Page 1 of Love Unexpected

Prologue

**Local Man Tragically Killed in Overnight Car Accident**

*Plano, Texas – December 26, 2023 – The Plano community is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own, as 35-year-old Lucas Thompson was killed in a tragic car accident late Saturday night. Thompson, a well-liked local, was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Highway 121 around 11:45 PM.

Witnesses report that Thompson was driving northbound when his vehicle left the roadway, striking a tree. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Authorities say alcohol and speed are not suspected factors.

“I’m just in shock,” said longtime friend and colleague, Mark Davids. “Lucas was the kind of person who always lit up a room. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and he truly believed in making a difference. It’s hard to imagine this town without him.”

As news of Thompson’s death spread, the community has begun to express their grief and support for his family. A memorial fund has been established to assist with funeral arrangements.

“Lucas was a pillar in our community,” shared Mark Davids. “We are heartbroken to lose him, but we take comfort in knowing how much he was loved.”

Plans for a candlelight vigil are underway, with family and friends urging the public to join them in celebrating Thompson's life and the legacy he leaves behind. The vigil is set to take place this Friday evening at the town square.

As the investigation continues, many in the community are left grappling with the profound loss of a beloved individual.

For those wishing to offer condolences or support to the Thompson family, donations can be made to the Lucas Thompson Memorial Fund at the local bank.

Chapter 1

Emma

It’s finally Friday—my last day at this company. I just have to make it through today, then I will be free from this suffocating small town. I take a deep breath, a bittersweet feeling washing over me, before ascending the three flights of stairs to my cubicle. The elevator is too risky in this building. I put my lunch in the break room fridge, where the smell of last week’s leftovers still lingers. I start brewing a fresh pot of coffee, which I desperately need in order to begin my day.

As I stand in front of the coffee pot, I’m forced to make small talk with familiar strangers. But my heart’s just not in it. Hearing about people’s fun weekend plans with their families is like a knife to the heart. All I can focus on is Lucas who should be sharinghisfun weekend plans with me. His family’s lives have been altered forever, and it hurts to see how life just simply goes on.

Not only is today the end of my career here, but I’m also saying goodbye to the place where I met Lucas and all of the memories we made over the past few years. I would look forward to catching up with him in this break room nearly every day. His infectious laughter would carry down the halls and make anyone around smile. I can’t shake the hollow ache in my chest at thethought of him gone in the blink of an eye. I hate to leave these memories behind, but they’re so intertwined with grief now, it’s hard to stay here.

Finally, I sit down with my hot mug of coffee, letting the warmth spread through me, and begin sifting through emails. Only four hundred and six emails to get through today before I leave. I have to ensure nothing gets missed with the transition to whoever will be taking my place.

It takes me the entire day, plus a few hours of overtime, to finish with the mountain of emails. I forwarded tasks that needed to be followed up on, deleted useless junk that cluttered the inbox, and responded to the endless questions from my colleagues. Packing up my few personal belongings, I already feel the stress lifting from my shoulders. The day really dragged on, but I made it.

Most people leave here early on Fridays or opt to work from home, so it’s not unusual for me to be the last one in the building. Standing at the top of the stairs, I take one last look around the third floor. This has been my “home” for the past seven years. I’ve spent so many hours here and I’ve learned so much. I take a deep breath, and a spark of excitement flickers through me. This is it: the ending of a chapter Ineedto leave behind.

———

After spending the entire weekend moving boxes and small pieces of furniture, my muscles ached beyond belief. This move is a fresh beginning for me and is exactly the change I need. Leaving the small town where I’ve spent my entire life for a larger, more vibrant city already makes me feel like I can breathe again.

I’ve always wanted to live in a bigger city. Just the idea of running errands without running into someone I know is unimaginable. I’ve dreamed of the bustling crowds, streets lit up late at night, and endless things to do since I was a teenager. Lucas’s sudden death made me realize just how short life is. He is my inspiration to follow my dreams and try new things.

On Monday, I’ll start my new job as the assistant to the CEO of Luxury Investments, Inc. While being an assistant is not my dream, it’s a start. A step in the door. I’ve had multiple phone interviews for this company, but Monday will be my first time meeting anyone in person. The thought both excites and terrifies me. I will be working for Mr. Noah Lawson; my heart races at the thought of meeting him tomorrow.

I’ve spent hours researching the company and Mr. Lawson before applying for the position. From what my interviewers have told me, it seems like a great place to work. The pay is nearly double what I made at my last job, which I desperately need to cover the higher cost of living here. Thecompany appears to be very successful, flexible with time off, and has great benefits.

I was informed that Mr. Lawson took over the company from his father and that he is a very busy man. Although my job will be fast-paced, and my schedule may be full and stressful, I’m not worried about it. I thrive on multi-tasking and deadlines and find enjoyment out of it. Oddly enough, I’m actually looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to the distraction in my life.

As Sunday night finally rolls around, I find myself soaking in a warm bubble bath. The water soothes my aching muscles. In hindsight, hiring a moving company would have been the wiser choice. I definitely shouldn’t have been lifting that heavy, but it’s too late for that now.

Once I’ve regained enough energy to get up, I get myself out of the bath and dress quickly, throwing on thick socks, black sweats, and a matching sweater. The chill in the air catches me off guard and I shiver as I head to the thermostat. Why is the house so cold all of a sudden? I check the device, confirming that it’s still on and set to heat. Frustrated, I wander to the kitchen and pull out a chair to stand on, placing my hand under the vent… and I feel nothing. No air is blowing out.

“Ugh. You’ve got to be kidding me!” I whine to myself, out loud.

This is exactly the kind of bad luck that follows me everywhere I go. Really, what are the chances? I just moved in here, and already something has broken. Although I live in Texas and Texas winters aren’t usually that severe, having heat is stillnecessary this time of year. At least we only have about a month or two left of Winter.

With a resigned sigh, I retrieve my heated blanket from the closet and set it up in my bed before climbing under the covers. This will have to do for now, I reassure myself, pulling the blanket tighter around my body. Before falling asleep, I can’t help but worry this may become a fire hazard in the middle of the night.

Chapter 2

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