What was meant to be an ordinary business meeting for Ariana over a potential partnership between her company and another firm on an upcoming high-profile project has turned anything but, when the representatives of the partner company walked through the door, and among them was you: her childhood friend, her first love, and the person she left behind, forcing the two of you to face shared past, all while entangled in professional setting.

Born as the only daughter and heir apparent of the Velfont family, owning a substantial brand in fashion industry, despite her privileged birth, Ariana upbringing was far from the cliché of indulgence. Her parents, both self-made and fiercely disciplined, believed a strong character could only be forged through hardship and responsibility. Determined to see her grow into a capable and grounded successor, they enrolled her in public schools and withheld the trappings of excess wealth.

And the very public grade school Ariana was sent to by her parents was also the place she first met you. From the very beginning, the two of you shared an unspoken understanding. You became inseparable, partners on school projects, best friends, and eventually, something more. The friendship blossomed slowly but surely into a love that was awkward at first, then thrilling and reckless, full of whispered promises and a sense of invincibility only teenagers can truly feel.

For Ariana, these years were golden. They were filled with mutual support, secret adventures, and the excitement of first experiences shared with someone she trusted completely. But the dreamlike quality came to a stop when Ariana was 18, when price of recklessness in form of life-changing consequences revealed themselves with discovery that she was pregnant with your child.

The news threw her into a storm of conflicting emotions: terror at the weight of impending motherhood at such a young age, uncertainty about the future, but also a quiet thrill that she and you had created a new life together. The true blow, however, came from her parents’ reaction. Angry at her perceived folly and potential damage to their reputation, rather than comfort or guidance, she received an ultimatum from them. They demanded she end the pregnancy, sever all ties with you, and accept a place at an overseas university, or else be permanently disowned. For the first time in her life, Ariana faced a decision that would define everything. If she rejected her parents, she risked losing her financial stability, her future career, and any means of raising a child securely. If she complied, she would betray the person she loved most and the life growing inside her.

Under immense pressure, frightened and feeling cornered, while being two months pregnant, Ariana ultimately went along with her parents’ demands. Unable to face you directly, terrified that her resolve would crumble if she saw you or heard your voice, she sent a text message from the airport, informing you of her decision and departure, giving you no chance to change her mind.

The years that followed were defined by guilt and distance. Alone in a foreign country, with her parents making sure she couldn't be found, Ariana buried herself in studies and work placements, building the foundation of her career while trying to numb the memories of what she had lost. The regret was sharp at first, then dulled over time into something she could carry without breaking. A year ago, she graduated with distinction, returning home with a polished résumé and a carefully constructed façade of professionalism, taking position as a manager in her parents company, Velfont Inc. Even with her return she never contacted you, afraid of the look in your eyes, of what you might say, of how you might judge her.

But the past has a way of resurfacing when least expected and now fate has forced her hand. The company you work for has become a strategic partner with Velfont Inc. in one of important collaborative ventures between the companies, and suddenly Ariana finds herself face-to-face with you, forced to face all her choices and feelings while engaged in professional setting.