CHAPTER TWELVE
SOMEONE FROM THE PAST
The following morning, Mia woke up to the sound of birds outside the window.
For the first time since arriving at the honeymoon resort, she felt completely rested.
She stretched and looked around.
Nathan was already awake.
He was sitting near the window, scrolling through his phone.
Mia sat up.
"You're awake early."
Nathan looked over.
"So are you."
"I actually slept well."
"That's a miracle."
Mia ignored the comment and got out of bed.
They had breakfast downstairs before deciding to spend the afternoon exploring the town.
The previous day's rain had left the streets fresh and cool.
Mia walked ahead while Nathan followed behind, occasionally pointing out different places they could visit.
They eventually reached a beautiful outdoor café.
Mia stopped.
"This place looks nice."
Nathan nodded.
"Let's eat here."
They chose a table outside.
Mia was studying the menu when she suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Mia?"
Her hand stopped moving.
She slowly looked up.
A young man was standing a few steps away.
His expression was one of complete surprise.
"Mia Wilson?"
Mia stared at him.
She couldn't believe it.
"Daniel?"
Nathan immediately looked up.
The man smiled.
"I can't believe it's actually you."
Mia stood.
"What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing."
Daniel laughed.
"I moved here a few years ago."
Mia smiled.
"It's been so long."
Nathan remained silent.
He watched as Daniel and Mia greeted each other.
They clearly knew each other well.
Too well for Nathan's liking.
Although he couldn't explain why.
Daniel finally noticed the ring on Mia's finger.
His smile disappeared for a moment.
"Wait..."
He looked at Nathan.
"Are you married?"
Mia nodded.
"Yes."
Daniel looked surprised.
"Wow. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Nathan stood.
"Nathan."
He extended his hand.
"Daniel."
They shook hands.
Daniel smiled politely.
"I've heard your name before."
Nathan raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Of course. Mia used to talk about you all the time."
Mia immediately looked embarrassed.
"Nathan was my best friend when we were younger."
Daniel laughed.
"Best friend? She practically talked about you every day."
Nathan glanced at Mia.
"Really?"
Mia frowned.
"I was a child."
Daniel smiled.
"You were obsessed with telling stories about him."
"I was not obsessed."
"You were."
Nathan looked amused.
Mia gave Daniel a warning look.
"Don't start."
---
They invited Daniel to sit with them.
For the next several minutes, they talked about their childhood.
Daniel reminded Mia about things she had completely forgotten.
"You remember when you convinced everyone at school that Nathan had been kidnapped?"
Mia covered her face.
"Oh no."
Nathan looked at her.
"You did what?"
Daniel laughed.
"She couldn't find him for an hour, so she told everyone he had disappeared."
"I was worried!"
Nathan shook his head.
"You caused panic because I went home early?"
"I didn't know that!"
Daniel laughed.
"You cried too."
Mia pointed at him.
"Don't tell him that."
Nathan smiled.
"You cried because I wasn't there?"
"Stop."
"That's actually adorable."
"It was not!"
Daniel laughed.
The conversation continued.
But eventually, Daniel had to leave.
He stood up.
"It was really nice seeing you again, Mia."
"You too."
He looked at Nathan.
"Take care of her."
Nathan nodded.
"I will."
Daniel walked away.
Mia watched him disappear into the crowd.
Then she turned back to Nathan.
"What?"
Nathan was looking at her.
"Nothing."
"You're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
"Looking at me like you want to ask something."
Nathan leaned back.
"How long did you know him?"
Mia shrugged.
"Since school."
"How close were you?"
Mia frowned.
"Why?"
"I'm curious."
"You don't sound curious."
Nathan smiled.
"I'm your husband. I'm allowed to ask."
Mia stared at him.
"You sound jealous."
Nathan almost choked.
"Jealous?"
"Yes."
"Of Daniel?"
Mia laughed.
"Why are you reacting like that?"
"Because that's ridiculous."
"Then why are you asking so many questions?"
Nathan paused.
"I just wanted to know."
Mia shook her head.
"You haven't changed."
"Neither have you."
She smiled.
"Good."
---
That evening, they returned to their cottage.
Mia sat by the window, looking outside.
Nathan walked in carrying two drinks.
He handed one to her.
"Here."
"Thanks."
She took it.
After a moment, Nathan spoke.
"Daniel seems nice."
"He is."
"You were close?"
Mia nodded.
"Yes. But not like you."
Nathan looked at her.
"What do you mean?"
"You were my best friend."
She smiled faintly.
"Daniel was just someone I knew."
Nathan nodded.
For some reason, that answer satisfied him.
Neither of them understood why.
Mia looked at him.
"You know, it's strange."
"What?"
"Seeing someone from my old life."
Nathan sat down.
"Yeah."
She looked toward the window again.
"So much has changed."
Nathan nodded.
"Everything."