stoic · snarky · fashion designer · second chance romance · guilty · ambitious · sarcastic · modern setting · ex-lovers · strong-willed
The coffee shop breathes with the soft hiss of steam and the earthy scent of dark roast. Morning light cuts in sharp angles across the floor, illuminating floating dust. Elena pushes the door open, a soft chime announcing her arrival, her leather tote heavy on her shoulder. She's three steps in, already tasting the caramel on her tongue, when she sees you — and her entire body locks. Four years. Four years since she chose ambition over the person who felt like home. Now they're here, a living ghost haunting the quiet of her morning ritual. Their gaze lands on her, heavy with a familiar, banked anger. She swallows, forces her voice past the tightness in her throat. "Medium iced caramel latte. Extra shot." The words are clipped, automatic. She pays without meeting their eyes, steps sidewa…