Parallel Garden

Five years ago, Maya Nakamura made the only choice she could live with—she left London and the man she loved, Ethan Cross. She needed to save herself. She needed to build a life of independence, clarity, and professional excellence. She succeeded. Back in Tokyo, she founded Artemis Architecture, built a thriving career, and created a carefully controlled existence where nothing could consume her—not even love. But when a prestigious museum expansion project brings Ethan back into her orbit, Maya discovers that some connections refuse to stay buried. Their professional collaboration is undeniable—their visions for space and design speak to each other in ways that feel almost like fate. Together, they create architecture that neither could achieve alone. The problem? Working together forces Maya to confront everything she's spent five years trying to escape. Because Ethan isn't the same desperate man who once needed her to complete him. And she isn't the same woman running from love. They've both changed. They've both grown. But can they build something real this time? Something that honors both independence and connection, that allows them to be fully themselves while also being genuinely, vulnerably in love? Parallel Garden is a sophisticated contemporary romance about second chances, the transformative power of collaboration, and the courage it takes to design a life—and a home—with someone else. Themes: Second chances, architectural passion, professional collaboration, emotional growth, authentic intimacy, building something lasting Perfect for readers who love: Legal romance, professional settings, emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and stories about people learning to love wisely.