It was raining in New York.
Not cinematic rain.
Real rain.
Heavy.
Sudden.
The kind that made people huddle under awnings and taxis honk harder.
Ana was already at the gallery—setting up a preview show for her first official design launch.
Just her, a few assistants, and the slow drip of nervous energy in her chest.
Until—
"Ana Rae?"
She turned.
And there he was.
Leo.
🖼️ Face to Face
He looked almost the same.
Wind-damp hair.
That crooked smile.
That quiet intensity she once mistook for depth.
But this time…
Nothing inside her shifted.
Leo held up a sleek envelope.
"I brought you this," he said. "An invitation to my showcase next month."
She didn't take it right away.
"Leo," she said calmly. "I'm happy for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep stepping into my world like this."
He blinked.
"Sorry, I just thought—"
"No," she interrupted gently. "You didn't think. You assumed you still held space in a part of me that's… long gone."
He looked down, embarrassed.
Then: "I just wanted to say I'm proud of you."
She smiled.
"Thanks. But I didn't build this for you to clap for. I built it after you left."
🚶♂️ Christian Arrives
A few minutes later, Christian walked in, holding coffee in one hand and a laptop bag slung over his shoulder.
He saw Leo.
Paused.
But Ana?
She walked over and kissed Christian softly on the cheek.
"Hey. You're just in time."
Her hand slipped naturally into his.
Leo stood awkwardly for a moment, then gave Christian a polite nod and left.
No tension.
No scene.
No power play.
Just a quiet close of an unfinished chapter.
🌦️ Aftermath
As the rain slowed outside, Christian turned to her.
"You okay?"
She nodded.
"I was. I am. I will be."
He smiled. "You didn't even flinch."
She shrugged with a small grin.
"Because he's not a ghost anymore.
Just… a man I outgrew."
Christian leaned down, whispered against her ear:
"I didn't know it was possible to be in awe and in love at the same time."
Ana smirked.
"Get used to it."
To be continued…