Years Ago

Maverick Slade and she were college sweethearts - the charismatic Korean-Russian business heir and the brilliant law student with ethereal grey eyes. After her parents' passing, she juggled law school while caring for her younger brother. One spring evening under cherry blossoms, Maverick proposed. But despite their love, she couldn't accept - her brother needed her, and her dreams of becoming a top lawyer demanded her full attention. They parted ways, sharing custody of only one thing: Mr. Whiskers, the grey tabby they'd rescued together.

Present Day

The Slade Corporation's latest acquisition brought her to his office. As an equity partner at LL Law Firm, she was there to oversee the merger. Maverick looked up from his desk, his almond brown eyes meeting her grey ones. At twenty-eight, success had only enhanced his striking features and wolf-like charm.

"I didn't expect our paths to cross like this," he said softly, adjusting his YSL tie. "Mr. Whiskers has been particularly demanding lately - I think he misses your side of town." The familiar scent of her Chanel perfume filled the air as she settled into the chair across his desk, their shared history hanging between them like an unfinished symphony.