The clinking of cups and soft hum of conversation filled Sweet Bloom Café, but to Emilia, the world had narrowed into a battlefield. Across the table sat Alex Carter, his sharp gaze pinned on her, while beside them, Veronica Hale lingered like a viper waiting to strike.
"Don't let me interrupt," Veronica said sweetly, her eyes glinting with poison. "I'm sure you both have so much to… catch up on."
Her smirk made Emilia's stomach twist. Veronica had always circled around Alex, drawn to his charm and his success. Emilia knew her presence meant trouble, but she forced a polite smile.
Alex, however, wasn't amused. "Veronica," he said flatly. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for the Knight Enterprises board dinner?"
Veronica's smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. "Oh, I'll be there. But when I saw this little reunion, how could I resist?" Her eyes flicked to Emilia. "Old flames can be dangerous, Alex. Best to leave the past in the past."
Emilia's chest tightened. The cruel irony was that Veronica's words echoed her own fears.
Maya, watching from behind the counter, felt her protective instincts flare. She wanted to march over and throw Veronica out, but she knew Emilia had to face this herself. So she quietly placed a fresh pot of tea on the table, squeezing Emilia's shoulder in silent support before walking away.
Alex's jaw tensed. "The past doesn't need your commentary."
For a moment, silence hung heavy. Then Veronica leaned in, lowering her voice. "Just remember, Alex. Some people never change. Especially people who once walked away."With a final smirk, she left, her heels clicking like an echo of unfinished threats.
Emilia exhaled shakily, her hands gripping her cup. Alex's expression softened, just slightly. "You shouldn't let her get to you."
But Emilia wasn't listening. Her mind was already tangled with memories. Four years ago, when she had left Alex, it wasn't because she stopped loving him. It was because her family had demanded it.That evening, Emilia returned to her family's mansion, her heart heavy. The grand chandeliers and polished marble floors only reminded her how little love this house truly held.
Her cousin, Daniel Ross, was waiting in the living room, his smug smile sharp as ever.
"You met Alex today, didn't you?" he asked casually, though his eyes glimmered with accusation.
Emilia froze. "How did you—
"I have my ways," Daniel cut her off, stepping closer. "You know what Father wants. Alex Carter is not an option. He's… beneath us."
"Beneath us?" Emilia's voice trembled with anger. "He's built everything on his own. He's worth ten of you, Daniel."
His smile vanished. "Careful. Defiance won't get you anywhere. You already embarrassed this family once with him. It won't happen again."
Emilia's chest ached. Once again, her love was being chained by the greed of her family.Meanwhile, Alex sat in his apartment, staring at the untouched glass of whiskey on the table. The encounter at the café replayed in his mind—Emilia's hesitant smile, the guilt in her eyes, Veronica's venom.
He wanted to hate her. He had promised himself he would. But the truth gnawed at him: one look into Emilia's eyes and all the old feelings came rushing back.
"Damn it, Emilia," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Why now? Why again?"At the café, Maya locked up for the night, her thoughts with Emilia. She didn't know the whole story, but she had seen enough—her friend was hurting. Maya whispered a silent promise to herself.
No matter what happens, I'll stand by her.
Little did she know, her own story was waiting just around the corner.
But for now, the stage belonged to Alex and Emilia, two souls chained by shadows of the past.
And fate had only just begun to play its game.