Chapter 9  Embracing Chances

As Eleanor stood on Lucas's balcony, she thought about the things that had brought her here. She couldn't hide the mixed feelings that were going through her: the pain from her ex-boyfriend, the uncertainty about her future, and the strange link she felt with Lucas. It was like the world had planned to bring them together, weaving their lives together in a web of connected fates. Eleanor was lost in her thoughts when Lucas's voice came from behind her and woke her up. After hanging up the phone, he stood next to her with a worried look on his face. "Eleanor, are you okay?" His voice was soft and comforting as he asked. Eleanor turned around to face him. Seeing him made her heart beat faster. At that very moment, she was very aware of the undeniable energy between them—a link that seemed to go beyond words. "I'm fine, Lucas," Eleanor told him with a hint of a smile. "Just lost in thought, I suppose." Lucas took a step closer to her, and his intense look into hers made her heart bea