ng grief of losing her mother and the sting of Ethan's betrayal. She stared at the picture frame on her nightstand-a photo of her and her mom from high school, thei

t let her past define her future. It was time

Big M

ter filling the air. She had landed an entry-level position at a prestigious architecture firm-a dream she ha

view of the skyline. She spent her first night unpacking, arranging her books and art suppli

haustion pulled at her, but her hear

buzzed with a call fro

w's the big city treating you? D

count the delivery guy who brought me

. Really good. I'm pr

ou, though. Who's going to drag

and we'll find the best cof

a: "D

constant reminder of the life she was building and the

ng Into

hours, volunteering for challenging projects and impressing her colleagues with her innovative de

woman named Miranda,

eye for detail that most people don't develop until much

drafting table, sketching concepts and poring over blueprints.

he would call Maya, who alwa

I'm drowning in work, Maya. I barely

e. Don't let the stress take the joy out of it. You're ki

t wish I could turn my

that, but I can tell you this: You'

iding

er. Colleagues invited her to happy hours, and a f

t do it, Maya. I can't pu

t let him ruin this for you. What if you mee

h the risk. I'm better

heart, but don't lock it away forever.

ough architectural magazines or watched documentaries. On weekends, she visited ar

ent, there was a quiet loneliness th

ing Su

randa promoted her to lead architect on a major project-a c

osely with a team of designers and engineers, pushing b

happy that s

e in charge of the cultural center project.

rked so hard for this. Just promise m

hance, Maya. I can't mess it up. An

ning of your project

d her design, calling it "a blend of modern innovation and timeless beauty." Sophia's name w

o celebrate Sophia's succe

ia for a week before

et Lonel

to ignore. One evening, as she walked home from work, she passed a small park where c

calle

o you ever feel like you've got everything

You mea

l this with. But then I remember Ethan, and

hat you want and what you won't settle for. Wh

l from t

ts for a new project, her phone buzzed with

orgot you. I'm back in the city and was wondering if we could meet when i return

r heart racing. Adrian. The man

pause, she ty

mber you. I'm glad to hear you're okay. I'd b

her about Adrian, her best fr

! This coul

ould just be a p

wn, you know there's more to this. Jus

d excitement settled in her chest. For the first time in years, s