The old bus groaned and shuddered to a halt on the lonely stretch of highway, wisps of smoke curling from under the hood. Emma sighed, glancing at her watch. Of all days to break down, it had to be Valentine's Day. She'd been on her way to surprise her boyfriend with an impromptu visit, but fate seemed to have other plans.

As the driver stepped out to investigate, Emma's gaze wandered to the only other passenger - a ruggedly handsome man with tousled dark hair, engrossed in a dog-eared paperback. He looked up, catching her eye, and offered a wry smile.

"Some Valentine's Day, huh?" he said, closing his book.

Emma laughed despite herself. "You can say that again. I'm Emma, by the way."

"Jack," he replied, extending a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances."

As they shook hands, a spark of electricity seemed to pass between them. Emma quickly withdrew, her cheeks flushing. She couldn't deny the instant attraction, but she had a boyfriend. Didn't she?

The driver returned, his face grim. "Looks like we're stuck here for a while, folks. I've called for help, but it'll be a few hours at least."

Emma's heart sank. Jack, however, seemed unfazed. "Well," he said, rummaging in his backpack, "I've got a thermos of coffee and some sandwiches. Care to join me for an impromptu picnic?"

Before she knew it, Emma found herself sitting beside Jack on the grassy roadside, sharing his provisions and swapping stories. She learned he was a wildlife photographer, always chasing the next perfect shot. His eyes lit up as he described his adventures, and Emma found herself captivated.

"What about you?" Jack asked, taking a sip of coffee. "What's your story?"

Emma hesitated. "I... I was on my way to surprise my boyfriend," she admitted. "We've been together for two years, but lately, it feels like we're drifting apart. I thought maybe if I showed up unexpectedly..."

Jack nodded sympathetically. "Sometimes, the hardest thing is admitting when something's not working anymore."

His words struck a chord. Emma realized she'd been holding onto a relationship that had long since lost its spark, afraid of being alone. But sitting here with Jack, she felt more alive than she had in months.

As the afternoon wore on, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They laughed over shared jokes, debated their favorite books, and found themselves inching closer with each passing moment. When Jack's hand accidentally brushed hers, neither pulled away.

The sun was setting when the tow truck finally arrived. As they gathered their belongings, Emma felt a pang of regret. She didn't want this magical interlude to end.

"Emma," Jack said softly, "I know we've only just met, but I feel like I've known you forever. Would you... would you like to have dinner with me tonight?"

Emma's heart raced. She thought of her boyfriend waiting at home, of the safe, predictable life she'd planned. Then she looked at Jack, saw the adventure and passion in his eyes, and made her choice.

"I'd love to," she replied, her smile radiant.

As they climbed into the tow truck, hand in hand, Emma knew her life would never be the same. Sometimes, she realized, the greatest love stories begin when plans go awry. And on this unexpected Valentine's Day, she'd found not just a new love, but a new chapter in her own story.