Jay's POV
The city's pulse was relentless, but I felt numb as I stepped out of SE Tower. The afternoon sun hit the streets with unyielding heat, yet all I could focus on was the memory of a single name — Watson.
I had spent years building SE Corp into a global empire, mastering every detail, every number, every boardroom maneuver. Yet here I was, standing on the same concrete where millions hustled for survival, feeling a weight that no corporate victory could erase.
Mark Keifer Watson.
I shook my head, gripping my briefcase tighter. Business is business, I reminded myself. But even as the mantra echoed in my mind, I couldn't stop the flood of memories — the classroom laughter, the secret glances, the promise ring buried in my drawer.
The elevator ride down felt longer than usual. My fingers tapped the briefcase rhythmically, an unconscious effort to anchor myself. Coel's words from this morning repeated in my head: He recognized you.
Yes. He did. And now, his corporation had stakes in my empire.
Back at my condo, I set the briefcase on the dining table and poured myself a glass of water. The apartment was quiet, impeccably arranged, just like my life — but silence had never felt this heavy.
Samy's texts buzzed persistently.
Samy: How's the boss?
Samy: You okay? You seem… off today.
I ignored them at first, taking a deep breath. I didn't want her to worry. She didn't need to know that the man who once held my heart now had influence over my company. Not yet.
Instead, I opened my laptop and began reviewing Watson Corp. Their financials were massive — global influence, aggressive expansions, and an uncanny knack for acquiring stakes in emerging corporations.
And now, they were investing in SE Corp.
I scrolled through the numbers, each one a silent reminder that this wasn't just business anymore. This was personal.
I tried to focus on facts, on profits, on percentages. But every projection, every quarterly report, seemed to whisper his name.
Professional. Always professional, I repeated, my fingers tightening on the mouse.
Coel arrived in the evening, as expected. He didn't knock — he never did.
"Jay," he said, stepping inside with a folder in hand. "I've summarized everything about Watson Corp. Their U.S. operations, global branches, leadership structure. You might want to see this before tomorrow's formal discussions."
I gestured for him to sit. "Thank you. That's helpful."
He handed me the folder, and I flipped through it systematically. Every detail was there — subsidiaries, key executives, financial influence, strategic patterns. His thoroughness never failed to impress me.
"You've done enough already," I said quietly. "I can handle this. I need to think."
Coel's eyes softened. "I know. But thinking is easier with all the pieces in front of you."
I nodded, appreciating the unspoken support. He understood. Not just the CEO in me, but the girl who had once run through Section E's hallways with her heart in chaos.
Later, Samy dropped by. She leaned against my kitchen counter, arms folded. "Jay… you've been quiet since the meeting. What's going on?"
I took a sip of water, feeling the cool liquid anchor me. "Nothing. Just… processing."
She frowned. "Processing what?"
I let out a small, controlled sigh. "An old acquaintance showed up in a position of influence. It's complicated. But I'll handle it."
Samy's eyes searched mine, sensing the deeper truth but respecting the line I had drawn. "Well… just don't forget to eat. Or breathe," she said, smiling faintly.
I allowed myself a small chuckle. "I'll try."
The rest of the evening passed in quiet contemplation. I reviewed every strategy, every contingency, every potential angle. Keifer's presence wasn't just a risk — it was a challenge to everything I had built. And challenges… I didn't shy away from them.
The next morning, the city felt different — heavier, charged. I arrived at SE Corp before anyone else, letting the glass doors slide open silently beneath me. My heels clicked against the marble floors, echoing through the lobby.
Samy and Coel were already at their posts.
"Morning," I said evenly.
"Morning, boss," Coel replied, glancing briefly at my expression. "Are you ready for the formal discussion?"
I straightened my blazer. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Samy handed me a tablet with the latest updates. "All the points for the meeting. Watson Corp's representatives, agendas, potential negotiation angles — all streamlined for you."
I nodded, my lips tight. "Good. Keep an eye on their moves."
The boardroom was pristine, modern, and unyielding. Chairs arranged with perfect symmetry, polished wood reflecting the morning light, screens ready to display my meticulously prepared slides.
The investors filed in. Familiar faces exchanged greetings, business smiles. And then… the air shifted.
He walked in.
Tall, composed, impeccably dressed. The same eyes I remembered, calm yet piercing, scanning the room until they found mine.
Mark Keifer Watson.
I forced myself to remain professional. "Mr. Watson," I said, voice even.
"Jay," he replied, lips curving in that slow, infuriating smile. "Good to see you again."
The rest of the investors didn't notice the electric tension, the subtle pull between two people whose past defied years and distance. But I felt it, bone-deep.
I opened the presentation, speaking clearly, confidently. Charts, projections, and statistics flowed from my lips with practiced ease. Coel and Samy watched silently, their presence steadying me.
Every now and then, my peripheral vision caught him — leaning slightly forward, hand brushing the table, eyes locked on me. Not just observing, but evaluating, remembering, testing.
After the financial details, market strategies, and projected expansions were discussed, I finally allowed myself a small pause. The meeting had gone perfectly — on the surface.
Keifer spoke quietly, leaning toward me when the room cleared enough for him to whisper without being overheard.
"I promised you once," he murmured. "And I intend to keep it, Jay."
I swallowed, keeping my composure. "Business is business," I said evenly. "We can discuss the past later."
His eyes softened, but he didn't relent. "Later can wait. Some things can't."
I felt my chest tighten. He still remembered everything. Every laugh, every touch, every secret.
Once the meeting concluded, I returned to my office. Coel and Samy stayed behind for post-meeting discussions. I shut the door, leaned back, and let the tension settle for a moment.
Watson Corp wasn't just a potential partner. It was a reminder that no matter how far I ran, the past had a way of catching up.
I pulled out the silver ring from my drawer, staring at the engraved initials faintly glinting in the afternoon light. Section E. A symbol of everything I had left behind, everything I had built upon.
And now, it felt heavier than ever.
By evening, I was pacing the apartment. Every strategy I had developed, every contingency, felt inadequate in the face of his presence.
Samy appeared at the door, voice gentle. "Jay… you've been quiet again. Are you thinking about him?"
I paused, then nodded subtly. "Yes. And I need to stay focused. Tomorrow, the negotiations continue. I can't let emotion interfere."
She stepped closer. "You've handled bigger crises than this. You'll handle him, too."
I appreciated her confidence, but I knew it wasn't just confidence I needed. It was control — the kind I had mastered only over years of relentless self-discipline.
Coel's text pinged shortly after:
Coel: Are you ready for tomorrow? He'll be here.
I typed back:
Jay: Always.
The next morning, I arrived at SE Corp earlier than usual. The boardroom doors opened, revealing the table set for negotiations. His name on the agenda. Watson Corp.
I inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of anticipation. Professionalism masked my heartbeat, but beneath the surface, the girl from Section E stirred, unquiet.
Keifer entered moments later. Calm, composed, familiar.
And I realized: nothing in my carefully built world could prepare me for what came next.
The past had returned.
And this time, it wasn't leaving.