Lana didn't know why she kept the note.
It was ridiculous.
A customer thanked her for recommending a muffin.
That was all.
Yet somehow, the small piece of paper remained safely tucked inside her wallet.
Not because it mattered.
Of course not.
At least, that's what she told herself.
The next afternoon, Rosewood Café was quieter than usual.
Rain drizzled outside, turning the city gray and sleepy.
Lana wiped down tables while Emma pretended to work.
Pretended.
Because she was actually staring out the window.
Again.
"What are you looking at?" Lana asked.
Emma immediately pointed.
"A luxury car."
Lana glanced outside.
A sleek black car sat across the street.
Expensive.
The kind Lana only saw in magazines.
"Okay?"
"Okay?" Emma repeated. "Do you know how much that car costs?"
"No."
"More than my future."
Lana laughed.
The café bell chimed.
A familiar customer entered.
Then another.
Then another.
The afternoon continued normally.
Until the door opened again.
And Emma nearly dropped an entire tray.
"What's wrong with you?" Lana asked.
Emma grabbed her arm dramatically.
"Don't panic."
"I'm already panicking."
"Leo Ayden is back."
Lana rolled her eyes.
"He's a customer, Emma."
"He's a very attractive customer."
"There it is."
Emma grinned shamelessly.
Sure enough, Leo walked toward the same table near the window.
His sleeves were rolled up.
His tie slightly loose.
He looked tired today.
For the first time, Lana noticed the dark circles beneath his eyes.
Work stress, probably.
Being rich clearly didn't solve everything.
Leo opened his laptop and immediately began typing.
Focused.
Serious.
Alone.
For some reason, he looked... lonely.
The thought surprised her.
An hour later, Lana carried fresh coffee toward his table.
"Your espresso."
Leo looked up.
Recognition flashed briefly in his gray eyes.
"The muffin expert."
Lana blinked.
Then laughed.
"That's a new title."
"It suits you."
"Should I put it on my résumé?"
His lips twitched slightly.
"Depends. Do you have references?"
"Several. The muffins speak highly of me."
A small laugh escaped him.
A real one.
And suddenly Lana realized something.
The intimidating businessman everyone talked about...
Was actually kind of easy to talk to.
When she returned behind the counter, Emma was staring.
Hard.
"What?"
"You made him laugh."
"So?"
"You made him laugh."
Lana sighed.
"You're impossible."
"No, I'm observant."
By evening, the rain had become heavier.
Customers gradually left.
The streets outside grew darker.
Leo finally closed his laptop and stood.
As he passed the counter, he paused.
Just briefly.
"Thanks for the coffee."
"You're welcome."
For a second, it looked like he wanted to say something else.
But instead, he nodded and walked out.
Simple.
Ordinary.
Forgettable.
Or at least it should have been.
That night, Lily dragged Lana out for dinner.
Against her will.
Again.
"You spend too much time working," Lily complained.
"I spend too much time listening to you."
Lily gasped dramatically.
Before she could respond, her eyes landed on something across the restaurant.
Then she smiled.
Dangerously.
"Oh."
Lana immediately became suspicious.
"No."
"You don't even know what I'm thinking."
"If you're smiling like that, it can't be good."
Lily pointed toward the entrance.
Lana turned.
And froze.
Walking into the restaurant was Leo Ayden.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
Recognition.
Surprise.
Then a faint smile appeared on his face.
And before Lana could look away—
He started walking toward her table.
To be continued...