The morning rush at Sweet Bloom Café had never been louder. Cups clinked, coffee machines hissed, and laughter echoed — but Maya's mind was miles away.
Every time she looked at Adrian, who sat near the window reading his tablet, her heart jumped. He said it wasn't a mistake. The words played in her head again and again.
But with Veronica's warning still stinging, doubt had crept in. What if she was just a chapter in his complicated life?
Emilia noticed Maya's distracted face and nudged her.
"Stop staring, you'll burn the muffins again," she whispered.
"I'm not staring!" Maya whispered back.
"Oh really?" Emilia smirked. "Then who's sitting at table three with eyes darker than espresso?"
Maya glared playfully, but her blush betrayed her.
Before she could respond, Adrian looked up — and caught her staring. Their eyes met, just for a second… but it was enough. The air between them tightened again.He stood up and walked to the counter.
"Break?" he asked softly.
Maya blinked. "What?"
"Come on," he said, a faint smile touching his lips. "You've been working since morning. Ten minutes."
Maya hesitated but finally nodded. They stepped outside, sitting on the small bench under the café's cherry tree. For a while, neither spoke — just the rustle of leaves filled the silence.
Then, Adrian said quietly, "I'm sorry if yesterday made things harder for you."
"It didn't," she replied quickly. "It just… confused me."
Adrian looked at her, the softness in his gaze making her chest tighten. "You think too much," he said gently. "Sometimes, feelings don't need logic."
Maya's heart fluttered. "And sometimes, logic protects feelings," she whispered back.
He smiled slightly, as if accepting defeat — but in his eyes, something deeper glowed.
Before either could say more, his phone buzzed. Adrian's expression darkened instantly when he saw the caller ID — Veronica Hale.He stood up. "I'll handle this."
Maya's chest sank. "You don't have to—"
"I do," he interrupted, his voice colder now. "She's not someone who gives up easily."
As Adrian walked away, Maya watched him go — that confident stride shadowed by something fragile. She didn't know yet… but Veronica wasn't just jealous — she was dangerous.
---
At the Knight Corporation
Veronica stood by the glass window, staring out at the skyline when Adrian entered.
"You're early," she said smoothly.
"Get to the point, Veronica."
She turned, her red lips curving. "You're slipping, Adrian. That little café girl — she's already becoming your weakness."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "My personal life isn't your concern."Oh, but it is," Veronica said, stepping closer. "The board will never approve of a scandal, especially with the merger coming. Imagine the headlines: 'Knight Heir Falls for a Waitress'."
He glared at her. "Careful."
Veronica laughed softly. "I'm not your enemy, Adrian. But if you keep letting your heart lead… someone else will use it against you."
Her voice softened suddenly. "You used to be mine, remember?"
"Correction," Adrian said coldly. "I was never yours."
The silence that followed was thick with old pain.Back at the Café
Maya returned inside, but her thoughts wouldn't rest. Even when customers smiled, her heart felt heavy. She didn't notice Professor Max and Lila entering until Emilia waved.
"Two coffees and extra sugar for the student," Emilia teased.
Lila smiled shyly. "Professor Max likes less sugar," she said, glancing at him.
Max chuckled softly. "And you remember that every time."
Their eyes met for a second, quiet but warm — like two souls finding comfort in small details. Maya watched them and smiled faintly. Love had so many shapes — maybe hers just wasn't simple.
As she turned back toward the counter, a small envelope caught her eye. It had been slipped under the register.
She picked it up. No name. Just a small, handwritten note:Stay away from Adrian Knight.
Or you'll regret it.
Her fingers went cold. Someone knew. Someone was watching.