Nathaniel gently rested his hand on her shoulder and said in an attempt to console her, "You cannot alter any aspect of this story. The things were meant to unfold as they did. Presently, the only way you have is to acknowledge the past and make do with the present. I refrain from discussing the future, uncertain whether I will even be alive to witness tomorrow that may never arrive."Roseanne knew that Nathaniel was not the man who would console someone or who would speak big things. It was rare for him to discuss things about life so casually. Otherwise, he always had a very raw and pessimistic approach towards everything. His words were not optimistic but they were motivating for her. This made her see Nathaniel and Nicholas in contrast. Her ex-husband was an unemotional man and Nathaniel considered him to be the same. But the latter would never intentionally hurt someone with his actions or words. He was unemotional in aspects of his life. When it came to treating others, he would
"I'm telling you, Nicholas, you're going to love this place," Sabrina said as she pulled Nicholas into the cafe, which she had grown to enjoy after a few visits. Her desire to return was not only influenced by the atmosphere and cuisine but also by the excellent service of the cafe. She chose to show Nicholas everywhere she had been while she was here in the hopes that he would feel better. She was not mistaken to believe that he led a depressing life. She merely wanted to add some colour to his life by taking him to trendy and desirable locations because it was evident that he had a really depressing existence. “Sabrina, you know that I am not someone who will go to cafes to hang out, ”Nicholas told her. How did he tell her that he had no interest whatsoever in going to cafes to have coffee? He had the best staff at his disposal. They could replicate any taste for him. “I know that but why don't you try once?” Sabrina asked him. She was not going to listen to his old excuses. She w
Roseanne had seen Sabrina and Nicholas from a distance before Maria had ever made contact with her. She was filled with worry when she saw them together at her cafe and began to wonder why they would show up there. Her first inclination was to run away, to put the unexpected encounter behind her. But she was stopped by a voice inside her that told her not to give in to her fear. They had no control over her anymore, and she was no longer Anne Rose. To run would simply be to live a life of hiding.When Maria called her and those two people saw her she didn't have to think about running anymore after all there was no point now. Thus, she put the crown on her head like the queen she was and proudly walked to them. Her proud walk was the same one that she taught Coco a few days ago to perform in her school. She did not know how she was acting but she was trying to act confident. When Maria introduced them, she took the role smoothly. “Miss Deluca, I have heard a lot about you,” Sabrina
It had been three days since Roseanne saw Nicholas and Sabrina in her cafe. As Nathaniel said, Nicholas did not try to investigate her which only meant one thing that he did not recognise her. She knew that Anne Rose and Roseanne looked like two worlds apart. No one would be able to guess that they both were the same person. Still, the fear was deeply rooted in her heart. Anne Rose was a skinny girl with blonde hair and esteem issues. Her timidity made her look even shorter. But Roseanne had long beautiful red hair and a curvy body. She stood proud and tall. The other reason why she looked taller than Anne Rose was because of her confidence and choice of outfits. That day when Sabrina talked to her about the collaboration between them, Nicholas was there. He didn't act any suspiciously. She was now working with Sabrina. She didn't even know why she agreed to that deal. Perhaps, because she had nothing to say no to. If she said no to a perfect deal, Nicholas would get suspicious and
After his second visit to Roseanne’s Cafe, he visited it a couple of times. Each time he would be in the cafe, Roseanne would be on pins and needles. Maria would usually inform her about the arrival of Nicholas and she would stay in her office until then. Usually, she took part in other activities outside the office but whenever Nicholas was in a cafe, she would confine herself to the office. Each time Nicholas was in a cafe, he would try to catch a glimpse of Roseanne but she would never be found anywhere. Every time, he would sit in the Library section which would be very quiet and peaceful. He read a couple of books and it reginited his adoration of reading again. Due to his busy schedule, he had forgotten about relaxing. He used to read a lot before but along the way, he lost his habit of reading. For certain circumstances, Nicholas had to extend his stay in Italy for about a month or so. He was growing weary of hotel accommodations and so he instructed Johnson to find a villa f
“Okay,”Nicholas replied. He extended his hand and introduced his name, “I'm Nicholas.” Sensing that the name might be difficult for a child to pronounce, he added, “You can call me Nick.” Coco smiled and shook his head, “Oh. Hello, Mister. I'm Charlotte. Since I hate my name, you can call me Coco.”Nicholas laughed. “What's wrong with Charlotte? It's such a beautiful name. I knew a beautiful woman whose name was Charlotte.”She crinkled her nose and said, “Knew.”“It's a little old–”Nicholas agreed. She said, “It's centuries old.”Nicholas laughed. “Not exactly.”“So, Charlotte.”This time, she threatened him with big eyes, “Coco.”Nicholas laughed at her cuteness and added, “Okay, Coco. Shall I help you with a house for your babies?”“Do you know how to do that?” She asked, happily. Nicholas said to her, “I can try “She rolled her eyes and said, “Oh please don't be like my brother. He is very bad at tires.”Nicholas said, “I will make it.”Coco said, raising her brow, “I will jud
The following day, Roseanne had dropped kids at their school and went straight to the cafe. Lisa, the receptionist was not there and so she was sitting in her place. Since she was quite close to her staff and there was no other person to cover Lisa’s shift, she didn't mind covering it. As she was doing her work sitting on Lisa’s seat, she saw someone placing a book in front of her. She looked up to find Nicholas holding a couple of books. “This is?” She asked, confused. “There is a section to donate books,”Nicholas told her. “I want to donate these old books.”Roseanne looked at the books that looked so fresh that she knew he took them from the books stores just a few moments ago. “Maria, take these books from Mr Hart,” Roseanne said. “He wants to donate them.”“Thank you, Mr Hart,” Roseanne said. Seeing the politeness between them, he felt uncomfortable. She was always polite to him yet he felt sometimes that she was keeping him at arms length. She would not entertain him. She
To say that Roseanne was scared to be an understatement. She put on a mask of bravery and asked him, “What does it mean?”“I am just saying that you should not ignore me,” Nicholas said, taking a sip of the coffee. He acted nonchalant after throwing a big bomb at her. “What made you think that I was ignoring you?” Roseanne asked him. “Each time, I am around, you try to hide or run away from me,” Nicholas told her. “Don't say that I'm thinking too much. I am not. I have noticed it.”“What is it that you can not be around me?” Nicholas asked, crossing the boundaries that he had made around him. He did not want to act on his impulses but this woman was making him crazy. He had been trying to stay away from her but it was harder for her. Each day he found himself running to her cafe. Initially, he used to tell himself that it was because he liked how this place felt. But soon he realised that he was coming here to catch a glimpse of her. She had made him starved with her attention. Wh
Today was the day of Carter King’s birthday party. Along with Charlotte, Sia was invited too, and since she decided to attend, Leon was her plus one. It was not a big event but a very intimate birthday party. Still the guests surpased a few hundred. Charlotte was nervous the whole way. Thankfully, she was attending with her brother and best friend. She dragged Callum as her plus one since she didn’t want to appear alone.Sia and Leon entered first.All the while, Sebastian’s gaze was on the door as if he was waiting for someone to enter. When that person arrived, his eyes lit up, but it soon diminished as he saw her holding a man’s arm. The man looked younger, but he couldn’t tell much.When Charlotte appeared to greet Carter, she intentionally didn’t look at Sebastian, but she could feel his gaze bore a hole into her head. As Carter saw Charlotte, he forgot all the guests.He didn’t bother with formalities and hugged Charlotte. “My girl. How are you? It has been months since I last
From across the room, someone was watching the entire scene unfold with an amused glint in his stormy grey eyes.Sebastian leaned back as his lips curled into a half-smile, clearly enjoying the drama, but there was something else in his gaze. Something deeper and darker.“Mr. King, what are you watching?” one of his business partners asked, noting Sebastian’s lingering attention.Sebastian’s eyes never wavered from the group. “Mr. Jones, I hope you don’t mind, but I just spotted an old friend. Would you mind if I went over and said hello?”“Not at all, we are done here,” Mr. Jones replied, excusing himself as he walked away.Meanwhile, Charlotte, having just made her point to Ronan, turned to rejoin her girls. But as she did, she froze. Her gaze met a pair of stormy grey eyes. Eyes that seemed to burn with a quiet intensity.For a moment, Charlotte thought it was just another mirage, a trick her mind was playing on her. She moved as her steps were hesitant, but those eyes followed her
Tonight, the Hart girls had planned a much-needed night out. Charlotte and Abella took the lead, guiding Sia, Kate, and Estelle to one of their favourite clubs. Over the past few days, Estelle had been spending time with Abella, and despite their age difference, the two had become fast friends. So, when Abella invited her to join the group, Estelle didn’t hesitate.Estelle had a naturally chill personality. Even though she was a bit more reserved, she knew how to let loose when the moment called for it.“Boss, I missed you!” Kate exclaimed as she threw her arms around Sia, hugging her tightly and refusing to let go.“Come on, Kate, I’m not your boss here,” Sia said, laughing as she tried to pry Kate off, but Kate clung to her like glue.“I know that! But calling you by your name still gives me the shivers,” Kate grinned mischievously. “You are scary.”Charlotte raised a brow and teased, “How can Sia baby possibly be scary?”The girls burst into laughter as Sia shot them a glare. Norma
“Where are you taking me, Leon?” Sia asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and amusement. He had covered her eyes with his hands and was carefully guiding her along the path. From the moment they met that morning, she could see the anticipation in his eyes. There was excitement, almost boyish, but beneath it there was a hint of nervousness, as if he wasn’t entirely sure how his secret plan would unfold.“Just a minute,” Leon replied his voice brimming with eagerness. “Once we are there, you will see.”They walked along the winding and uneven path, Sia grumbling at every step. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to her and just a blink to him, he stopped.“We are here,” he announced softly. Then, his voice took on a deeper and more heartfelt tone. “Before you open your eyes, I want to tell you—I love you so much, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter of our life together.”Sia felt her heart skip a beat at his words. Slowly, Leon removed his hands, and she opened her eyes.
“What do you want to know about her?” Carter asked, his tone measured as he observed his son’s restless demeanour. He wondered if his son recalled anything about her? As much as he knew that stubborn yet kind woman, she would not come to him again. “Who is Charlotte?” Sebastian asked directly, his voice tinged with both curiosity and apprehension.Carter leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. “She is your wife. Or rather, she was your wife.”Sebastian frowned. “Our divorce isn’t finalized yet,” he corrected.“Great,” Carter said with a small satisfied smile.Sebastian raised an eyebrow, surprised by his father’s reaction. “Are you happy that we are still married?”“You bet I am,” Carter replied with a nonchalant shrug.Sebastian leaned forward, his confusion evident. “As much as I know you, you are an overprotective man. How on earth did you approve of a woman who married me after what was, by all accounts, a drunken mistake?”Carter chuckled, his expression softening.
“What’s up?” Sia asked, leaning casually against the doorframe. Charlotte was sitting quietly in her room, staring at nothing in particular.“I met Sebastian,” Charlotte said flatly, her voice devoid of any emotion.“Oh?” Sia raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “How did that go?”It was as if she was not sitting with Anne and scheming about Charlotte. Charlotte gave her a look. “Knock it off. I know you already know everything. Whatever you are thinking, it’s not going to happen. He asked me to sign the divorce papers, not to be his wife.”Sia stepped into the room, sitting across from her. “The real question is, do you want to be his wife?”Charlotte’s gaze faltered. “He doesn’t even remember me, Sia. And don’t forget—he loves Emily. Always has, always will.”“Did you ask him if Emily is still in his life?” Sia pressed, tilting her head.Charlotte shrugged. “How does it even matter?”“Coco,” Sia said, “How does it not matter? Why are you being such a coward? We both know you still
“So, Saturday night at Apollo’s? It’s a date,” Andrew said, taking a chance with the woman of his dreams. They were standing on the porch of the café. With Charlotte’s high-heeled boots, she stood an inch taller than him.Before she could respond, a smiling hunk with his arms crossed over his chest approached and said, “No, it’s not.”Charlotte froze at the sound of the deep, husky voice that had haunted her dreams. She didn’t dare turn around. What if it was him? What would she do? And if it wasn’t him, how would she handle the crushing disappointment?Andrew frowned at the interruption and asked, “Who are you, man?”“Why don’t you ask the lady?” the stranger replied, cocking an eyebrow.Andrew turned to Charlotte. “Do you know him?”Without even glancing at the man, Charlotte said firmly, “No.”Andrew wasn’t convinced. There was an undeniable tension between them with her avoidance and his unwavering stare. It was as if an unspoken history filled the space between them.“Well,” And
“Mr. King, welcome,” Kate said with a professional smile. “My boss sent me over with the revised agreement. If everything looks good to you, we can proceed with signing the contract.”“Miss Swift certainly lives up to her name,” Sebastian remarked as he skimmed through the document.Kate chuckled softly. “Her last name is Swift for a reason,” she quipped.Sebastian let out a low, rich laugh, his grey eyes glinting with amusement.Kate felt her ears heat up as her heart started pounding unexpectedly. What’s happening to me? she wondered, trying to focus. She had a boyfriend—a perfectly nice one who might even propose soon. So why was she reacting like this to a man she had just met?“Miss Kate,” Sebastian said, pulling her attention back. “I have reviewed all the clauses. I’m ready to sign.”Kate blurted out in surprise, “So quick?”Sebastian leaned in slightly, his voice playful. “I’m quite swift even without the last name, Miss Kate.”Her cheeks flushed crimson as she realized he had
“Coco, did you reach?” Sabrina asked over the phone. She was thrilled that her daughter was on a date. She was so grateful to Sia for making it happen. Seriously, no one else would have the guts to pull what Sia did. Charlotte glanced at the café Sia had booked. It wasn’t just any café—it was Anne’s Café. Seriously, was Sia so unoriginal? Or was she planning something?“I did, Mom,” Charlotte replied. “He is here. I will call you later.”“Have fun, sweetie,” Sabrina said. “Your daddy and I are rooting for you.”Charlotte hung up and took a deep breath. She looked over at the table and saw the charming Andrew Jackson sitting there. His curly hair was his best feature, paired with a smile that could sell anything—even to the devil himself.She walked over, took a seat, and said, “Hello, Andrew. I’m Charlotte.”Andrew looked up and gasped. “Damn, it must have hurt when you fell from heaven.”Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Too cheeky and old, but I will take it. And not heaven—a demon brough