Adrian stepped out of the office building, letting the city air wash over him. Kelvin's words echoed in his mind: "Go grab a coffee; the Henderson call won't bite." It was rare for him to take a break, but something about today felt heavy, and the thought of caffeine and anonymity was irresistible.
Across the street, the little café was bustling but unpretentious. Adrian walked in, scanning the room for a free seat. The barista walked to him, smiled politely, taking his order without needing his name. He had settled at a corner table, opening his laptop, letting the hum of conversation soften the edges of the day.
He hadn't noticed her at first.
"Adrian?" Isabelle's voice cut through the café, soft but teasing. She leaned against the doorway, hands on her hips. "Kelvin said I'll find you here. He also said you might need rescuing from spreadsheets or corporate boredom."
Adrian looked up, surprised and amused. "I can manage," he replied, though the corners of his mouth tugged into a small smile. "But I won't stop you from joining me."
Isabelle slid into the seat opposite him, eyes scanning the café. "This place is adorable," she murmured. "But I don't see the usual chaos of your admirers. Progress, I see."
Before Adrian could answer, a young man behind the counter called out, "Next!"
He turned, and for a heartbeat, the world narrowed.
Ethan.
Tall, easy confidence in his stance, a warm, unassuming smile. Adrian froze, a subtle jolt crawling up his spine, unexplainable and electric. Ethan was covering a shift for his cousin, oblivious to the storm he'd just stirred in the man before him.
Isabelle's eyes narrowed slightly, curious, amused, but mostly alert. She caught the unguarded moment — Adrian's posture stiffening, the fraction of hesitation, the way his gaze lingered too long. Her brother, so meticulous, so composed, had just glimpsed something unexpected. Something he hadn't even realized he was waiting for.
"Your Coffee sir?" the waiter returned with his order , placing the cup on the counter.
Adrian blinked, managing a nod. " Thank you."
What can I get you ma'am?" the waited asked looking at Isabelle
"Same. she responded pointing at Adrian's cup without taking her eyes off Adrian
Isabelle's lips twitched, barely containing a knowing smile. She would remember this moment — the first spark, the uncanny pull. And somewhere deep down, she already suspected: this was the beginning of something that would change everything.
Adrian lifted the cup, trying to steady his racing thoughts, unaware of just how much the world had just shifted around him.