Chapter 3: Veiled Intentions

As Oliver strolled through the bustling streets of Metropolis, his mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Memories of his past life as Ethan danced at the edges of his consciousness, mingling with the uncertainty of his present identity as Oliver. The weight of betrayal still hung heavy on his shoulders, urging him forward in search of answers.

With each step, Oliver's resolve solidified. He couldn't afford to dwell on the past, not when secrets were waiting to be uncovered and scores waiting to be settled. But first, he needed to tread carefully, to approach his former friend and ally, Michael, with caution.

Recalling the bond he had shared with Michael in his previous life as Ethan, Oliver couldn't help but wonder if their connection would still hold. Michael had been more than just a business partner; he had been a confidant, a trusted advisor, and a friend. But would he recognize Oliver now, in this new guise, or would their past be nothing more than a distant memory?

Arriving at the nondescript office building that housed Michael's business, Oliver took a moment to steel himself. He knew that he needed to proceed with caution, to gauge Michael's reaction before revealing too much about his true identity. With a deep breath, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The interior of the office was a hive of activity, with people bustling about, lost in their own tasks and conversations. Oliver's eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of recognition in the sea of faces. And then, he saw him—Michael, sitting at a desk in the far corner, engrossed in his work.

Oliver took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter ahead. He knew that the man sitting across the room, engrossed in his work, held the key to unlocking a new chapter in his life. As he made his way toward Michael's desk, Oliver's mind raced with thoughts of how to approach the situation delicately.

"Hey, Michael," Oliver greeted with a friendly smile, hoping to spark some recognition.

Michael looked up from his work, a polite but puzzled expression crossing his features. "Can I help you?" he asked, his tone cordial yet guarded.

Oliver's heart sank slightly at the lack of immediate recognition, but he remained composed. "It's Oliver Reynolds," he said, extending his hand in greeting. "I believe we used to work together in the past."

Michael studied Oliver for a moment, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "Oliver Reynolds... I'm sorry, the name doesn't ring a bell," he admitted with a apologetic smile.

Suppressing a twinge of disappointment, Oliver forged ahead. "No worries," he replied, adopting a casual tone. "I've been out of the loop for a while, but I thought I'd stop by and catch up with some old colleagues."

Michael's expression softened, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his eyes. "Well, I'm always up for a trip down memory lane," he said, gesturing for Oliver to take a seat. "What have you been up to lately?"

As Oliver settled into the chair opposite Michael, he felt a glimmer of hope ignite within him. Though their past connection may have faded into obscurity, there was still an opportunity to forge a new bond—one based on the present rather than the past.

Over the course of their conversation, Oliver and Michael exchanged stories and anecdotes, sharing snippets of their respective journeys since they had last crossed paths. They laughed over shared memories and commiserated over shared challenges, finding common ground in their experiences.

As their dialogue continued, Oliver couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with Michael. Despite the absence of their former connection, there was an undeniable chemistry between them—a chemistry that Oliver was determined to nurture into something meaningful.

Before parting ways, Oliver extended an invitation to grab a drink sometime, hoping to continue their conversation outside of the office. To his relief, Michael accepted with a smile, expressing genuine interest in reconnecting further.

As Oliver left Michael's office, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment wash over him. Though their reunion hadn't gone exactly as planned, he had still managed to make a small breakthrough. And with each interaction, he grew more confident that their friendship would continue to blossom, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.