Rain's POV
Three years. Three long years since I walked away from the life I once thought I belonged to, from Khai, and from Jackson.
When I moved to Chicago, I didn't expect life to be easy, but I knew it was time for me to take control of my future. The job at F&V Engineering and Enterprise came at the perfect time-a second chance I wasn't even looking for. Starting as a head marketing designer, my responsibilities were demanding but familiar. Yet, as the days passed, I couldn't ignore the itch to pursue something more.
My passion for design and engineering had always been there, buried under layers of self-doubt and fear. It was Therese who pushed me, reminding me that I was capable of anything if I only dared to try. One night, she said, "Rain, you can either let the past define you or use it as fuel to create the life you deserve." That was the moment I decided to take a leap.
I enrolled in an accelerated architectural engineering program while working full-time. It wasn't easy balancing work, night classes, and the endless assignments, but I was determined to prove to myself that I could be more. The sleepless nights, the exhaustion-it was all worth it when I graduated at the top of my class. My professors saw my potential and introduced me to influential architects and engineers in the industry.
F&V recognized my growing skill set and offered me a position as a junior architect. From there, I climbed the ranks quickly, contributing to major projects that put the firm on the map. I spearheaded the design for the Njor Museum in Norway, a sustainable masterpiece that received international acclaim. My designs weren't just about aesthetics-they were about innovation, creating structures that were functional, environmentally conscious, and timeless.
Therese and Kroft became my constant support system, and then there was Melissa-the woman who helped me heal when I thought I'd never open my heart again. We met during one of my projects in Banff, Alberta, where she was an environmental consultant. She was patient with me, understanding that my heart still carried scars. With her, I found a sense of peace, a life I thought I'd never have.
Yet, despite all the success, all the new memories, Khai was always there-lingering in the corners of my mind. Sometimes, I'd catch myself wondering what she was doing, if she had finally found happiness. But I reminded myself that I had made the right decision to leave. I had to.
And now here I was, standing in a boardroom, face-to-face with the past I thought I'd left behind. Khai Stanton, the woman who once held my heart, now sitting across from me as a potential client. I could see the surprise in her eyes, the way she struggled to mask the emotions that flickered across her face.
Three years had changed me. I wasn't the same Rain she knew. I had grown, rebuilt myself, and created a life I was proud of. But as much as I told myself that, standing in her presence again made me realize one thing: some parts of the past never truly leave.
°°°
Khai stood at the front of the room, poised and commanding as always. Her confidence radiated through every word as she began to present the Stanton Corporation's vision for The Azotea project. It was a bold and ambitious concept: a suburban luxury condominium designed to blend the comforts of modern living with the charm of a traditional village.
"The Azotea will not only offer high-end residential units but also create a community hub with green spaces, recreational facilities, and commercial establishments," Khai explained, her voice steady and firm. "We envision a self-sustaining suburban environment where residents can enjoy a seamless integration of luxury, comfort, and functionality. Sustainability is a core pillar of this project, with plans to incorporate renewable energy sources, water recycling systems, and eco-friendly construction materials."
Her presentation was flawless, as expected. Khai had always been a natural leader, someone who could command attention with ease. But as I listened, I couldn't help but scrutinize the details-this was my area of expertise now, after all.
"Ms. Stanton," I interjected, my tone professional but firm. "While the vision for The Azotea is commendable, there are certain construction challenges that need to be addressed. For instance, how do you plan to integrate the renewable energy systems with the existing infrastructure in Jackson? The power grid in that area isn't exactly known for its capacity to support high-load sustainable technology."
Khai paused, her eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment before she answered. "We're working closely with local utilities to upgrade the infrastructure where needed. We've already initiated talks to ensure compatibility and capacity. Additionally, we're exploring the use of off-grid solutions, such as solar panels and battery storage systems, to reduce dependency on the traditional grid."
I nodded, acknowledging her response but not letting up. "And what about the construction materials? You mentioned eco-friendly options, but with the scale of this project, sourcing locally might be a challenge. How do you plan to balance sustainability with cost-effectiveness without compromising quality?"
Khai's gaze was steady as she replied, "We're collaborating with suppliers who specialize in sustainable materials. Some will be sourced locally, while others will be imported, depending on availability. Our priority is ensuring the materials meet both our environmental and structural standards. We've already conducted preliminary studies to identify the best options within our budget."
Impressive, as always. She had clearly done her homework. But I wasn't about to let my personal feelings cloud my professionalism. I pressed on with another question. "Your concept emphasizes community integration, but with the scale of this project, there's a risk of over-commercialization. How do you intend to maintain the balance between creating a community space and avoiding an overly urbanized feel?"
Khai's expression softened slightly, as if appreciating the challenge in my question. "We've designed the layout to prioritize green spaces and communal areas. The residential units will be arranged around a central park, with pedestrian-friendly walkways connecting the different zones. Commercial establishments will be limited to the periphery, ensuring that the heart of The Azotea remains focused on community and nature."
Her answer was solid, and for a moment, I felt a pang of pride for the woman she had become-or perhaps, the woman she had always been. The Khai I had known was still there, relentless in her pursuit of excellence.
As the discussion went on, I realized something. This wasn't just a business meeting. It was a clash of the past and the present, a reminder of who we were and how much we had both changed. Khai had her vision for The Azotea, and I had my expertise. And though I wouldn't admit it out loud, there was a part of me that was impressed by her unwavering determination.
But this wasn't about us. It was about the project. And if there was one thing I had learned over the years, it was to focus on the task at hand, no matter what emotions tried to surface. So I set aside the memories and reminded myself of my role here: to do my job and nothing more.
As the meeting dragged on, my mind started to wander despite my best efforts to stay focused. Memories of the past mingled with thoughts about the project, and for a moment, I felt like I was being pulled in two different directions.
I was snapped back to reality when Mr. O'Connor's voice broke through my thoughts. "Rain, can we provide a design layout for tomorrow?"
I blinked, realizing everyone in the room was now looking at me. Khai's eyes were among them, sharp and unwavering. "Rain?" Mr. O'Connor repeated, his tone more insistent this time.
Quickly gathering myself, I answered, "Yeah, I'll do it. I'll work on it right after this meeting. I just need an overview of the layout for the design."
I turned to Khai, forcing my voice to remain steady despite the weight of her gaze. "Ms. Stanton, if you can walk me through it after this, that would be a great help."
Her expression didn't falter as she gave a slight nod. "Of course," she said, her voice professional, devoid of the tension lingering in the air between us.
The meeting resumed, but my focus was now razor-sharp. If I was going to work alongside Khai-if I was going to create something meaningful for this project-I had to keep my emotions in check.
For the rest of the meeting, I kept my eyes on the task at hand, but the weight of Khai's presence lingered in the background, unspoken yet impossible to ignore. As I jotted down notes and listened to the remaining discussions, I prepared myself for what would come next: a one-on-one conversation with the woman I had spent the last three years trying to forget.
After the meeting concluded, I gathered my notes and stood up, straightening my posture. "Sheryl," I said, turning to my secretary, "please accompany Ms. Stanton to my office. I'll join her shortly after I finish up here with the engineering team."
Sheryl nodded briskly. "Of course, Ms. Chadwick."
Khai, who had been gathering her own materials, glanced up at the mention of my office but said nothing. Her expression remained unreadable, though her eyes lingered on me for a fraction of a second longer than necessary.
As Sheryl led Khai out of the boardroom, I took a deep breath, focusing on the engineers gathered around me. There were still a few details I needed to iron out for tomorrow's design layout, and I couldn't afford any distractions.
But no matter how much I tried to immerse myself in the discussion, the thought of Khai waiting in my office-standing in a space that had become my sanctuary over the past three years-nagged at the back of my mind. Would she notice the photographs on the shelf? The framed degree from my university in Chicago? The small potted plant on my desk that Therese had gifted me when I started here?
Shaking off the intrusive thoughts, I refocused on the task at hand. "Alright," I said firmly to the team. "Let's make sure we have everything prepared for tomorrow. I want this design to reflect F&V's reputation for excellence."
As the team nodded and dispersed, I gathered my belongings and made my way to my office. With each step closer, the anticipation grew heavier. When I finally reached the door, I paused, my hand hovering over the handle.
This wasn't just another professional conversation. This was a collision of my past and present. Taking a steadying breath, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
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Khai's POV
As I sat in the chair across her desk, my eyes wandered around Rain's cozy office. It was a mixture of professional and personal, reflecting the woman she'd become in the past three years. The shelves were lined with books on architecture and engineering, awards, and framed certificates from prestigious institutions.
But what caught my attention were the photos.
There were pictures of Hope-the dog I gave her-frolicking in what looked like a park, her face lit up with joy. Another photo showed her with Therese, Kroft, and Louise, their smiles genuine and carefree. Then my gaze fell on the images of Rain with the woman from her Instagram profile. They were laughing, standing beside her Aunt, their closeness evident.
And then, my heart nearly stopped.
Right beside the photos, nestled carefully as if it still held meaning, was Waddles-the plush penguin I had given her all those years ago.
I stared at it, frozen, a wave of emotions crashing over me. Out of everything that could've been discarded or left behind, she kept Waddles.
All this time.
It was a small thing, but it carried so much weight. Memories of us flooded my mind-her laughter, her warmth, the way she'd snuggle Waddles when she was stressed or just needed comfort.
I leaned back in the chair, swallowing the lump in my throat. Did it mean anything? Or was it just another memento from a past life she had moved on from?
The sound of footsteps outside the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I sat up straighter. The door opened, and there she was. Rain walked in, radiating the same quiet confidence she had displayed in the meeting. But there was something in her eyes-a flicker of hesitation, or maybe recognition-when she saw me sitting there.
And just like that, the years we'd spent apart felt both like a lifetime and a moment ago.
"Sorry about that, needed to iron out some things for the presentation tomorrow," Rain said as she entered the room, her tone casual and professional. Then she asked, as if this were just any other meeting, "Do you want coffee or tea?"
It felt strange to hear her voice like this-detached, polite, almost indifferent. I shook my head, forcing myself to match her tone. "No, I'm good-thank you."
She nodded and moved toward her desk, organizing her things as if nothing in this room held any weight between us.
Just as we were about to start, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and answered without hesitation. "Babe," she said, her voice soft and familiar, "just need to check if you like this plant I've found here in Newfoundland-"
I felt my chest tighten at the word. Babe.
Before the woman on the other end could finish, Rain cut in, her tone brisk but still warm. "Hey, can we talk later? I have a meeting with a client. I'll check on it later; send me some pictures, alright?"
She ended the call as quickly as it began, placing her phone down and turning her full attention back to me. But I was frozen. Hearing that single word-babe-cut deeper than I expected. It wasn't just a word; it was confirmation.
She had someone.
Someone who knew her laugh, her touch, her warmth. Someone who called her babe and shared her days with her. Someone who wasn't me.
"Where were we?" she asked, her voice pulling me back to reality.
I blinked, trying to push the thoughts aside, but my mind was racing. How did it come to this? How did we end up here-strangers sitting across from each other, pretending the past didn't exist?
"Ms. Stanton?" she called again, a hint of impatience in her tone.
I cleared my throat, pulling myself together. "Right," I said, gripping the papers in my hands. "The layout."
Rain nodded, her expression unreadable. And as she leaned forward to begin, I couldn't help but wonder how I was going to make it through the rest of this meeting when every word and gesture of hers felt like a dagger to my chest.
As Rain walked me through the possible designs for the condo, I struggled to focus on her words. Her voice was steady, confident, and precise-just like I remembered. She had this natural way of commanding attention when she spoke about her ideas. Her passion for her work shone through every detail she presented.
But while she was talking about building layouts, sustainable materials, and maximizing the landscape, my mind was stuck in the past-on the woman she used to be, the woman I had loved so deeply.
I nodded mechanically, confirming whatever she was saying, but the truth was, I wasn't fully present. I was too caught up in how much she had changed-how she seemed so composed, so sure of herself, so...different.
"Do you have any objections, Khai?" she asked, her voice snapping me out of my thoughts.
I blinked and shook my head. "No, all good," I replied, though I could barely recall what she had just said.
She gave me a small, professional smile, and then, as if this meeting were just another routine in her day, she added, "Since you're in town, let me buy you lunch-how's that?"
Her tone was casual, friendly, and unbothered, as though she had already moved on and left the weight of our shared history behind.
Meanwhile, I sat there, pinned under the heavy weight of memories and regrets. How was she so at ease, while I was still trapped in the past?
"Sure," I heard myself say, though my voice felt hollow.
Rain simply nodded, already tidying up her notes, while I sat there, wondering if I would ever catch up to the place where she stood now-so far away from the version of her I used to know.
"Let's go?" she said, grabbing her keys with the ease of someone completely unbothered, as though this was just another regular lunch outing. I nodded wordlessly and followed her.
As we reached the building's lobby, we stood side by side, waiting for our ride. The air between us felt heavy, at least for me, but she seemed perfectly at ease.
"So, how's things in Jackson?" she asked with a friendly smile, her tone light and casual.
I glanced at her, searching for a glimpse of the Rain I used to know in those familiar eyes. "Same old, same old," I replied with a small smirk.
She nodded, but her curiosity lingered, so I decided to shift the focus. "How about you?" I asked. "To be honest, I'm still in shock."
"Shock?" she repeated, her brows furrowing slightly in confusion.
"Yeah," I said, glancing at her again. "I mean, I've always known you had a thing for drawing, but I never thought you'd end up designing entire buildings. That's... great."
Her lips curled into a modest smile, and she looked away for a moment. "Life's funny like that, isn't it? Sometimes it takes you places you never expected to go."
I nodded, though I couldn't help but feel the pang of irony in her words. Life had taken her to heights she probably never imagined, but for me, it felt like it had only left me behind, holding onto the memories of what once was.
Rain turned to me and asked, "So, are you excited about the Azotea project? Sounds like a big deal for Stanton Corp."
I forced a smile and replied, "Yeah, it's a step forward for the company. A lot riding on it."
She nodded thoughtfully, and before I could say anything else, our ride pulled up. As we slid into the car, I couldn't help but wonder how much of our old connection had been buried under the years-and how much, if any, remained.
The ride to the restaurant was quick, and in no time, we were pulling up to a cozy yet upscale place owned by one of Rain's friends here in Chicago. As we walked in, I couldn't help but notice how much more at ease she seemed, like this was her world now.
We slid into the next available table by the window. I busied myself with the menu, trying to avoid overthinking anything, but her voice on the phone caught my attention. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help it. She was talking to the woman from her Instagram posts, the one I'd seen in the pictures with her-the same woman who seemed to be a permanent fixture in Rain's life now.
It hurt more than I'd expected.
A few minutes later, Rain hung up the phone, and we finally placed our orders. She pulled out a small notepad, and without missing a beat, she asked me some details about the project. The sizes of the units, the land area, and other specifics. I was about to answer, but something inside me resisted.
"Come on, Rain," I said, trying to keep my voice light. "Let's have lunch first, let's talk about all that later."
She smiled at me, but there was something soft in her eyes. She nodded and then asked, "How are you, Khai?"
I froze.
That simple question-How are you?-was enough to make my heart skip a beat. I wanted to be honest. To tell her how much I missed her, how nothing in my life made sense without her. But I knew that wasn't an option. Not anymore. She had moved on, and I was still stuck in the past.
I forced a smile and said, "I'm good."
She seemed to sense the weight behind my words, but didn't press further.
"How about you?" I asked, trying to shift the focus. "How's life in Chicago? I've heard you're with someone now..."
I said it lightly, but the ache was still there-suddenly more pronounced than ever.
Rain chuckled softly. "Oh yeah? Where did you hear that?"
Her laughter, so light and unburdened, almost broke me. But I forced a laugh in return, trying to keep the mood light. "Well, I can tell by the looks of it-you're happy and seem content. That's good for you."
She gave me a carefree smile. "Well, life's too short to be trapped in the past."
Those words hit me harder than I expected. How could she say that so easily, so effortlessly? As if we were just another chapter in a book she had already closed. I wanted to argue, to remind her that the past was never truly gone, that it had shaped who we were-but I kept my mouth shut. Because deep down, I knew she was right. She had moved on. And I was still here, clinging to the memories we once shared.
I watched her smile at me, her eyes lighting up with something warm, but distant. And for the first time in a long time, I wondered if I'd ever be able to let go of the past-or if it would always haunt me.