New Airport Road, Dubai

Crew scheduling did it again. But this time, she couldn't be more pleased.

While on the backseat of a taxi, she received an alert message on her phone. G.A.D.I.A., the airline's direct messaging system, greeted her with her usual robotic English accent.

"Good morning, Veronica. You have a duty change due to... language speaker requirements. Your GA 309 Flight to Lagos, Nigeria has been changed to..."

Gadia's brief pauses caused a knot to form in her stomach.

"... GA 251 Flight to... Brussels, Belgium... departing at... 0835 hours. Please confirm New Duty."

Any message from Gadia would have given her the jitters. But for the first time, her voice sounded like a fairy godmother fulfilling her wish. The holiday gods seemed to be generous these days.

Crew had raved about the nightlife in Lagos so she'd planned to check it out. But the sudden flight changes got her giddy with excitement because TJ was in Brussels right now!

She pressed the confirm button and let out an excited shriek. The taxi driver peeked curiously from the rear-view mirror.

"New Duty has been confirmed. Please check-in before... 0635 hours and proceed to Briefing Room Number... 9. Have a safe flight. Good-bye."

After ending the call, she sent a message to TJ as the taxi pulled in front of the Flight Crew Main Headquarters. As she dragged her suitcase out of the trunk and towards the main entrance, she smiled with delight.

How perfect was her life right now?

Brussels BRU Flight Layover
Boulevard Auguste Reyers,
Brussels, Belgium

It pays to pack in anticipation, she thought, thankful that she had remembered to throw a piece of winter clothing in her suitcase. She smoothed her thick, white coat after stepping out of the white chauffeured SUV.

When she entered the building's lobby, a friendly, middle-aged woman approached her. She introduced herself as Carole and told her that TJ was upstairs doing a radio interview. Veronica followed the lady to the elevator as she checked the time. It was a little over 4 pm.

As soon as she entered the grand studio, she noticed a few people setting up what seemed to be an orchestra stage.

Then, she spotted TJ seated inside an enclosed booth and behind a well-lit panel. He had a pair of headphones on his ruffled head of hair and a mic in front of him. Two young, energetic radio hosts, one male and one female, were busy throwing questions at him.

God, he's so freaking gorgeous, she swooned. It felt surreal to watch him in front of a small crowd when she was so used to having him all to herself.

She'd marveled at his talent when he introduced to her some of his works. She'd witnessed the many hours he'd poured into this album. Hence, an overwhelming pride filled her as he spoke so eloquently on air. A group of people beside her was praising him, too.

Everything seemed so perfect. He was so perfect. And all she looked forward to was take that second chance and make crazy love to him already. But for two days now, she didn't sleep very well.

What happened to her that night? Why did she shut off completely? The reiteration of her thoughts tormented her.

To make matters worse, she had no-one to talk to, except for Malcolm who had just gotten back from his Seychelles flight. Then again, she wouldn't dare ask him what went wrong in that avenue. She shuddered at the thought since she looked up to him as a brother.

Almost at her wit's end, she recalled pacing around her flat tempted to search for him in the internet. She stopped herself and let the universe take its course. Her thoughts evaporated, and she diverted back to work.

"Let's live in the moment. It'll come," he'd murmured in her ear the night before he flew back to Europe. She nodded breathlessly after he gave her the most mind-blowing orgasm with his skilled hands and mouth.

So, what was she worried about again?

Veronica stepped back into reality when her eyes focused on TJ again. She was spending another night with him, and this time, in Brussels. Maybe they'll make a replay tonight. In case another attempt failed, she still knew he'd be patient with her.

He was halfway into the interview, speaking about a few of the notable artists he was working with. Her heart fluttered as he waved at her behind the big viewing glass. A few eyes fell on her which made her blush.

As both the hosts spoke mostly in French, she understood everything. Although, he needed translation through an earpiece. Suddenly, the male host started asking questions that stunned her frozen.

"Qu'est ce que ça fait d'etre le petit fils de JJ Smith? Comment ça fait de grandir en sa presence?" What is it like to be the grandson of JJ Smith? How does it feel to grow up in his presence?

Why in the world is the host asking him about the legendary JJ Smith?

Wait. The most famous man on the planet, the man who sang all those all-time number one hit songs—-is TJ's grandfather?!

As her analytical mind tried to process it, TJ responded, his arms across his chest, and looking uptight all of a sudden. He kept his composure and made his answers short.

She doubted her French, thinking she must have misunderstood the host. She wasn't into pop and rock music nor was she easily star-struck by celebrities. But, why was she in shock?

Her heart raced as she shook her head in disbelief. She could deal with the fact that TJ could be recognized for his craft and rubbed elbows with royalty. But the idea of him being related to a person who changed the world was news she couldn't grasp! In a panic, she began to experience a terrible case of nausea. JJ Smith wasn't even present, yet his superstardom struck her and everyone else in the studio.

JJ Smith is the first celebrity who used his fame and fortune to help children in many war-torn countries. He founded We, The Children Foundation and many prominent charities around the world to help young victims of war get back on their feet. Despite the obvious similarities the grandfather and grandson shared, she would never have figured this out on her own.

Research! she heard Drew and Danielle screaming in her mind.

For a moment, it hurt that he never told her. It's true that he'd mentioned how he loved his grandfather, but never about his identity. She assumed he was just the typical cool grandpa. Goodness, the man really did not need an introduction!

Suddenly, a voice with an unmistakable accent called her name.

"Veronica?"

Almost feeling her heart fall flat on the ground, she turned and saw the face she'd been struggling to forget for so many months now.

"Wolff! What are you doing here"? she blurted, then realizing how silly she sounded. Wolff in a radio show was far more realistic than her being there.

Her streak of luck immediately turned into a dreaded curse. First, she finds out the man she's dating is the Prince of Music. And now, her ex-boyfriend shows up in the same room!

On her flight this morning, she was too eager to see TJ and spend time with him in Belgium.

But, how did she not realize he was there to promote his work? How did she forget that today is the release of the single from the album featuring her ex and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra?

I deserve this, she thought in despair.

"We'll be performing soon," Wolff pointed as a huge crowd of musicians started shuffling inside to prepare for the live radio show.

She gasped as she assumed over eighty members of the orchestra were present inside the vast room.

"I've been thinking of you. I'm surprised to see you here, of all places—-"

Her heart beat like a loud drum. The surrounding noise muted his words. She tore her gaze away from Wolff and turned to check on TJ.

God, this wasn't a coincidence they gave her this Brussels layover. The universe brought her here to punish her!

Should I just run out and never show my face again?

Guilt rushed into her chest. She wanted to get out of there fast!

"Hey, are you okay?" Wolff's voice muffled and so were all the voices in the crowded space.

Suddenly, she heard the chatters of Drew, Danielle and Ava. What the hell, V. You haven't told him yet?!

And then, the interview inside the booth ended. Her whole body froze when TJ and the hosts stood up to shake hands. To her horror, he waved at her as he came out of the live room. Although he was all smiles, he looked perplexed to see Wolff with her.

"Hey," TJ said as he gave her a long kiss on the lips.

Wolff stared at them, a sudden shock hit his face. But he stood in silence even if she could see his jaw tighten and his eyes turn from blue to gray.

"How's it going, man? When did you arrive?" TJ greeted him with a smile as they both exchanged a bro hug.

"Good, doing good! And you? I just landed three hours ago. You arrived yesterday?" Wolff asked, his demeanor quickly changed.

It helped that both men displayed professionalism. There seemed to be no signs of awkwardness between them. For now.

"Yeah, I flew in late last night. Dead tired and didn't sleep a wink but this interview woke me up. So, you've met Veronica." TJ looked more concerned to know the response to the latter.

And there it was.

She pleaded with her eyes that he'd be silent.

"Actually, Veronica and I have known each other for a long time now." Wolff looked confused but regretted saying it as her eyes glowered at him.

TJ looked at both of them, figuring out the situation.

"Um, yeah. I, uh... Wolff and I. We—-" She was close to tears as both men set their eyes on her. Her ex had just realised her new man hadn't a clue about their past.

"Oh, that's right. It slipped my mind. You did mention it a long time ago," TJ cut in as he put his hand around her waist.

And just like that, her guilty emotions broke into a million pieces. She breathed in to stop a tear from forming in her eye. Thankfully, Carole approached Wolff and told him it's time.

TJ gave Wolff an encouraging pat on his shoulder while the musician thanked his friend.

"A bientôt, ma belle," See you, my beautiful, Wolff turned to her as they exchanged three cheek kisses.

She read the hurtful acceptance written in the depths of his smoky blue eyes. She forced a smile and whispered good-bye in his ear. As she watched Wolff walk away, she swallowed hard.

The technical team was on standby while the musicians waited for their cue. TJ asked if she would like to leave, suspecting her discomfort.

When she reassured him she would be fine, he kissed and thanked her for being there.

The grand studio held a whole orchestra that afternoon. Yet, there wasn't enough room for Veronica's clouded emotions and enormous guilt.