Chapter 3

Tristan slowly sipped the caramel macchiato he had just ordered. After finishing all his work, he decided to stop by one of his favorite coffee shops not far from his office.

While watching the lights and traffic, Tristan seemed to enjoy his solitude tonight. Occasionally, memories of his parents flashed by, showing the happy moments they had once shared. Until not long after, a woman's voice interrupted what he had been doing.

"Tristan," greeted the beautiful woman whose voice was not so familiar to Tristan. When he looked up, he saw Olivia standing straight in front of the table. "I didn't expect to meet you here. May I join you?"

Tristan smiled faintly. Rising from his seat, he politely invited Olivia to sit down. "With pleasure, please sit. I happen to be alone tonight."

Olivia smiled happily. Without hesitation, she sat down. 

"Would you like something to drink? I can order it for you," Tristan offered politely.

"Of course." Olivia immediately nodded. "A cappuccino latte seems perfect to drink with you tonight."

Tristan then waved to call the waitress on duty. After ordering the drink, he resumed his conversation with Olivia.

"Where are you coming from? Just finished work?"

"Yes, that's right. I just finished a photo session at a studio not far from here. And you? Have you been here long?"

Tristan nodded and extended his hand to reach the caramel macchiato he had ordered. Sipping slowly, he then explained. "My office is not far from here. Usually, before going home, I stop by for a while just to sit and enjoy coffee."

"Oh, really? Are you always alone like this? Or sometimes with your partner?" Olivia asked cautiously.

Tristan glanced and then chuckled softly. There was a hint of amusement seeing Olivia's face eagerly waiting for his answer.

"Always alone. I happen to be single at the moment."

"Ah, you're so good at lying," Olivia remarked, clicking her tongue. How could she believe that a handsome man like Tristan didn't have a partner? "Do handsome men always say they're single to the women they just met?"

"I'm not lying," Tristan replied with a smile. "I'm not in a relationship with anyone right now."

"Then who was the beautiful woman with you that night?" Olivia asked inquisitively. She remembered at the celebration event, Tristan seemed close to the woman with him.

"Beautiful woman?" Tristan's brow furrowed deeply. He tried to recall until he finally exclaimed softly. 

"Oh, you mean Kimberly? The woman who was with me at the birthday party?"

Olivia nodded repeatedly. 

"Yes, she's your girlfriend, right? You two looked very close and matched that night."

"But she's not my girlfriend," Tristan clarified. "Kimberly is like a sister to me. We've been close since childhood and have been friends."

"Ah, I see."

"And you? How about you?" Tristan turned the question.

"What do you mean by that?" Olivia asked, confused.

"Your relationship with Edward. Aren't you two close now?"

Olivia nodded, not denying at all what Tristan said. 

"In the past few months, we have indeed been close. But so far, it's just as friends. Nothing more. I haven't thought about getting into a relationship with any man."

"Does that mean I have no chance to approach you?" Tristan teased with a small laugh, causing Olivia to pause for a moment as if digesting what he had just said. "Oh, my goodness, Olivia, I'm just kidding." Tristan quickly corrected his statement.

"You," Olivia protested, "You made me nervous."

They then continued their conversation, discussing light topics until they lost track of time and eventually decided to leave.

"Did you bring your vehicle?" Tristan asked as they walked together out of the cafe.

"No. I rarely drive myself. Maybe I'll call my driver to pick me up in a bit."

"If so, let me drive you home," Tristan offered politely. He had to slowly approach the woman.

"No need. I don't want to trouble you."

"Of course not," Tristan responded quickly. "Besides, it's very dangerous for a beautiful woman like you to wait for a ride alone here."

Being called beautiful, Olivia's face blushed instantly. She also felt flattered by the sweet attitude of the man who had been with her.

Seeing the sincerity on Tristan's face, his sky-blue eyes blinked briefly. She seemed to consider whether to accept his offer. Then, a sweet smile appeared on Olivia's lips. She thought there was no harm in accepting Tristan's offer, who was not an ordinary man.

"Alright, if you insist. Besides, there's no harm in being driven by a handsome man like you," she said honestly. Yes, Tristan was indeed very handsome in Olivia's eyes. She couldn't deny this fact.

Tristan politely guided Olivia to his car parked right in front of the cafe. Without hesitation, he helped open the door and invited her to get in. Then he drove Olivia to her destination.