Ignored All, Fell for One

nted window. Another gala, another night of shallow conversations and forced smiles. He had endured hours of business elites

" Alexander ordered his d

h old brick buildings and narrow streets. A small café on the corner caught Alexander's attention. It wasn't extravagant, nor did

p he

itated. "Sir,

aid

bove. Inside, - the scent of freshly brewed coffee and vanilla filled the air. A few late-night customers sat with th

s a r

ovements. Loose strands of dark brown hair had escaped her ponytail, fra

said flatly, wi

o impress? He was accustomed to women falling over themselves for a momen

closer. "Co

Her eyes-warm hazel with flecks of gold-held

she asked, com

dled these trivial matters. He reached into his

it back without a second glance.

reatment. Just simple

rig

ind the counter. She moved with effortless ease, chatting briefly

how unfamiliar th

teaming cup of black coffee i

cup, then at her. "You

eyebrow. "Sh

-almost a smirk.

people." She shrug

r Cain found himself intrigued by som

place without expectations, - without a carefully curated image to uphold. He leaned back, watching the woman work. Her pr

building an empire, ensuring he was always in control. Yet, here, in this sma

all group of university students occupied a corner booth, their laughter blending with the soft hum of background jazz. A tired bu

refilling the pastry display. He watched as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her expression focused

pulling out a small notepad. She scribbled somet

se?" she asked, h

For the first time, he wasn't here on business, wasn

place?" he foun

odded.

un it

against the counter

hrugged. "J

rying to gauge his intentions. "Yo

e do I se

"The type that doesn't usuall

irked. "You'

d, studying him. "S

peace, that he was tired of the suffocating expectati

er. Instead, she nodded toward his cup. "Then yo

t was about her-her indifference, her quiet strength, - or the simple fact that she treated him li

though modest, had a comforting atmosphere, a stark contrast to the sterile perfection of his p

y built on power, status, and solitude-yet sitting in this tiny café, watching a woman

ist. An old one, faint but noticeable. It stirred something unfamil

ted to

t was d