The Memory Keeper: Twisted Roots

Rain's POV

Three years. Three long years since I walked away from the life I once thought I belonged to, from Khai, and from Jackson.

When I moved to Chicago, I didn't expect life to be easy, but I knew it was time for me to take control of my future. The job at F&V Engineering and Enterprise came at the perfect time-a second chance I wasn't even looking for. Starting as a head marketing designer, my responsibilities were demanding but familiar. Yet, as the days passed, I couldn't ignore the itch to pursue something more.

My passion for design and engineering had always been there, buried under layers of self-doubt and fear. It was Therese who pushed me, reminding me that I was capable of anything if I only dared to try. One night, she said, "Rain, you can either let the past define you or use it as fuel to create the life you deserve." That was the moment I decided to take a leap.

I enrolled in an accelerated architectural engineering program while working full-time. It wasn't easy balancing work, night classes, and the endless assignments, but I was determined to prove to myself that I could be more. The sleepless nights, the exhaustion-it was all worth it when I graduated at the top of my class. My professors saw my potential and introduced me to influential architects and engineers in the industry.

F&V recognized my growing skill set and offered me a position as a junior architect. From there, I climbed the ranks quickly, contributing to major projects that put the firm on the map. I spearheaded the design for the Njor Museum in Norway, a sustainable masterpiece that received international acclaim. My designs weren't just about aesthetics-they were about innovation, creating structures that were functional, environmentally conscious, and timeless.

Therese and Kroft became my constant support system, and then there was Melissa-the woman who helped me heal when I thought I'd never open my heart again. We met during one of my projects in Banff, Alberta, where she was an environmental consultant. She was patient with me, understanding that my heart still carried scars. With her, I found a sense of peace, a life I thought I'd never have.

Yet, despite all the success, all the new memories, Khai was always there-lingering in the corners of my mind. Sometimes, I'd catch myself wondering what she was doing, if she had finally found happiness. But I reminded myself that I had made the right decision to leave. I had to.

And now here I was, standing in a boardroom, face-to-face with the past I thought I'd left behind. Khai Stanton, the woman who once held my heart, now sitting across from me as a potential client. I could see the surprise in her eyes, the way she struggled to mask the emotions that flickered across her face.

Three years had changed me. I wasn't the same Rain she knew. I had grown, rebuilt myself, and created a life I was proud of. But as much as I told myself that, standing in her presence again made me realize one thing: some parts of the past never truly leave.

°°°
Khai stood at the front of the room, poised and commanding as always. Her confidence radiated through every word as she began to present the Stanton Corporation's vision for The Azotea project. It was a bold and ambitious concept: a suburban luxury condominium designed to blend the comforts of modern living with the charm of a traditional village.

"The Azotea will not only offer high-end residential units but also create a community hub with green spaces, recreational facilities, and commercial establishments," Khai explained, her voice steady and firm. "We envision a self-sustaining suburban environment where residents can enjoy a seamless integration of luxury, comfort, and functionality. Sustainability is a core pillar of this project, with plans to incorporate renewable energy sources, water recycling systems, and eco-friendly construction materials."