Chapter 3 UNEXPECTED ALLY

Cassidy sat in her office the next morning overlooking the city through her office window. She threw herself into work so it can help her forget Gabriel's sudden reappearance, but it clearly was not working. The busy computer keyboard sounds and the faint voices of her team could not get to her because her mind was totally somewhere else – it stuck replaying Gabriel's apology. Normally, Cassidy thrives in the creative chaos where her perfectly arranged office desk gets scattered with sketches, partnership proposals and mood boards for upcoming collection launch, but today it only added to her confusion.

Cassidy's business partner and closest confidant always had a way of reading her mood, "You look distracted," Ethan Blake said, as he entered the office unannounced carrying a mug of steaming coffee. Cassidy forced a smile. "I'm fine," she lied, dropping down the sketch she had been staring at for the past ten minutes without making a single adjustment.

"What's up?" Ethan raised an eyebrow but didn't push. He instead handed her a file. "This is the proposal for the new partnership deal with Shaw Enterprises." Cassidy froze, her fingers tightening around the edge of the desk. "Shaw Enterprises?" she echoed, her voice carefully neutral. Ethan nodded. "Yeah.. I have already reviewed the numbers and believe me, Gabriel's company is the best option for this deal." The expression on Cassidy's face was nothing other than disappointment, she had worked so hard to build a life without Gabriel in it, and now fate was just throwing them back together in the most inconvenient way possible.

"I'll think about it," she said uncertainly. Ethan studied her for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "like I have a choice?" Cassidy said with a firm voice. "It's business." Ethan hesitated but eventually nodded. "Just don't let personal history cloud your judgment," he advised before walking out, leaving Cassidy alone with her thoughts. Cassidy exhaled sharply, she just wanted to say no to the deal so as to keep Gabriel very far away from her world as possible, but Ethan was right - this was business, and Shaw Enterprises had resources that could propel her company to new heights. Still, the idea of sitting in the same space with Gabriel in boardroom meetings made her even more uncomfortable.

Cassidy was at her favorite coffee shop downtown later that afternoon, she was hoping the change of scenery would help to clear her mind. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee with the soft voices of conversation created a comforting atmosphere for as she was lost in thoughts stirring her cappuccino absentmindedly. Suddenly she was brought back to reality by a familiar voice who called out "Cassidy?" Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up only to see Gabriel standing a few feet away with an expression of surprise and uncertainty. He was dressed casually on a dark jeans and a fitted jacket - but he still had with him the same commanding presence that had once drawn her to him.

"Gabriel," she called out coolly to hide the anger that was swirling inside her. "What are you doing here?" "I could ask you the same thing," he said with a faint little smile. "This used to be our spot, remember?" Cassidy stiffened. She did not need to be reminded. During their early relationship days this place was like a sanctuary to them, it was a place where they would sit, chat and dreamed about building a future together. "That was a long time ago," she said boldly while picking up her cup. "I did not think you still came here." "Some habits are hard to break," Gabriel admitted with a softer tone this time. "Mind if I join you?" Cassidy wanted to say no but something stopped her. Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe it was the part of her that still craved closure.

"Suit yourself," she reluctantly said. Gabriel took the seat across from her while giving her a steady steady. There was silence amongst them for a moment; neither of them spoke. Gabriel just stared at Cassidy whose eyes were fixed on her cup of coffee. "I didn't expect to run into you here," Gabriel finally spoke. "But I am glad I did. There's something I wanted to say." Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "More apologies?" Gabriel's lips pressed into a thin line. "No. Just the truth." She leaned back in her chair while crossing her arms waiting to hear what Gabriel had to say this time. "I'm listening."

"I never stopped caring about you," he admitted quietly. "I made mistakes - huge ones - but losing you was the biggest regret of my life." Cassidy's mind raced a bit but she refused to let his words affect her. "It's too late for that, Gabriel, I have moved on." "Have you?" Gabriel asked gently while his gaze was searching hers. Cassidy opened her mouth to respond, but the no words came out. She hated that he could still see through her defenses, even after all these years. "I'll take that as a maybe," Gabriel said with a faint smile. Cassidy shook her head. "This doesn't change anything. We're business partners now, nothing more."

"If that's what you want," Gabriel said, with was a hint of doubt in his voice. Cassidy stood up immediately, grabbing her bag. "I have to go," she said. "I'll see you at the meeting." Gabriel nodded but could not remove his eyes from her as she walked away. Cassidy's heart was filled with a mix of anger, confusion, and something she refused to name as she walked off. She just knew that keeping Gabriel at a distance was going to be much harder than she had earlier wanted and anticipated.