"Unexpected Encounters: The Gardener's Presence"

Stan’s hands trembled as he adjusted his tie in the mirror of the law firm's bathroom. He’d known she’d be here—he’d read the client list a hundred times—but nothing could have prepared him for the shock of seeing Delilah Bond in person after all these years.

“Oh hell yes,” he whispered to his reflection. “It’s really her.”

Taking a deep breath, he exited the bathroom and walked back into the gleaming marble foyer. Delilah was seated in the waiting area, her gaze fixed on the fashion magazine in her lap, her face a picture of serene indifference. Stan's heart pounded in his chest.

“Mr. Novak?” The receptionist’s voice jolted him from his reverie. “Ms. Bond is here to see you.”

He nodded, his professional demeanor snapping into place like armor. As he approached her, he forced a pleasant smile. “Ms. Bond? Stan Novak. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, follow me.”

She looked up, her eyes meeting his with a flicker of polite interest, but no recognition. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Novak,” she said, standing up and extending her hand. Her handshake was firm and confident, just as he remembered.

Stan led her down the corridor to the conference room, his mind racing. Did she really not remember him? It seemed impossible. They had shared so much, once upon a time. But then again, people change, memories fade.

“Please, have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair opposite his. He took his place behind the large oak table, gathering his thoughts. “How can we assist you today?”

Delilah launched into her case—a complicated property dispute—and Stan listened intently, taking notes and nodding in all the right places. His mind, however, kept drifting back to their shared past. High school sweethearts, they’d been inseparable, planning a future together that never came to pass.

She seemed to sense his distraction, tilting her head slightly. “Mr. Novak, is everything alright?”

Stan blinked, snapping back to the present. “Yes, of course, Ms. Bond. I apologize. Just making sure I have all the details correct.” He offered her a reassuring smile, but inside, he felt a pang of regret. “You mentioned that the dispute centers around an inheritance issue?”

They spent the next hour going over the intricacies of the case. Delilah was sharp, asking pointed questions and offering clear, concise answers. Stan couldn’t help but admire her transformation. She had always been intelligent, but now she carried herself with a confidence and poise that spoke of years of experience and success.

As their meeting drew to a close, Stan gathered the paperwork and stood, offering his hand once more. “Thank you, Ms. Bond. We’ll get started on this right away and keep you updated on our progress.”

Delilah smiled, a hint of warmth touching her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Novak. I appreciate your help.”

They walked back to the reception area, making small talk about the weather and their plans for the weekend. Just before she left, Delilah turned to him, her eyes searching his face for a moment longer than necessary.

“Have we met before?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly. “You seem familiar.”

Stan’s heart skipped a beat, but he forced a casual laugh. “I don’t think so, Ms. Bond. Perhaps we just have one of those faces.”

She nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Perhaps. Well, thank you again, Mr. Novak. Have a good day.”

“You too, Ms. Bond.” He watched her leave, a mixture of relief and sadness washing over him. Maybe it was better this way. Some memories were best left in the past.