Chapter One:

Adeline sat on the bench in the park, watching the children play. She wished for a moment that she could go back to her own childhood, where responsibilities hadn't weighed so heavily on her shoulders. She was 28 and single, a successful businesswoman, but something was missing. She longed for a partner, a person to share her life with. She sighed and took out her phone, scrolling through social media aimlessly. Suddenly, a soccer ball hit her leg, startling her.

"I'm so sorry," a deep voice said. Adeline looked up and saw a man in his early thirties offering her the ball back. He was tall and muscular, with piercing blue eyes and wavy brown hair.

"It's okay," Adeline said, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

"I'm Jack," the man said, holding out his hand.

"Adeline," she replied, shaking his hand.

There was something electric about this encounter, something that made Adeline's heart flutter. She couldn't explain it, but she felt drawn to this stranger.