It took me another three weeks to gather the courage to open the envelope after returning home from Nina's. During those three weeks, life kept me on my toes, providing a much-needed distraction from the turmoil within me.

The day after I returned, I reunited with Mrs Monika and Andi. Their familiar faces and warm embraces brought a sense of comfort and stability I desperately needed.

Getting back to work was both a challenge and a relief. The research programme we had been working on finally telecasted, achieving high rankings and receiving glowing reviews.

The success brought a wave of praise from my boss, which lifted my spirits. I felt a bittersweet pride, knowing Leon would have been thrilled to see our hard work recognised.

As per tradition, we sat in for a late evening drink. Just this time it was only me and Rayan.

We settled into a corner table at our favourite local pub, the warm, ambient light casting a comforting glow around us. The chatter of other patrons created a soothing background hum as we clinked our glasses together.

"To the good old days," Rayan said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I smiled back, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. "To the good old days."

We reminisced about the past, sharing stories of late-night project marathons and the camaraderie that came with it. Our work in city and country planning had always been challenging yet deeply rewarding.

We had spent countless hours researching modern city planning issues, focusing on specific urban areas, and developing programmes that addressed these issues. Each project required us to be on the ground, interacting with local communities, gathering data, and understanding the unique challenges they faced.

"Remember when we were in Sheffield, working on that sustainable transport project?" Rayan chuckled. "Angelica got so lost in the city centre trying to find that one elusive bus stop."

I laughed, recalling the incident. "Oh, that was hilarious. She ended up taking three different buses and still ended up back where she started. And then she spent half an hour convincing a local to give her directions."

"Good times," Rayan said, shaking his head with a grin. "Angelica always had a knack for making our expeditions memorable."

As we continued talking about our past projects, Rayan's expression grew more serious. "Speaking of projects, I wanted to tell you about something our manager is interested in. There's a new initiative on the table, and it could be our next big research programme."

I leaned in, intrigued. "Oh? What's it about?"

"Urban green spaces," Rayan explained.

"There's a growing concern about the lack of green areas in densely populated cities and the impact this has on residents' mental and physical health.
The idea is to research various cities, look at how they've integrated green spaces, and propose sustainable models for other urban areas to follow."

"That sounds fascinating," I said, my interest piqued. "It's such a relevant issue, especially with urbanisation on the rise. Have we got a specific city in mind to start with?"

"Not yet," Rayan replied. "But we're considering a few options. The manager thinks this could be a major programme, something that could really make a difference. We'd need to do a lot of fieldwork-visiting cities, interviewing residents, analysing data."

I nodded, already thinking about the possibilities. "Count me in. This could be exactly what we need to take our research to the next level."

Rayan smiled, raising his glass. "To new beginnings and making a difference."

"To new beginnings," I echoed, clinking my glass with his.

For a moment, silence settled between us, a comfortable pause filled with unspoken understanding. I caught Rayan's gaze, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that warmed me.

There was something gentle and kind in the way he looked at me, an unspoken assurance that everything would be okay.

"What?" I asked, feeling a smile tug at my lips.

Rayan's expression softened further. "I missed that smile," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper.

I took a deep breath, trying to hold onto the smile that felt like a fragile lifeline.

"Can I ask you a favour?" Rayan's tone was gentle, almost tentative.

"Sure," I replied, curious and slightly anxious.

"Promise me something," he began, his eyes never leaving mine. "Promise me you won't lose that smile."

The weight of his request settled over me, mingling with the lingering sorrow. I took another deep breath, feeling the familiar sting of tears. I looked upwards, willing myself to keep the tears at bay and managing a shaky smile. Rayan watched me, his expression filled with a tender concern.

"That's a lot to ask," I murmured, my voice trembling slightly.

"I know," he said, his grip on my hand tightening just a bit. "But it's what's best for you. And I believe you can do it."

Rayan's thumb traced soothing circles on my skin, a small gesture that conveyed immense comfort. The warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his eyes made the promise feel less daunting.

"I saw you with Nina the other day," he said softly. "You were crying in her arms."

I looked down, the memory of that emotional moment still fresh. "It was a letter from Leon," I explained, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rayan's eyes held a deep understanding. "I'm no one to tell you what you should do or shouldn't," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. "But think wisely and act. Don't rush into anything, but don't let it paralyse you either."

He paused, giving me a moment to absorb his words. "You know Leon would've wanted you to keep smiling too, right?" he added, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

Tears welled up again as I nodded, the emotions overwhelming me. "Yes, he would have."

Rayan squeezed my hand gently, grounding me in the moment. "We're all here for you, Sara. Don't ever forget that."

***

The month of July arrived with Andi's birthday. She was turning twenty-three this year, and Mrs Monika was determined to make it memorable.

With Ray's support, we began planning a surprise party that would show Andi just how much she was loved and appreciated. On the hindsight she believed it was the perfect distraction for me.

Mrs Monika and I spent hours shopping for balloons, streamers, and fairy lights. She chose vibrant colours that reflected Andi's joyful personality.

Rayan offered to help with the heavier tasks, helping us hang the decorations, ensuring everything was perfect. His attention to detail and willingness to assist made the whole process smoother.

We planned a feast that included all of Andi's favourites, from savoury appetisers to delectable desserts.The cake was a special project and Rayan ordered a custom cake from Andi's favourite bakery, decorated with colourful flowers and a design that reflected her love for nature. We picked it up on the day of the party, ensuring it arrived safely and on time.

On the day of the party the house was transformed into a festive wonderland. I made sure Andy was busy shopping for Rayan with me as the two of them arranged the party.

The living room was filled with balloons and streamers, and the dining table was set with beautiful dishes and an array of delicious food. The fairy lights twinkled, adding a magical touch to the room.

We made sure everything was in place, checking and double-checking to ensure the surprise would go off without a hitch. Friends and family gathered, their excitement palpable.

When Andi walked in, the look of surprise and joy on her face made all our efforts worthwhile. She was overwhelmed with happiness, tears of joy sparkling in her eyes as she hugged everyone.

The party was a resounding success. The cake was a hit, the food was enjoyed by all, and the atmosphere was filled with love and celebration. We danced, we laughed, and we shared stories late into the night. Andi's smile never wavered, and seeing her so happy was the greatest reward.

The party was a resounding success. The cake was a hit, the food was enjoyed by all, and the atmosphere was filled with love and celebration. We danced, we laughed, and we shared stories late into the night. Andi's smile never wavered, and seeing her so happy was the greatest reward.

In the midst of the festivities, I stepped outside for a breath of fresh air. The night was cool and serene, a stark contrast to the lively energy inside. I leaned against the porch railing, taking in the quiet moment and reflecting on the evening's joy.

"Needed a break too?" Rayan's voice came from behind me. I turned to see him standing there, a gentle smile on his face.

"Yeah," I replied, smiling back. "It's been a great night, but a bit overwhelming."

He nodded, coming to stand beside me. "You did an amazing job, Sara. Andi's so happy."

"Thanks, Rayan," I said softly. "I couldn't have done it without you and Mrs Monika."

We stood in comfortable silence for a few moments, listening to the distant sounds of laughter and music from inside.

"You know," Rayan said, breaking the silence with a chuckle, "I think we set a record tonight for the number of times someone almost tripped over that rug in the hallway."

I laughed, remembering how earlier in the evening, nearly every guest had stumbled over the slightly askew rug. "I noticed that too! I thought about moving it, but then I kind of enjoyed watching everyone do a little dance to avoid falling."

"I almost took a dive myself when I was carrying the cake in." he said, grinning.

"That would've been a disaster," I replied, giggling. "Can you imagine Andi's face if her cake ended up on the floor?"

"She would've laughed," Rayan said, smiling warmly. "And then probably asked for a fork to eat it off the floor."

I shook my head, still smiling. "Sounds like Andi."

We continued to share stories and laugh, the conversation flowing easily. The tension from before eased, replaced by the comfort of old friendship.

Just as I was about to respond to another one of his anecdotes, I took a step back, misjudging the edge of the porch. I stumbled, but before I could fall, Rayan's arms were around me, steadying me. The sudden closeness caught me off guard, and my laughter faded as I looked up into his eyes.

Our faces were inches apart, and I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin. His hands were firm yet gentle, holding me securely. The world seemed to blur, the only thing clear being Rayan's eyes locked onto mine. My heart raced, a mix of emotions swirling within me-grief, guilt, and an unexpected spark of attraction.

He glanced at his lips, then back at my eyes. It pulled at my heartstrings in a way that I hadn't anticipated. My breath hitched, and I saw a similar turmoil reflected in his gaze. The moment stretched, filled with unspoken words and lingering stares.

A part of me wanted to close the distance, to find solace in his touch. The warmth, the embrace that I had missed so deeply since Leon was gone.

It wasn't just the guilt of moving on, even in the smallest way. It was the ache of wanting to feel what I had lost, the essence of Leon's love, through Rayan's touch.

The feeling of being held by Rayan was tender, yet it stirred up a storm of emotions-love, loss, and an aching void that no one could fill. His touch was a gentle reminder of the love I had lost, and it was both a balm and a wound.

The distance I felt was not just physical but a chasm of emotions, of memories, and of the love that was still so raw and real.

The pull between the past and the present was a jagged line, and as much as I longed to bridge the gap, I knew I wasn't ready.

I stepped back, the reality of my own turmoil crashing down on me.Rayan's hands fell to his sides, and he took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"It's okay, Sara," he said gently. "Take your time."

We stood there for a moment longer, the intensity of the moment lingering in the air. Then, we both turned back towards the house, rejoining the party and the laughter that awaited us inside.