04:
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling school grounds. Today was the annual sports festival, a day when the entire student body came together to compete, cheer, and celebrate. Normally, Sebastian would have skipped an event like this—he had no interest in sports—but something made him decide to attend this year.
Walking through the bustling crowds, Sebastian scanned the sea of students, looking for a familiar face. His friend, Mark, joined him, a wide grin on his face.
"Hey, man, you actually showed up!" Mark slapped him on the back. "Didn't think sports were your thing."
"They're not," Sebastian replied, his gaze still wandering. "Just figured I'd check it out."
Mark raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You mean you came to see Amelia run."
Sebastian stopped in his tracks, turning to face him. "What are you talking about?"
Mark laughed, shaking his head. "Seriously? You don't know? Amelia's a beast on the track. She's into running and baseball, man. I can't wait to see her in action."
Sebastian felt a surge of confusion. Amelia? Into sports? How did he not know this? It felt like yet another layer of mystery around her. "Since when?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual.
Mark shrugged. "Since always, I guess. She's tall, and got those long legs—perfect for running. You've really never seen her in a race?"
Sebastian shook his head, his mind racing. How had he missed this? He thought he knew everything about Amelia, yet here was something so fundamental that had slipped under his radar.
They made their way to the track, where a large crowd had already gathered. The excitement was palpable, with students cheering and waving banners. Sebastian found himself scanning the lineup, his eyes narrowing as he searched for her.
And then he saw her. Amelia stood at the starting line, tall and poised, her eyes focused straight ahead. She wasn't wearing her glasses, and her beautiful, elegant face was emphasized in a way he had never noticed before. She wore a simple athletic outfit that hugged her body in all the right places, her hair pulled back into a tight ponytail. She looked completely in her element, a stark contrast to the indifferent, aloof persona she usually wore.
Sebastian's breath caught in his throat. He had never seen her wear something so fitted, and it turned him on in a way he hadn't expected. Her body was beautiful, her long legs powerful and sleek. The sight of her made him want to pull her away from everyone's eyes, to claim her as his own. His mind wandered, imagining those long legs wrapped around his neck, her skin warm and smooth against his, his face between her legs as--
He scolded himself silently, trying to push away the lewd thoughts that flooded his mind. This was not the time or place. What was wrong with him? He had never lusted after Amelia like this before. He had never imagined her beneath him, writhing in pleasure. He had never thought about how she might sound in bed, how her body would feel under his, how he could make her beg for more. But there was nothing wrong with it, right? She would be his wife, after all.
The gun went off, and they were off. Amelia moved with a grace and power that took his breath away. Her long legs ate up the distance, her strides smooth and efficient. She wasn't just good—she was incredible. Her fierce determination was evident in every step, her focus unwavering as she surged ahead of the pack. He watched, mesmerized, as she pulled ahead of the pack, crossing the finish line with ease.
Mark whistled beside him. "See? I told you. She's amazing."
Sebastian nodded, his mind still reeling. This was a side of Amelia he had never seen, never even imagined. It stirred something inside him, something he couldn't quite identify.
*************
Sebastian paced the living room of their shared home, his frustration growing with each passing minute. Amelia hadn't come home since the sports festival. The house, usually filled with her quiet presence, felt emptier than ever. He couldn't understand why her absence bothered him so much. They weren't exactly close, but her not being there gnawed at him in a way he hadn't anticipated.
He slammed his hand down on the kitchen counter, the sharp sound echoing through the empty space. This was ridiculous. He needed to get out, clear his mind. Grabbing his jacket, he headed out the door and drove to a nearby club.
The club was loud and crowded, the bass from the music thumping in his chest. He ordered a drink, hoping the alcohol would dull his frustration. As the night wore on, a beautiful woman approached him. She was everything he should be interested in—gorgeous, willing, and eager.
They danced, their bodies pressed close together, the heat between them building. He leaned in, capturing her lips with his own, trying to lose himself in the moment. Her lips were soft, her touch inviting, but as his hands roamed her body, an image of Amelia's indifferent smile flashed through his mind.
Her cold eyes stared at him, challenging and unyielding, and it threw him off balance. He could almost hear her detached voice, feel her icy demeanor. The thought of her, so far from what he wanted, made him pause.
He pulled away abruptly, pushing the woman back. She looked at him, confused and hurt, but he couldn't explain. He muttered an apology and left the club in a rush, the night air hitting him like a splash of cold water.
He drove home in silence, his frustration morphing into something darker. The image of Amelia lingered in his mind, her indifference a stark contrast to the heat he had felt moments before. Cursing under his breath, he slammed the door behind him as he entered the house. The emptiness felt even more oppressive now.
Sebastian stormed into the living room, throwing his jacket onto the couch. He couldn't get Amelia out of his head. Her absence was driving him mad, and he couldn't understand why. She was supposed to be his, yet she was always just out of reach, slipping through his fingers like smoke.
He sank onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. The memory of her fierce determination during the race, her elegance without her glasses, her long legs carrying her with such power—it all haunted him.
Days had passed since Amelia's sudden disappearance, and the void she left behind was a constant, gnawing presence. Sebastian tried to distract himself, throwing himself into his studies and social life, but nothing seemed to fill the emptiness. He felt a mix of frustration and confusion, unable to understand why her absence affected him so deeply.
Late one evening, as he sat alone in the dimly lit living room, his phone rang. The screen displayed an unexpected name: Cleo. Amelia's mother rarely called him directly. His heart pounded as he answered the call.
"Cleo? Is everything alright?"
"Sebastian," Cleo's voice was calm, but there was an undertone of concern. "I'm sorry to call you out of the blue like this."
He leaned forward, his mind racing. "What's going on? Is Amelia okay?"
There was a brief pause before Cleo spoke again. "Amelia is fine. But there's something you need to know. She left for abroad a few days ago."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut. "What do you mean she left? Where did she go?"
"She went to continue her studies in Biology. She has always dreamed of becoming a scientist, and this opportunity came up suddenly. She didn't want to pass it up."
Sebastian struggled to process the information. "Why didn't she tell me? Why didn't she say anything?"
Cleo sighed softly. "Amelia is a very secretive child. She doesn't like sharing her plans, especially if she doesn't see someone as an essential part of her life."
The implication stung. "So, she just left without saying a word? What about the wedding? Our engagement?"
"Amelia didn't mention anything about the wedding when she left," Cleo said gently. "I understand this is a lot to take in, but if you change your mind about the engagement, you should feel free to move on. Amelia has her own path, and she's always been very independent."
Sebastian sat in stunned silence, the weight of Cleo's words sinking in. He felt a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion. How could Amelia just leave without telling him? How could she disregard their engagement so easily?
"Sebastian?" Cleo's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Are you alright?"
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Yeah. I'm... I'm fine. Thank you for letting me know, Cleo."
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out," she offered kindly.
"I will. Thanks again." He hung up, staring blankly at his phone.
Amelia was gone. She had left without a word, pursuing her dreams while leaving him behind. The realization was a bitter pill to swallow.
Sebastian leaned back on the couch, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He didn't know what to do or how to feel. All he knew was that the one person who had been a constant enigma in his life had just... slipped away.
He just woke up one day, and it's been years since then.
Sebastian had thrown himself into his work. With a talent for mathematics and a fascination with scientific phenomena, he had become a renowned theoretical physicist, specializing in quantum mechanics. His work often intersected with advanced biological research, leading him to a high-ranking position in a research facility known for its cutting-edge projects.
Today, he stood in front of a group of researchers, his voice steady and authoritative as he outlined the parameters for their latest experiment. "We need precise calculations for the particle accelerator tests. Any deviation could compromise the results. Double-check your algorithms and ensure all variables are accounted for."
The team nodded, scribbling notes and adjusting their plans. Sebastian's mind, however, kept drifting back to Amelia. He hadn't heard from her since she left, but he knew she was out there, making waves in the scientific community.
********