An Unexpected Encounter

Like I said before, Tony traveled to Shang Simla to (again) try to forget Cassandra and her possible marriage with Dean Lothario.

He bought the Thyme House in the Hills of Shang Simla, and once there he dedicated himself to meditate, write his new book and to rest in general.

In the evenings, he wrote love letters to Cassandra, which she of course didn't answer.

During the day he made quests for some of his friends in town, and, although they knew this wasn't one of his official work trips, they were all happy to get his help. Tony was happy as well to meet some old acquaintances.

It was on one of his visits to the market that he ran into someone he didn't really expect to meet again.

His old friend and partner in adventure, Adaeze Min.

Tony was surprised to see her, she had changed! No longer the slouchy young girl he remembered, she was now a grown woman and very attractive.

"Adaeze?" he asked on his way out of the store.

"It's me, Tony Langerak, do you remember me?"

"Of course I remember you, how could I forget you?"

Of course she remembered him. When they were much younger, he had done a lot of quests for her. Adaeze had always been in love with him (a thing he hadn't even noticed), but she never dared to tell him, and their relationship was strictly limited to business.

"How have you been, Tony? How are your wife and kids?"

"My kids are fine. Cassandra and I... got divorced".

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that".

"It's okay. What about you? What have you been doing?"

"I'm still in business, I'm a Special Merchant now".

"Great! And I suppose you got married?"

"No, I'm still single... Well, it was nice to see you, but I should attend to my business".

"Can I see you some other day?", he asked.

"Sure, you already know where to find me", she smirked.

That was all they said to each other that day, but Tony left excitedly. At least she would have someone to talk to in Shang Simla! Adaeze, on the other hand, was a little nervous. To see Tony again this suddenly, and learning that he was divorced, was unsettling. She'd have to be cautious, she didn't want to ruin this newfound friendship.

Days later, Adaeze and Tony met again at the Martial Arts Academy.

After the training, Tony told her everything that had happened with his life, that he had divorced from Cassandra, that he had been married two other times; that his children were already adults and they had their own families; that he was still in love with Cassandra and that he had traveled to Shang Simla to try to forget her.

That last thing ended Adaeze's illusions.

"So he's still in love with Cassandra, but of course", she thought for herself.

So when Tony asked her on a date, she rejected him.

"Please, don't call me again until you're sure of your feelings", she told him.

Tony knew Adaeze was right, and gave up. But another unexpected event would make him change his mind.