re wasn't a whole lot to think about. Either she gave in and married the cheater or she'd refuse and he'd find ways to make her life a living hell. She was well aware that he was capable of that

simmering i

hat muffin

ned back against her seat. She pushed the plate away from her and reached for her Chai tea, taking a huge gulp to let the warmth of the hot beverage comfort her. Maria raised an eyebro

aced the empty tall glass on the tab

erfectly baked muffin? I put a l

sor

ek. From what I can tell is that you don't want to talk about. But I just want you to

en got up, "I'll clean this up. Can you lo

t and glanced back at Hannah, "Looking like they'll do each other right here. What's wit

no trust, people betray each other because the heart is a fickle thing. One minute it beats for a blo

oulder, "What brunette?" She then looked at

lked past the confused looking Maria, "I

s to Maria without thinking. The brunette didn't link everything together because she didn't have all the pieces. She was grateful she never talked about her past with Nero. She knew Maria was

it before. She'd use her overly sweet voice while serving her customers. It was nearly tim

*

e shoved everything up in a little box again, keeping all her thoughts and emotions locked up, but unlike that morning she felt great. S

s like they'r

oice. Slowly looking up she me

mean to scare

was living in her head these couple of days. She

ere for your regular? It's been a

azel eyes. The way his eyes softened and his smile brightened confused her though. He looked utterly happy

explained to her, "My son is always very strict, but this time

old him, lying th

he girl with the beautiful smile and a beautiful heart. My son kept tea

king to her, he kept coming to the coffee shop for weeks, telling her stories about his trips and favorite food. His fam

you two are work

placing the colorful c

decide, whatever you two decide to do about this situation, you and that baby would be in good hands. Our family

rly in life. They didn't have enough time. The fact that Nero didn't have any loyalty toward her didn't mean he wouldn't

ith a smile, "Do you want a brownie with that?

recomme

to make sure Maria wasn't in hearing range. She then leaned closer to Valerio and

up, "Thank you, Hannah." Something in his eyes changed as he clutched the cup a bit tighter in his han

wi

probably forcing himself to stay away from her, going against his ins

the hotel at eight, tonight. If

't kno

e more time with the mother of my grandchild. I rather enjoy

"Thank you f

tonight." He sounded hope

talked about his son told her he was rather fond of him. She knew from experience that Nero could be kind and gentle. Fun to hang around with. He had given her the summer of he

*

and purse on the floor which made him feel awkward and guilty. He helped her collect her things and when he actually looked her in the eyes, something changed. He chased her and she loved it. She fell in love with him in a matter of a few weeks. She should have known better. Falling that hard and fast was never a good

an bumped into her, quickly

was her fault because she more or less

y of her own apartment. Smiling to the receptionist at the front desk, as always, Hannah made her way to the restaurant, easily spotting Nero and his cha

you could mak

too." She answer

to her, obviously surprised,

eside Nero. She felt his eyes on her, but she didn't have the courage to meet his

ge juice

ur

er. He asked her about the orange juice and

old her, handing her a menu, "

enu and opened it, scann

is father, "Hannah and I h

alerio aske

ce." Hannah reminded Nero, "It

you've entertained while having great food at your

greed, no emotion whats

at he was avoiding looking at her as well. They could have been two strangers who met for the first time. Valerio noticed it too. When they finished dessert Valerio muttered something about needi

hing to drink?

e curious looking waitress

whipped cream w

inned,

landing on her. She held her breath when their eyes met. The same feeling of f

her lik

esponded without hesita

ed, "I'll do anything t

threat, someone who could potentially hurt his father's feelings. She didn't plan

a small voice, hating how she lost most o

s placed his tumbler before him and served her the steaming

o keep th

ing her time to freak out about the words which spille

hat that me

d

at her, "Then I'll set

her off at her apartment. Walking her up to her door and watching her unlock it. His intense gaze, making her so nervous her hands trem

for dropp

re we

ncased in platform heels, "I-I need to

ke to meet up at the end of the week to dis

dded,

leave her alone so she could catch her breath and collect her thoughts

t, Ha

ig

It wasn't like that when they dated, they always enjoyed each other's presence. Now it felt like they both needed to force it. It wasn't a perfect situation at all, b