Shane

This affair became more than a memory. It seemed to last forever—a month or a little more—but it encompassed a lifetime. Looking back, you realized that no man before him had given you such a fulfilling existence.

Shane. The only signs of his age were the noble gray hairs at his temples and his impeccable taste. He made you feel desirable and infinitely powerful at the same time.

When the mission came to an end, the world grew dim. The bitterness of loss was acute. Time healed, and you returned to work and your friends. But new relationships didn't work out—men paled in comparison. After all, you'd experienced the kind of happiness others dream of.

On the eve of March 8th, a message arrived from an unfamiliar number: "Tomorrow at 6:00 PM, at the restaurant." You frowned. "Who is this?" The answer: "You'll find out tomorrow."

At first, you wanted to brush it off. But after a couple of hours, you caught yourself considering the invitation. A thrill of excitement shot through your chest.

You spent the entire day of March 8th in anticipation. You carefully planned your look and makeup. You looked at yourself in the mirror and didn't recognize yourself—that spark was burning within you again.

You called a taxi. The elderly driver showered you with compliments the entire way. You smiled, feeling a twinge of excitement in your heart.

The car stopped outside the restaurant. You reached for the handle, but the door swung open on its own. A strong man's hand extended to you.

The air left your lungs. There he stood before you. Shane. His expensive suit fit perfectly. His eyes were so full of tenderness that it took your breath away. Your body rushed toward him before your brain could even give the command.

He caught you in his arms—tightly, securely, like no one had ever hugged you before. You buried your face in his coat, inhaling that same, forgotten, familiar scent.

“Happy holiday, darling,” the whisper burned my ear, sending goosebumps down my spine.

He looked into my eyes and, without letting go of my hand, led me into the glittering hall. Towards an evening that promised to be as magical as your entire previous story.