“Excuse me, may I pass?”

The voice was familiar—too familiar.

Evelyn turned, her breath catching in her throat.

William stood right behind her, wearing a soft gray suit and a dark blue tie, the one he always wore at important events. In his hand, a conference badge dangled with his name clearly printed: William Tanaka – Guest Speaker, Business & Aesthetics Panel.

For a moment, Evelyn’s world seemed to freeze. She didn’t know whether to walk away or pretend she didn’t recognize him.

But it was too late. William had already seen her.

Their eyes met—accidentally, yet full of stories.

“Evelyn,” William said softly. His voice hadn’t changed. Calm, but...