She remembered the day they'd spent celebrating, laughing and joking as they'd walked along the beach, their feet sinking into the warm sand. Fletcher had turned to her, his eyes shining with excitement, and said, "We're going to change the world, Sophie."
Sophie had rolled her eyes good-naturedly and replied, "Can we still get a puppy and a beach house? Because, priorities."
Fletcher had chuckled and pulled her close, his lips brushing against her ear. "We'll get you all the puppies and beach houses you want, as long as you're by my side."
-----
Juliet made her way into the auction, her eyes scanning the crowded room. As she walked, her gaze drifted across the sea of faces, taking in the opulent decorations and the hum of conversation. She passed by a group of elegantly dressed women, their diamonds glinting in the light, and nodded politely to a businessman who tipped his head in greeting.
As she turned a corner, her eyes landed on a figure that made her heart skip a beat. He was tall, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored coat fit him like a glove.
She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, but he didn't seem to recognize her. He nodded curtly and turned back to the conversation he was having with his beautiful secretary.
She walked past him, her heart pounding in her chest. As she did, she whispered a single word: "Fletcher."
The man's head snapped around, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.
He looked around, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for someone. But when his gaze landed back on her, his expression was neutral, almost dismissive. He turned back to the front of the room, his long strides carrying him swiftly back to the front row.
It was as if he hadn't heard her, or perhaps, as if he was choosing to ignore her. She felt a sting of disappointment, mixed with a dash of confusion. Why was he pretending not to know her?
-----
Romeo's heart was pounding wildly in his chest.
He felt a pang in his chest, a sharp sting that seemed to reverberate through his entire being. He had expected anger, hatred, or even indifference from Sophie. But disappointment and confusion? Those were emotions he hadn't anticipated, and they cut deeper than he cared to admit.
As he took his seat in the front row, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he had just made a grave mistake. Avoiding Sophie hadn't solved anything; it had only seemed to hurt her more. And that realization gnawed at his conscience, making him wonder if he had just missed his chance to make things right between them.
He was taken aback by the intensity of his own emotions. He missed her, badly. He missed Sophie, the girl with the bright smile and infectious laugh. The goofy kid who had once dreamed of a beach house and a simple life. The girl who had wanted a cake in the oven and a puppy by her side.
Memories came flooding back, and for a moment, he was transported to a time when life was simpler, when love was pure and uncomplicated. He felt a pang in his chest, a deep longing for what could have been.
The host's voice pulled him back from his train of thought, and Romeo's eyes refocused on the stage. He straightened his posture, his mind quickly shifting gears. The lights shone brightly, illuminating the priceless artifact that had just been revealed. "And now, ladies and gentlemen," the host announced, "we present to you the pièce de résistance of tonight's auction: the Aurora, the legendary crown of the first queen of England."
Romeo's gaze locked onto the crown, his eyes scanning the intricate design. He felt a thrill of excitement, his mind racing with the possibilities. He adjusted his earpiece, his voice low and smooth as he spoke into the tiny microphone. "Alpha-1, this is Romeo. I have eyes on the Aurora. Confirming the specs: 150 million gold karats, 50 diamonds, including the Sapphire Starlight. I'm in position, awaiting further instructions."
"Take action"...