Lucy once thought she had the perfect life—a loving family and everything she ever wanted. But after the divorce, everything fell apart. It felt like the world lost all its color. That is, until one dramatic moment when a car nearly hit her. In that split second, she reconnected with a long-lost friend, changing her life forever.
Staring at the family photo in front of her, Lucy could almost hear their laughter, teasing her for everything she had lost.
She wiped the dust from the picture, taking in their joyful faces—those easy, carefree smiles of a family once at peace.
Her throat tightened, and tears stung her eyes as she thought about Harry, her son, who now felt like a stranger.
He wouldn’t even pick up her calls, unwilling to hear her side of the story. Her cheating ex-husband, James, had painted her as the villain, convincing Harry that she had abandoned them both.
“Lucy, are you alright?” Miss Kinsley’s voice cut through the silence, bringing her back to the present in the immaculate home.
“Oh, yes, Miss Kinsley,” Lucy replied quickly, wiping away a tear and forcing a weak smile.
“I’m fine. Just… a little tired.”
Miss Kinsley’s gaze softened, though it carried a quiet authority. She stepped closer, her head tilting slightly as if choosing her words carefully.
“Lucy, I know things have been hard for you recently,” she said, her tone gentle yet firm. “But I think it’s time we had a serious conversation.”
Her words hit Lucy like a stone to the chest, her heart racing as she braced herself for what was coming next.
“Please, Miss Kinsley,” Lucy said, her voice cracking. “I’ll do better, I promise. I know I’ve been slow, but I’ll work faster. I’ll keep it upbeat, I swear.”
Miss Kinsley’s eyes filled with sympathy, but there was an unmistakable sadness behind them.
“It’s not just about speed, Lucy. I see you’re trying, but my son has noticed. He needs someone who can bring some lightness into the house, someone who can lift the mood, you understand?”
Lucy swallowed, the lump in her throat making it hard to speak.
“This job… it means everything to me, Miss Kinsley. Please… I’ll do better.”
Miss Kinsley sighed and placed a comforting hand on Lucy’s shoulder, her voice dropping to a near motherly tone.
“Lucy, sometimes holding on too tightly doesn’t help us heal. Letting go is difficult, but it opens new doors you may not see yet. I hope you find your happiness again. I truly appreciate all you’ve done,” she said, her words heavy with meaning.
Lucy nodded quietly, her voice barely a whisper. “Thank you.”
The moment she stepped outside, she was overtaken by memories of easier times—back in high school, when her biggest worry was what to wear or how to survive another pop quiz.
Life had seemed so simple then, but now, it felt like she was carrying a weight too heavy for one person to bear.
Suddenly, a loud honking horn snapped her back to the present. She looked up just in time to see a car speeding toward her, splashing water as it barreled through a puddle.
Frozen, she had no idea whether to step back or leap forward. Without thinking, she jumped, landing in the muddy water with a splash.
The car screeched to a halt just inches away, and she found herself soaked, sitting on the cold pavement.
The driver, a man in a sharp suit, threw open his door and stormed out, his face contorted in anger.
“Are you blind? You could’ve dented my car!” he yelled, clearly livid.
Embarrassed and shivering, Lucy struggled to get to her feet. “I—I’m sorry,” she stammered, her cheeks burning as the cold mud seeped through her clothes.
He eyed her with disdain, shaking his head.
“Do you even know how much this car is worth?”
Before she could answer, another voice cut through the tension.
“Glen, enough.” The back door of the car opened, and a tall man stepped out, dressed just as sharply.
His gaze softened when he saw Lucy, a mix of concern and sympathy in his eyes. Ignoring Glen’s protests, he approached her.
“Are you hurt?” he asked gently, his voice warm and sincere.
For a moment, Lucy was taken aback by his kindness, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort.
“I think I’m okay,” she managed, though her voice wavered. His calm presence felt like a lifeline amidst the chaos of her day.
“Please,” he continued, extending his hand. “Let me make sure you’re alright. Come with us, and we’ll get you somewhere warm.”
Lucy hesitated, unsure, but something about him made her feel safe. He helped her into the backseat, his steady demeanor making her feel like more than a stranger.
They drove up to an imposing mansion—an elegant structure that seemed to stretch on forever.
The sight left Lucy in awe. It was the kind of place she had only seen in magazines, never imagined she’d step foot in.
Noticing her wide-eyed wonder, the man chuckled softly.
“It’s a bit much, isn’t it?” he said with a grin.
“A bit,” she admitted, still trying to mask her amazement. “But it’s beautiful.”
Inside, everything gleamed. Polished marble floors reflected the glow of chandeliers above.
He led her into a spacious sitting room and offered her a comfortable chair by the fireplace.
“Please, make yourself at home,” he said before disappearing briefly, returning with a steaming cup of tea.
“I thought you might like something warm,” he added kindly.
Lucy nodded, cradling the cup between her hands, savoring the warmth that seemed to seep into her very soul.
Soon, a middle-aged man entered the room. George introduced him as his personal doctor, William, who gently examined her few scrapes.
“Nothing serious here,” William reassured her with a smile. “Just a few scratches. You’ll be fine.”
Relief flooded through Lucy. “Thank you, Doctor,” she said, feeling grateful.
Turning to George, she handed him her empty teacup, still overwhelmed by the kindness she’d been shown.
“I should probably go now,” she said quietly. “I can’t thank you enough for everything.”
But George raised a hand, signaling her to stay.
“Please, Lucy,” he said softly. “It’s been far too long. Stay a while longer.”
Surprised, she blinked. “Wait… you know my name?”
A smile spread across his face as he leaned back in his chair. “Do you… remember me?” His voice was warm, almost hopeful.
Lucy stared at him, something familiar stirring in her mind. Then it clicked.
“George? George from high school?”
His grin grew wider, and he nodded. “The one and only. It’s been twenty-eight years, Lucy, and you’re just as beautiful as ever.”
Lucy couldn’t help but laugh, her cheeks flushing with surprise. “I can’t believe it’s really you! After all these years… where has life taken you?”
They fell into the comfort of old friends, reminiscing about high school days—doodles in notebooks, secret trips to the diner, and narrowly escaping detention.
As they laughed, it felt like the weight of the world had lifted, even if just for a moment.
Eventually, George looked at her more seriously. “So, how has life been for you?” His tone was gentle but probing.
Lucy hesitated but found it easier to speak with him than she had with anyone in a long time. She told him about her divorce, about her son’s silence, about losing her job.
“It’s been… tough,” she confessed. “I’ve lost everything I thought I had.”
George’s hand found hers, warm and steady. “I’m so sorry, Lucy. I wish things had been different for you.”
Lucy shrugged, wiping away a tear. “Sometimes, I wish they had been, too. But life… life has a way of surprising you.”
George’s face softened further. After a moment, he looked at her with a quiet intensity.
“Do you remember the last night after prom? I told you I loved you, and you said it wouldn’t work because we’d be going to different cities?”
Lucy nodded, the memory rushing back. “I remember.”
“I’ve thought about that night a lot,” he said quietly, his voice full of something tender. “Wondering… what if?”
He took a deep breath, then smiled gently. “We can’t change the past, Lucy. But we have now. We’re here, together, after all these years. Maybe that means something.”
Lucy looked at him, and for the first time in so long, she felt a flicker of hope.
“Maybe it does,” she said softly, a small smile breaking through.
The silence between them grew comfortable as he squeezed her hand.
“We can’t change the past,” he said, his voice low but hopeful. “But maybe we can start something new.”
Lucy laughed softly, the sound unfamiliar but warm.
“Are you asking me out, after all this time?”
“Maybe I am,” he said with a smile that warmed her to the core. “How about dinner? Nothing fancy—just two old friends catching up.”
The thought brought a warmth Lucy hadn’t felt in a long time, a spark of something new, something hopeful.
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