She raised a brow. ‘’Why is he being so shy?’’ she muttered to herself and turned to meet the next table. She noticed that there were two men seated on it. One had hair the color of midnight and the other had blonde hair. They seemed to be discussing business, seeing as they were clothed in designer suits. One wore a black shirt with a gray tie, while the other wore a brown coat over his black turtle-neck inner. She couldn’t help but notice the one with dark hair and how gorgeous he looked. She thought she was used to seeing attractive men come and go every day, but his was different. She was irritated by how different it was. What was the deal with handsome people and their alluring aura?
''Hello,'' she said. ‘’My name is Alexis. Can I get your order?’’
The blonde looked up at her. ‘’Alexis? Beautiful name.’’
Now, he was flirting with her? She noticed the dark haired one gave him a look before returning his attention back to his phone. The blonde studied her face, his blue eyes squinting as he assessed her like a lab project. She suddenly felt uncomfortable. He was good-looking too. He looked like the typical description of a pretty boy next door.
"Thank you," she said, smiling. ‘’Your order please.’’
''I will have a latte,” Pretty boy stated.
She jotted down his order. Slowly, her eyes trailed to the other guy who hadn’t said a word since she arrived.
‘Americano,’ He replied without looking up. Something about the way he said that irked her. Was he a celebrity or what? He looked like he could be one with his model-like features. But then again, he could just be some rich guy who made robots for a living. She placed her bets on that.
‘Would that be all?’
‘’Yeah,’’ the pretty boy smiled politely to her.
‘Alright.’ She tucked her notepad into her apron pocket. ‘’
Your order will be up in five minutes.’ She turned to leave, moving back to the counter when a buzz from her pockets had her stopping. She wasn’t meant to use her phone while at work, but her phone rarely rang unless it was an emergency.
And it really was an emergency.
‘’So, let me get this straight,’’ Alexis said, staring at the two officers in navy blue uniforms. ‘’You think my father was involved in a hit and run.’’
‘’We don’t think so. We know,’’ One of them said.
Alexis chewed on her lips nervously. This was the first time in her life she had ever been called to a station. She had never imagined she would even step foot into a place like this, and now look at her, having a conversation with two officers who accused
her father of a hit and run.
‘’We found the body in his car.’’
‘’He doesn’t even have a car.’’ She glared at them.
‘’Then why was he driving it?’’ The officer glared back.
‘’I don’t know. This is news to me,’’ She sighed, feeling underwhelmed. Her father didn’t own a car, so where had he seen one? ‘’Are you sure about this? I’m sure there’s a mistake somewhere.’’
‘’You teaching us how to do our jobs, huh?’’ The officer scolded.
She turned away from him. She could tell these officers were pissed about something. She looked around the station. A man stepped out of one of the cells, yelling curses at the officer who held his arm and dragged off to who knows where. The man met her eyes. He was a short man with a bald head. His clothes were tattered and he looked like a drug addict. When he turned to her, his mouth opened, exposing dark teeth as he smiled at her. The smile was so creepy, it sent chills down her spine. Were these the kind of people her father was meant to stay with?
‘’Can I see him?’’
The officer blinked. ‘’See who?’’
‘’My dad.’’
‘’No can do. You want to see him, bring a lawyer.’’
She opened her mouth to refute when the two officers turned and walked off, sparing her not a moment to talk. Alexis groaned, flipping her middle finger to the back of the officers. Where the hell was she going to get a lawyer? Especially one who could get her father out without any issues? She didn’t even have the money for her next house rent.
‘’Damn it.’’
Feeling deflated, she turned and walked out of the station.
‘’Sammy, please!’’ Matt pleaded, blocking the girl’s attempt to maneuver him. ‘’He’s willing to pay.’’
‘’I run a cafe, you idiot. Not a whore club.’’ Sam reached out to grab a glass, threatening him with
it if she didn’t step aside. Matt gulped, slightly moving so she would pass. She moved to the window display. He coughed lightly as he scratched his head, watching her. ‘’Fine, do you have someone to recommend then?’’
Sam narrowed her eyes, resting her hands on her hips.
‘’It’s only going to be for a while. No sexual intimacy, just acting.’’ Matt added.
Sam scoffed. ‘’What’s wrong in telling his mother he is not ready for marriage?’’ She rolled her eyes, setting the window down. ‘’Men these days.
‘’Well, you see…’’ Matt trailed off. Sam rose a brow, suddenly catching up. The only friend who would do something like this was the one who always came to the cafe with him. The one who had- ‘’Gotten into that scandal?’’ she voiced out. ‘’That friend of yours? Haven Gray?’’Matt’s nervous smile was the answer she needed.She gapped, nearly tipping the vase behind her in surprise. ‘’That really handsome friend of yours?’’ She repeated. Matt met her eyes. ‘’You don’t have to put it that way.’’Sam had heard about the scandal between Catherine Hales and THE Haven Gray. Their news had circulated around the internet like wide-fire. She was surprised to find out that these two who rocked the world with their relationship suddenly called it off. Haven had claimed they decided to go their mutual ways due to some complicated reasons, but Sam knew that wasn’t the case. Well, she was one of the few who knew what really happened, thanks to her amazing investigative skills. Catherine had cheate
‘’A week from now, sir,’’ Johnson replied with a big smile.One of the workers seated beside him, pointed to the desk. Haven shifted uncomfortably, staring down at the paperwork in front of him. For some reason, he couldn’t concentrate well today. He sighed. It was all Matt’s fault, telling him he had found someone and had planned a meet up today. Every few seconds, he would glance down at his phone wondering if it was time yet. What was taking Matt so long?‘’Mr. Gray?’’His head snapped up. ‘’Can we reschedule this meeting?’’ he said. The others in the meeting talked amongst themselves, but they agreed nonetheless. After the meeting, he made his way back to his office and found Matt waiting for him by the front door. He held up a hand in greeting. ‘’How was the meeting?’’Haven reached for the door handle, pressing it down. ‘’Boring,’’ Haven said as he walked in. Sighing, he plopped down on his chair and dug out his phone. ‘’Isn’t it time yet?’’ He pinched the bridge of his nose.‘’
She had tried to have one at a time, but it didn’t go so well. And so, she decided to indulge herself into work rather than one filled with fake love and commitment.What an irony it was now, that she was indulging herself in said fake love and commitment.‘’Yeah.’’The driver nodded and started the engine, driving off to the cafe she was meant to meet her new husband.Well, fake husband.The cafe they chose was a famous one. Not only was it famous, it looked like those fancy restaurants only rich and elite people went to. Alexis suddenly felt out of place.‘’Should have worn a skirt instead,’’ she muttered to herself. Well, there was no need to think about it now. She thought, taking a deep breath before walking through the pull-in doors. When she entered, the sight that greeted her was surprising to say the least. The ceiling was elaborately decorated and a grand staircase led to a finely lavished second story of the building. The walls were a semi-white pallor with hints of lavend
‘’I said it's a ridiculous idea,’’ Alexis said and quickly added. ‘’But I’m here anyway.’’Haven’s brow furrowed as he pushed himself forward in his seat, leaning so close to Alexis, she leaned back in hers. When he stopped, she caught her breath, uncomfortable with their proximity. The scent of his cologne wafted through the air and it smelt good. It reminded her of dew. She looked into his gray eyes and swallowed nervously. His presence was almost overbearing. Clearing her throat, she told him. ‘’You’re too close.’’He leaned back and chuckled for reasons unknown to her. Alexis turned to Matt, his arms folded as he watched them. ‘’I think your friend is nuts.’’Matt laughed and agreed with a shrug of his shoulder. ‘’Maybe.’’‘’I’m not nuts,’’ Haven said. ‘’I just wanted to test out something.’’‘’Well, next time try not to get too close. You could receive a punch.’’ Alexis raised her fist, letting him know she wouldn’t hesitate to. ‘’Anyway, before I sign anything, I want to know ho
"Something about a poor girl divorcing her rich husband sounds interesting to me," she remarked with a playful smile.‘’Alright,’’ he agreed. ‘’If that’s what you want.’’She extended a hand forward and this time he took it. ‘’Well then, I guess we now have a deal.’’ Alexis’ phone went off for the fifth time in just three minutes. Annoyed, she pulled it out of her apron pocket to see the name Haven Gray flashing on the screen. She frowned. Jeez, what kind of accurate time keeper was he? Fine, she knew she had agreed that he could call around two since they apparently had somewhere to be today, but it wasn’t even two yet. Why was he in such a hurry?Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of answering quickly, she pocketed her phone back, putting it on silent.‘’Was that Haven?’’ Sam asked, coming out from the back room.‘’Yeah,’’ Alexis said. ‘’I told him I’d be at work by this time.’’‘’It’s not like you can’t answer while working.’’ Sam said with a stare. ‘’Just tell him you’re bu
Not that she needed to anyways.She heard Haven sigh on the phone. ‘’Don’t overthink it. You won’t have to do much.’’‘’Right,’’ she said. Of course she won’t have to do much. All she had to do was act her part. She did a bit of drama in high school, so it shouldn’t be a problem.‘’I’ll come pick you up soon,’’ he said. ‘’I give you two hours.’’She stared at the wall clock. That meant she had an hour to shower and get ready. She heard a click. She scoffed. What a dickhead. He hung up on her.‘’So, where are you lovelies going?’’ Sam was back.‘’A date,’’ Alexis deadpanned.‘’How exciting!’’ Sam gleaned.Alexis didn’t share in her glee. Exciting? Annoying and nerve wracking was more like it."At the very least, you will get free food," Sam said.‘’That I won’t be able to stomach?’’ Alexis sighed. But Sam was right. At least she would get free food.Alexis waved goodbye to Sam as she left the cafe shop and hopped into her beat up corolla. Her apartment was only a few minutes away, ten
She turned to look at him and immediately, she felt out of place. He was wearing a navy coat over a white button up shirt. Her eyes trailed down until she met the shiny belt that held up his expensive looking jeans.At least he was wearing jeans. ‘’I think we might have to stop at a boutique,’’ He suddenly said."No," she snapped.‘’You look like some gangster sidechick.’’She scoffed. Did he need to hint at everything? He stared at her for such a long time, she felt embarrassed under his scrutinizing gaze. Unconsciously, she pulled her jacket over her. ‘’I already made an appointment, so there’s no need refusing.’’Before she could ask what appointment he was talking about, he pulled the gear into drive and pulled into the road. They drove to wherever he was taking her to was quiet. He didn’t say anything and neither did she. After a while, bothered by the deafening silence, she spoke up.‘’You have a nice car.’’‘’Thank you.’’Another silence. It was obvious he wasn’t in the talki
She suddenly felt odd. Wouldn’t people look at her like some homeless person? But then again, she was with Haven.Two men stood by the door, ready to receive them in, their heads already low in a short bow. A woman dressed in a dark skirt and suit, stepped out and walked towards them with a smile.‘’Mr haven, so nice to have you here.’’ The woman extended her hands inside. ‘’We’ve made all arrangements as requested.’’''Thank you, Lara,” Haven said. He made to move when Alexis unconsciously dragged him back.He stopped, turning to her with a short frown. ‘’What?’’She blinked, wondering why she stopped him. ‘’Nothing,’’ She said, averting her eyes. She noticed the condensing look Lara shot at her before she turned to walk into the mall. With a dejected sigh, she followed Haven inside.As expected, the inside was just as incredible as the exterior designs outside. Everything was organized, even the sales-persons were all dressed corporate. The minute they walked in, Alexis could feel
"I actually believed that we would eventually have to take sides.” Marcus could vividly recall the memories. He had been friends with Haven since high school, witnessing his journey through a painful breakup with his college girlfriend, who had betrayed him by getting involved with his roommate. Smoothly flowing friendship marked by shared experiences and challenges. The betrayal had caused Haven to build walls so high that they appeared insurmountable. His innate warmth and optimism were buried beneath layers of protective cynicism. When Fiona first re-introduced Alexis to their friend group few months ago, Marcus noticed the same wounded walls in her. Fresh from calling off her engagement to a man who had gradually tried to suppress her sparkle, in an effort to control her better, Alexis was portraying a demeanor characterized by sharp edges and cautious aloofness. Haven and Alexis moved around each other cautiously, like two wary cats, drawn to each other yet filled with insecuri
The park seemed hushed, only the little giggles from the children playing and the jogging steps from around the park seemed to be the only sound apart from the heartbeat of both Haven and Alexis. Haven and Alexis sat across from each other, their gazes locked. Time seemed to stand still as they simply were, their presence filling the space with a quiet intensity.Haven's heart pounded in his chest. He’d never felt this way about anyone before. It was as if he was seeing her for the first time, every detail, every nuance, striking him with a fresh sense of wonder. Her eyes, a deep, captivating brown, held a universe of emotions. He could get lost in them for hours, exploring the depths of her soul.Alexis, too, was lost in the moment. She felt a warmth spreading through her, a comforting familiarity that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Haven’s gaze was steady and kind, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded her. In his eyes, she saw acceptance, understanding, and a
Haven's throat was fixed. He knew precisely what she meant—how they had both lost themselves in the splits and cleft of their fizzled marriage, getting to be individuals they didn’t recognize. "Do you ever think," he said, his voice scarcely capable of being heard, "about what us?" Alexis gave him a sidelong look, her expression softening. "All the time." They fell into a pensive quiet, the kind that comes as it were when two individuals share a history as well complicated for words. "I think," Alexis began gradually, "we were trying so hard to be what we thought the other needed that we overlooked to be ourselves." Haven gestured, her words resounding deeply. "No doubt. I thought I had to be this culminating supplier, continuously solid, continuously in control. But I wasn't truly letting you in. I see that now." "And I kept trying to be this perfect spouse," Alexis included with a little, self-deprecating snicker. "I needed to demonstrate that I was enough, that I could handle
Alexis let out a little, severe giggle. “I never stopped caring, Haven. That’s the problem.” The genuineness in her voice cut through him like a knife, more sharp than any offended she may have tossed his way. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “If you never stopped caring, why did you leave?” She hesitated, her expression tormented. “Because I was tired of waiting for you to choose me.” Haven felt the air leaving his lungs as if she had punched him. “What are you talking about? I was continuously there.” “You were physically there,” Alexis whispered, “but your heart was someplace else. Continuously working, continuously building. I needed more than that.” He closed his eyes, blaming wrapping around him like chains. He had worked himself to the bone to donate them both a great life, believing it would be enough. But in the process, he had missed the foremost vital thing—her. “I thought I was doing it for us,” he said, his voice overwhelming with lament. “I though
A minute, the walls around her heart trembling but not very falling. Perhaps, just perhaps, she might take another step. “Yeah,” she said unobtrusively. “I think I do.” Haven leaned back in his leather chair, checking the numbers on his laptop screen with a tired but fulfilled smile. Business was good, better than ever, in reality. Growing his firm had been one of the most risky choices of his life, but the payoff had surpassed his expectations. However, even in the midst of his proficient victory, a gloomy hurt remained underneath the surface, one that wasn’t so effortlessly relieved by benefits and development charts. He tapped a number of keys to distract himself and ran a hand down his face. He had a whole lot to do on his plate for the upcoming investors meeting that could serve as a major boost for the future of his company. His company that suffered a downgrade after the divorce with Alexis was slowly getting recognized and becoming a better version of itself.Outside the wide
She moved awkwardly in her seat, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s easier that way. In case you don’t expect anything, you can’t get hurt.” Dr. Patel inclined forward marginally, her hands resting on the armrests of her chair. “It sounds like you’ve built walls around yourself to secure against dissatisfaction. But those walls also make it difficult for people to associate with you, don't they?” Alexis collapsed her arms firmly over her chest. “Yeah, well. it’s not like anyone’s trying that hard, anyway.” “Do you think that’s true?” Dr. Patel inquired tenderly. “Or is that something you tell yourself since it feels safer?” Alexis looked absent, jaw fixing. “What difference does it make? They give up inevitably. Friends, boyfriends. everybody. It continuously happens.” Dr. Patel let a minute of hush hang between them before she spoke. “Tell me about your last relationship.” Alexis moaned, rubbing her sanctuaries. “Do we have to?” “I think it could help us learn mor
Alexis giggled, the sound light and free. For the first time in a long time, she felt confident. “Maybe,” she said, looking at him, “but possibly it’s worth the risk.” Haven’s grin mollified, and in that minute, something moved between them—something inconspicuous but irrefutable. As the night wore on and the wine vanished, they found themselves closer than ever before, their chuckling blending within the warm glow of the room. And for the first time since her engagement ended, Alexis allowed herself to accept the plausibility of love again—not the perfect, fairy-tale kind, but the chaotic, complicated, genuine kind. And sitting there with Haven, she realized that perhaps, just perhaps, she was precisely where she was meant to be.The cool night air brushed against Alexis’s skin as she strolled down the quiet street. She’d left Haven’s place a little later than she’d planned, but the lingering warmth of the evening was a welcome change from the usual rush.A sense of peace washed
Alexis didn’t drag her hand away, but she looked down at the ring once more, her lips squeezing into a lean line. “Why does it feel like I’ve been left with nothing?” “Because shock could be a thief,” Haven said delicately. “It takes more than just the person, it takes your sense of worth with it. But that’s a lie. You still have all of you, Alexis.” For a long minute, neither of them talked. The hum of discussion and clinking glasses filled the hush between them, a foundation clamour to the turmoil whirling in Alexis’s mind. Haven gave her hand a soft touch. “Let’s get out of here. This place isn’t precisely built for healing.” Alexis wavered but at that point nodded, thankful for the life saver he was proposed to. They ended up at Haven’s flat, the air thick with the comforting fragrance of coffee and cinnamon candles. Alexis twisted up on the couch, holding a warm mug between her hands while Haven sat over from her, his expression open and understanding. “It’s not just Mat
Alexis yanked her arm free, dazzling at him. “No, Matthew. You had your chance, and you blew it. I deserve way better than this.” Matthew’s shoulders dropped back. For a moment, the sound between them was the murmur of the TV. “Where did you indeed meet Deborah?” Alexis inquired intensely, incapable of stopping herself. Matthew moaned intensely. “She’s an old friend from college. She got into a few financial inconveniences, and I thought I might help.” His voice trailed off, as if indeed he realized how lamentable the pardon sounded. Alexis shook her head in disbelief. “Unbelievable. You bet with our future for some lady from your past.” She turned and walked toward the door, her heart overwhelming but unfaltering. She had gone through for so long disregarding the signs, trusting Matthew would be the man he imagined to be. But presently, she saw the truth clearly, he had never been that man. “Alexis, please!” Matthew called after her, his voice splitting with edginess. “Don’t le