Familiar Stranger

Samantha’s POV**

“The door creaked open.

“I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to intrude,” came a familiar voice. Deep, careful, and soft in the way it always had been when he spoke to me.

Liam.

My heart stalled. I turned, slowly. He stood just inside the threshold, one hand still on the door.

“I noticed you weren’t feeling well,” He said, unsure. “I thought I’d check on you.”

I opened my mouth, but words failed me.

His eyes searched mine. “You just… seem familiar.”

I lowered my gaze. “I’m fine. Just a little dizzy.”

He nodded, clearly not convinced. “If you need a minute, take it. Rose can wait.”

Then he left—quiet as he came. And I was left shaking again, wondering if destiny was playing cruel tricks… or writing a second chance.

Liam’s POV

I adjusted the cuff of my blazer as I posed beside Rose, camera flashes dancing off the jewelled embroidery of her gown. The party was nearly halfway through, and I had already shaken more hands than I could count. Smiles, laughter, champagne—everything looked perfect. Everything felt… rehearsed.

Yet, a quiet thread of unease tugged at my heart. She is not Sanjana—the girl I met years ago, the girl I loved. Rose is nowhere near her but still I need to move on. I’ve spent so long grieving for Sanjana. This empire needs an heir, and I need to move forward.

It started during the garden photoshoot. I noticed her—the photographer. She barely spoke, gave clipped instructions, and clicked the shutter with calm precision. But it wasn’t her professionalism that caught my attention. It was the sense of familiarity.

When she lifted the camera and our eyes met, I felt a jolt, It was like hearing a forgotten song. Her eyes lingered on me a little longer then intended . There was a history there, silent and painful. I noticed how she tucked loose strands behind her ears. And her voice ,when she spoke, it was like Sanjana was standing in front of me wearing a mask.

I’ve tried to ignore it, to shake it off. But the feeling wouldn’t leave. People noticed I seemed distracted, but I didn’t care. I kept scanning the room for her.

She stood near the edge of the ballroom, her camera lowered, her expression unreadable. She was watching everyone but seemed lost in her own world. Her posture was calm, but her eyes revealed a silent storm.

“Liam?” Rose’s voice broke through my thoughts.

“Hmm?” I answered absently.

“You spaced out. Everything okay?”

“Yes. Just thinking,” I said.

“About the new business deal?” she teased.

I gave her a polite smile, thankful for the distraction.

“Even with such a beautiful lady standing next to you?” she added with a flirtatious smile.

But the woman behind the camera haunted me more than any business deal ever could. I stole another glance at her. Her hands trembled slightly. Her eyes flickered with an unknown emotion., whenever they met mine. She was a like puzzle, familiar but incomplete.

“Darling,” Rose called to gain my attention.

“Stop calling me that. I don’t like it,” I snapped.

“Okay, sorry. I won’t repeat it,” she replied, playfully holding her ears.

You shouldn’t have done that, Rose. You reminded me of Sanjana. Our playful banter, her quick retorts. It was all coming back. I don't know why today of all days everything reminds me of Sanjana.

A tap on my shoulder pulled me out of my thoughts. Rose pointed toward a group.

“My friends. They want to meet you.” I followed Rose through the crowd as she tugged me toward a small group.

“Liam, this is Shaurya my best friend ,” She said.

Shaurya smiled, extending a hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I shook it, eyeing him briefly. Shaurya looked Indian, but there was something cold in his expression. The warmth or gentleness that I had often seen in the people in India is missing . His gaze was too sharp, his smile too calculated, just like that of a spy .

We walked over to other friends , I greeted them politely.

My gaze drifted again. I found her ,the photographer laughing with a colleague. Her eyes crinkled at the corners. The way She tucked the loose strand behind her ear . 1 had seen it before. Somewhere deep in my memories.

Soon, the guests began departing. The press team left. And with them went the girl, I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Third Person POV

Hours later, as the press team wrapped up and headed out, the weather turned ominous. Black clouds gathered. It began raining the moment they entered the car.

“Can’t we wait until it stops raining?” Samantha asked timidly.

“Come on, Samantha, I didn’t know you were afraid of rain,” Lisa teased. The others laughed.

Reluctantly, she got in. Her body trembled. Her heart raced. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Her hands were cold.

“Are you okay?” Tom asked, glancing at her. “You’re sweating in this weather.”

“I’m fine,” she replied curtly.

Tom took the hint and said no more.

Suddenly, headlights from an oncoming vehicle blinded the driver. He swerved, barely avoiding collision. The car swayed violently. The driver slammed the brakes. Tires screeched.

A scream tore through the night. And then there was a silence