Chapter 6 First Love

Amelia's POV:

I looked up into warm brown eyes behind designer frames. Adam Clark stood there, looking exactly like he had stepped out of our Columbia yearbook, only more polished. The wire-rimmed glasses were replaced with designer frames, and his casual college attire had evolved into a tailored charcoal suit that screamed London banking.

"Still trying to carry the whole library at once, Lia?" he said softly, using my old nickname. His hand lingered on my elbow a moment too long before he seemed to catch himself and pulled back.

"Adam," I managed, trying to ignore how my skin tingled where he'd touched me. "I... didn't expect to see you here."

He helped me gather the remaining books, our fingers brushing accidentally as we reached for the same volume. I pulled back as if burned, but not before noticing how he'd frozen at the contact.

"Actuarial mathematics?" He glanced at the titles, a flash of pride crossing his features. "You're pursuing your original dream after all."

"Someone has to pay the bills," I said lightly, though my voice wavered slightly. I didn't add that those bills now included Lucas's medical treatments for his JRA.

Adam stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Lia, what happened? You just disappeared. No explanation, no goodbye..."

The familiar scent of his cologne – the same one he'd worn in college – made my head spin. We were standing too close, the narrow bookstore aisle suddenly feeling impossibly intimate. His presence brought back memories I'd fought hard to suppress: study sessions that turned into something more, his jacket around my shoulders on cold nights, whispered dreams of our future together...

"I had my reasons," I said, stepping back and clutching the books to my chest like a shield. The wedding ring on my finger felt impossibly heavy. "Things are different now. I'm different."

"Are you?" he asked softly, reaching out to catch a strand of hair that had fallen across my face. His fingers paused millimeters from my skin, and he pulled back, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Sorry. Old habits."

"I should go," I said quickly, turning toward the checkout counter. "It was... good to see you, Adam."

"Let me help you study for the exams," he called after me. "Like old times?"

For a moment, I wavered. The earnestness in his expression, the genuine care in his voice – it would be so easy to say yes, to pretend the last five years hadn't happened. But I couldn't. I had Lucas to think about, my agreement with Luke, my carefully reconstructed life that was finally taking shape.

"I can't, Adam. I'm sorry." I placed the book back on the shelf, needing something to do with my trembling hands. "Things are different now. I'm different."

"Actually," he said, his voice taking on a hopeful note, "Professor Harrison is in town for a conference. We're having dinner tonight to discuss the latest developments in actuarial risk modeling. You should join us."

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of our former mentor. Professor Harrison had been more than just a teacher to me – she'd been the first person to really see my potential, to push me beyond what I thought I could achieve.

"Professor Harrison? Really?"

"Seven o'clock, at La Maison," he said quickly. "It would mean a lot to have you there. For old times' sake?"

I should have said no. But the mention of Professor Harrison, combined with the weight of what I needed to discuss with her, broke down my defenses. "Okay," I heard myself say. "I'll be there."

La Maison was exactly the kind of place Professor Harrison would love – elegant but unpretentious, with soft lighting and the kind of atmosphere that encouraged long conversations. When I arrived, I saw them already seated at a corner table, Professor Harrison's elegant silver bob catching the light as she gestured animatedly about something.

"Amelia Wilson!" she exclaimed warmly as I approached, rising to embrace me. Her familiar perfume – something subtle and sophisticated – brought back memories of long office hours and encouraging conversations. "Or should I say the girl who wrote the most brilliant thesis proposal I never got to supervise?"

I felt my cheeks heat. "Actually, Professor Harrison... that's partly why I wanted to see you tonight."

She raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Oh?"

"I've been thinking about coming back," I said, my voice stronger than I expected. "To complete my degree. I know it's been five years, but..."

"But nothing," Professor Harrison cut in, her eyes shining. "You were one of our most promising students, Amelia. The department would be fortunate to have you back."

I pulled out my phone, showing her the course requirements I'd been researching. "I've mapped out what credits I still need. I could do it part-time, while working..."

For the next hour, we pored over course catalogs and degree requirements, Adam occasionally chiming in with suggestions. Professor Harrison's enthusiasm was contagious, her practical advice grounding my dreams in reality.

"I'll speak to the department head tomorrow," she said firmly, making a note in her phone. "We might need to update some of your old credits, but with your work experience now... This could work, Amelia. This could really work."

"Thank you," I whispered, emotion thick in my throat. "I know it won't be easy..."

"The best things never are," she replied, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "But you're ready now. I can see it in your eyes."

After dinner, as we stood outside the restaurant saying our goodbyes, Professor Harrison pulled me aside. "Whatever happened five years ago, Amelia – it's in the past. You're not that scared young woman anymore."

I nodded, blinking back tears. As I turned to leave, I thought I saw movement in the shadows behind the restaurant.