When Fate Steps In

CHAPTER 1 - PART 1 & 2

We exchanged more gratitude, more warm smiles, more promises to keep me updated.
Then I stood, collected my folder, and stepped out of the café into the early afternoon light.

And that's when my phone buzzed.

Mara ❤️ calling...

My best friend.
My chaos.
My balance.
The only constant in my constantly shifting life.

I answered with a soft laugh, already hearing excitement through the phone.
"Before you even say anything," I said, "I know that tone."

"You should!" she practically shouted. "Evonaaa! You're officially retired! Do you understand what this means? We're celebrating tonight!"

I groaned, but the smile stayed on my face.
"Mara, not today. I'm tired. I've been working non-stop. I want to go home, shower, eat something warm-"

"Nope. Denied. Absolutely denied."
I could almost picture her shaking her head dramatically.
"You can sleep tomorrow. Today? We're partying. Even if I have to drag you by your hair."

I laughed harder. "You could never drag me. I'm stronger than you."

"You're emotionally stronger. Physically? I can still take you."

"You wish."

"Evona," she said suddenly, her voice softer, "you've given ten years of your life to everyone else. Just one night. One. With me. Please?"

My heart softened.
Of course it did.

"Fine," I sighed. "Tonight. But later, okay? I need to go to the office, sign the last documents, and shut everything down properly."

"Yes! That's my girl! Okay, go finish your boring responsible stuff and then get ready. I want you sparkly. I want you glowing!"

"You're asking for too much already."

"I haven't even started."

We hung up after a few more playful jabs, and I walked toward my car feeling lighter, almost floating. Retirement.
A word that felt unreal on my tongue.

But I still had one final thing to do.

The drive to my office was short-a ten-minute stretch of quiet roads and familiar corners. My office wasn't big. Just a small building with five employees, all of whom had become something like a second kind of family.

When I stepped inside, the warm scent of lavender welcomed me.
My secretary, Lira, was already approaching with a stack of papers.

"Boss," she said, smiling, "these are the last ones. You're officially free after you sign them."

"Free," I echoed softly. "That sounds unreal."

"You deserve it. We'll miss coming in every day, though."

"I'll miss you all too."

We talked a little longer-she teased me about celebrating, I scolded her playfully about leaving the office messy, she rolled her eyes.
Lighthearted. Familiar. Comforting.

I walked to my office desk, sat down, and started signing the final contract.
Pen gliding.
Thoughts drifting.
Life shifting.

Then...

A knock.

I didn't look up.
"Come in!" I called, expecting Lira or one of the other employees.

Silence.

I frowned slightly but continued signing.

Another soft sound-footsteps this time.
Slow.
Steady.