her mind.