CHAPTER 11

We arrived at the cafe a few miles away from the office. The ever-busy environment added to the already lingering tension between Ethan and me. The smell of the brewed coffee graced the environment with its presence, calming my tensed nerve. I sat in front of Ethan this time, without regard for his manly gesture.

Ethan took a seat, and we both stared at the menu, waiting for the other to break the ice. The silence between us, which was unwelcoming, was broken by the young, charming barista, Lui, who approached us with a bright smile.

"Ahhh! It's good to see you again, Miss Douglas. What's your order today?" He asked politely, ready to pen our orders down.

"Hey, Liu. I'll have my usual." "thanks."

"That would be an iced mocha." He confirmed, as he noted my favorite on his tablet.

"And you, Mr.?" Liu asked, turning to face Ethan, who looked so lost in a world of his own.

"Ethan," I called out, notifying him of the presence of the barista, Liu."

"Uhhh?"

"Sir, would you lik