A second chance at sunrise

of New York pulsed around her, alive with people rushing to and fro. She found solace in the

or swung open and Adrian stepped inside. He wa

i said before Adria

kly as I could."

t you kept me waiting.

ht with you Lexi, not

rt." Lexi muttered as she raised the

ian said, his voice firm. "This

x of emotions before she shifted her focus away. Had she been expecting this? Yes, she had. The wr

w the relationship

r fault?

o rely on him more. But Lexi couldn't surrender to that. She couldn'

by unspoken truths. Lexi's thoughts swirled: Had

ruly let

holding back, Lexi. I feel like I've been fighting f

spark of defensiveness igniting wit

rying to make this work. I'm seeing someone else, she's pretty

ounger?" L

he's twe

Ok

Ok

's long overdue and I'm glad you've found

tionship and you look so c

eak out? Adrian I'm happy for you okay. We'

face. "I'm glad we can end this amicably," he said, his

walked out of the cafe. Through the glass wall, she saw him pause, taking a deep breath be

n't expected the ache, but it was there, lingering. Lexi's eyes dropped to her latte

thought. She had known this was coming, had even welcomed it. So

he needed to confront the emotion

ian had sat just moments before. Their relationship had been unravelin

d amplified – clinking cups, muted conversations, and the hiss of steam. Le

oving forward, regardless of her personal struggles. Lexi walk

er phone rang, the ID caller sho

s cheerful voice cam

. " How's our soo

e wedding dress

't able to hel

l said. " Just calling to make sure you don't f

f the engine. "I wouldn't miss it for the world,

ne turned curious. "W

ty," Lexi repli

I could count on you. Hey, I hope you'll be there w

wheel tightened. "We broke u

e went

Rachel's shoc

. "We've been drifting

ty turned sharp.

painful truth. "He said he's seein

s audible. "Lexi

he pint of pity in Rachel

o sorry. I

her voice. "It's okay, real

ered. "But someone yo

mien, who was indeed younger. "You found your

ex, don't compare. You'll find yours. Y

y, grateful for

not talk about my failed relationships. I'll be all for you tom

ocus on getting me thoroughly embarrassed tomorrow night! See you then

Her eyes scanned her reflection, and she winced. The crawling wrinkles on her cheeks seemed more pronounc

the honey-brown locks. Should she dye it again? The thought crosse

ful, fulfilling, and secure – but her personal life was a different story altogether. The breakup with Adr

-ifs. What if she had been more committed? What if she h

ut the car in gear and inched forward, lost in thought. The city lights blurred ar

into her parking spot, collecting her belongings. The silence of her

he evening lights cast a warm ambiance, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. She grabbed

spacious living room doubled as her office when she was walking from home, with a sleek desk nestled in the corner. Awards an

herself a glass of wine, the rich aroma filling the air as she took a sip. The

, and classics. Lexi's passion for storytelling had driven her to build a renowned publishi

feeling of emptiness. Her personal life, once full of promise, now seem

he city skyline outside her window. The twinkling lights seemed