Chapter 152
Olivia
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193
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I took my coffee from the barista with a grateful smile, the scent of freshly ground beans wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. After the long day at work, I needed this little escape.
I found a quiet corner table by the window at Crescent Moon Café, sinking into the plush armchair with a contented sigh. The café buzzed with the gentle hum of evening conversations, laptops clicking, and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine. Perfect white noise to decompress.
Taking a sip of my latte, I closed my eyes briefly, letting the warmth and caffeine work their magic. The café was my secret sanctuary when I needed to clear my head before going home. Something about the ambient music, soft lighting, and the comforting aroma of coffee grounded me after chaotic days.
My phone buzzed on the table. Alexander’s name lit up the screen.
“Hey,” I answered, keeping my voice low.
“Where are you?” Alexander asked, his deep voice carrying a hint of curiosity. “I just stopped by your office, but you’ve already left.”
“Sorry, I needed some air after the Thompson meeting. Came to Crescent Moon for coffee,” I explained, absently tracing the rim of my mug. “Just taking a moment to decompress before heading back.”
“The café on Wilshire? Funny, I’ve never seen you there before.”
I laughed softly. “It’s my little hideaway when work gets overwhelming. The Thompson project is taking over my brain.”
“Understandable,” Alexander’s voice softened. “No rush to get back. Enjoy your coffee break.”
“Thanks. Did you need something from my office?”
“Nothing urgent. Just wanted to check in about this weekend.”
I perked up. “Oh? What about the weekend?”
plans for us,” he replied, and I could hear the smile in
to tell me what these plans are?” I
would be the fun in that?” Alexander chuckled. “You’ll
hate
like this
“Fine. Keep your secrets.”
Chapter 152
Enjoy your coffee. See
E55 vouchers
press him further. Typical Alexander, always maintaining an air of mystery when it
guess what he might have planned. Knowing him, it could be anything from
had planned, I’d find out soon enough. His need to keep me in suspense was almost endearing, in an annoying sort of
in intimate conversations. I checked my watch, deciding to finish my coffee and head back
“Is this seat taken?”
a pickup line. Instead, I found myself staring into the familiar face of James Westbrook. He stood
darted around the café, noting that every other table was indeed full. Refusing him would be petty, especially when he
I said,
sitting down. He was impeccably dressed as always, not a wrinkle in his tailored suit despite
taking another sip of my coffee. “The café’s
another?” he offered,
was about to
genuinely disappointed.
signaled the barista, who nodded in recognition. Apparently, he
he said, turning his attention back to me, “how are things at
hidden meaning
good reason.” His coffee arrived promptly, and he thanked the barista before continuing.
hard,” I replied
Mon, Sep 15
Chapter 152
James smiled, taking a sip of his coffee. “A refreshing quality in our
$19
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