After spending a few peaceful days with Margaret, ensuring she was settled and comfortable, Elara and Adrian had settled into a rhythm at her mother's house.
The sunlight had softened into a gentle afternoon glow, streaming through the living room windows. The house was quiet, save for the occasional clink of dishes or Margaret humming a tune while arranging flowers on the table.
Elara was folding laundry in the guest room when Adrian appeared in the doorway, leaning casually with a small smile. "You've been busy all morning," he observed.
Elara looked up, a little startled. "I… I just want to make sure everything is in order for Mom," she said, setting the basket down.
Adrian walked closer. "You've done more than enough. Now, take a break."
Elara glanced at him, hesitant. "I can't just—"
"You can," he interrupted softly, his tone gentle but firm. "Sit down. I'll keep you company."
She hesitated for only a moment before following his gaze, sitting on the edge of the couch. Adrian perched beside her, maintaining a comfortable distance but letting their shoulders brush lightly. The contact sent a quiet thrill through her, one she quickly tried to suppress.
"Some days, it feels… peaceful here," Adrian said quietly. "Like the world outside doesn't exist for a while."
Elara nodded, a small smile forming. "Yes… it's nice to just… breathe sometimes."
Margaret, observing from the kitchen, chuckled softly. "You two are like two magnets. Just give it time…"
---
Later that afternoon, Margaret called them into the kitchen. "I thought it might be fun if we baked some cookies," she said, pulling out flour and ingredients. "Elara, Adrian… help me. Let's make this afternoon sweet."
Elara's eyes lit up. "Baking sounds perfect!"
Adrian raised an eyebrow but smiled. "I haven't baked in years… I hope I'm not a disaster."
Margaret laughed. "Don't worry. I'll guide you."
The three of them moved to the kitchen. Flour dusted the countertops and lightly covered Adrian's sleeves, while Margaret guided Elara in rolling the dough. They laughed at Adrian's clumsy attempts to measure ingredients and his over-enthusiastic sprinkling of chocolate chips.
Elara stole glances at him, noticing the small, genuine smiles he shared with her mother. Adrian, for his part, seemed more relaxed than she had ever seen him—laughing freely, his usually precise movements replaced by playful spontaneity.
At one point, Margaret teased, "Adrian, you're supposed to fold the dough, not hurl it across the counter!"
Adrian laughed, holding up a piece of dough as if it were a trophy. "I call that… creative baking!"
Elara giggled, the tension of the past weeks melting away. "I'm glad Mom suggested this," she said quietly.
Margaret smiled warmly at both of them. "It's good to see you two like this… relaxed. It reminds me that family isn't just blood—it's the people who care for you, who bring warmth into your life."
Adrian glanced at Elara, then back at Margaret. "She's… remarkable," he said quietly.
Margaret's gaze softened. "Yes, she is. And now you know why I care for her so fiercely."
For the rest of the afternoon, they baked, laughed, and shared stories. It was simple, ordinary, and yet profound—moments that would linger in memory, moments that quietly built trust, care, and the gentle stirrings of love.
---
After a few days of this peaceful routine, Adrian and Elara returned to their own apartment. The drive back was quiet, filled with unspoken contentment, each of them reflecting on the warmth and laughter of the past days.
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains of their apartment. Both were busy getting ready for the day—Elara carefully choosing her outfit, smoothing her hair, while Adrian adjusted his tie in the mirror.
Breakfast was a quiet, comfortable affair. Adrian poured coffee while Elara prepared a small breakfast plate.
"I was thinking," Adrian began, watching her with a faint smile, "I could drive you to work today."
Elara paused, putting down the toast. "Oh… I appreciate it, but I'd rather not," she said carefully. "I don't want anyone at the café to be suspicious. Let's keep things… normal."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, hiding a smile. "Normal, huh?"
Elara nodded firmly. "Yes. Please, Adrian. Just trust me on this one."
He sighed, leaning back in his chair with a mock-grumble. "Fine, I'll let you go solo… but don't think I won't be keeping tabs."
Elara laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
He smirked, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "And yet, somehow, you put up with me."
She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "I don't have a choice, do I?"
After breakfast, Elara grabbed her bag and headed toward the door. Adrian followed, walking with her to the elevator. "Have a good day," he said quietly, brushing a hand briefly against hers—a small gesture, but it made her heart flutter.
"You too," she replied softly, blushing slightly.
---
The café was quieter now, with most of the morning rush over. Elara was behind the counter, organizing pastries and cleaning tables, when the bell above the door chimed.
Looking up, she saw Maya, her best friend, waving enthusiastically. "Elara! There you are!"
Elara smiled nervously, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Maya… it's good to see you. Everything's… fine."
Maya lowered her voice. "How's married life? Is he treating you well?"
Elara hesitated. "It's… complicated. Everything's still new."
Maya smiled, then added casually, "By the way… your ex-boyfriend is back in town. He's been asking about you."
Elara forced a small smile. "Thanks for letting me know. My focus is… elsewhere."
They spent a few more minutes catching up before Maya left with a cheerful wave.
---
Meanwhile, Adrian arrived at his company, stepping into the familiar office environment. Just as he was about to settle into his office, the reception called out.
"Mr. Cole, your visitor has arrived."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Visitor?"
Before he could move, a familiar voice rang out behind him. "Adrian! It's been ages!"
He turned to see Samantha, his childhood friend, walking in with her usual confident smile.
"Samantha," he said politely. "It's been… what, ten years?"
"Too long!" she said, stepping closer. "I just got back from abroad and thought I'd stop by. I heard you were in town and wanted to see you before the welcome party my parents are hosting this weekend."
Adrian shook his head with a faint smile. "Welcome back, then. I hope the trip went well."
Samantha leaned forward slightly, her eyes sparkling. "It did, thank you! And I wanted to catch up with you personally. It's been years—we have a lot to talk about."
Adrian gestured toward a small seating area. "Of course. Let's sit."
As they settled, Samantha's tone softened. "You know… I've always admired you, Adrian. Even back in high school…"
Adrian's expression remained calm. "I'm flattered, but my life has… shifted quite a bit."
Samantha's smile faltered slightly, though she tried to mask it with a playful laugh. Then she added, "By the way… my parents are hosting a welcome dinner for me this weekend. I'd really like it if you came. It's just family and a few close friends—I promise it won't be awkward. I just wanted to see you there."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk forming. "Dinner with your parents… on top of visiting me now?"
Samantha laughed lightly, twirling a strand of hair. "Consider it… me making up for lost time. I've been away, and now I'm back. I thought it would be nice if we caught up properly before everything else."
Then, with genuine curiosity, she leaned closer. "So… how is your family? Your mother, father, your sister… and Lucas, your brother-in-law? Everyone well?"
Adrian paused for a moment, a soft smile crossing his face. "Yes… they're all doing well. My mother has been keeping busy with her charity work, my father's the same as ever, and Helena… she's heavily pregnant now, so Lucas has his hands full. They're all excited about the baby."
Samantha nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I'm glad to hear that. And you know… you can come with your family too. I'd love for them to meet my parents. It'll be nice—everyone together, celebrating my return."
Adrian considered her invitation, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I'll think about it," he said cautiously, giving her a polite, measured smile.
Samantha's eyes twinkled knowingly. "Fair enough. Just… let me know. It'll be good to reconnect."
Though the invitation seemed simple, Adrian couldn't help but feel a subtle tension linger—reminders of the past, of old feelings, and of a connection that had never truly faded.