The lunchtime rush at Sweet Bloom Café was relentless. Maya Sharma darted between tables, balancing trays loaded with pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Her apron was smudged with flour, and her hair had escaped its usual bun. She prided herself on being prepared for anything—except the day's imminent collision.
The bell above the door rang sharply, and every motion in Maya's body froze.
In walked Adrian Knight, tall, imposing, and impossibly precise in his black tailored suit. Every head turned; every whisper fell silent. His eyes scanned the café like a hawk, finally resting on her.
Maya's stomach dropped. Memories of spilled coffee, ruined suits, and scolding words came rushing back.
She squared her shoulders. Today, she wouldn't back down.Welcome," she said, voice steady, though her hands trembled slightly as she adjusted a tray.
Adrian's gaze lingered. "I believe we've met before," he said smoothly, tone flat but with a dangerous edge.
"Yes," Maya replied firmly, refusing to apologize again. "I remember too. And I assure you, I've learned my lesson."
He raised an eyebrow, and Maya felt the heat in her cheeks. Before either could react further, a customer bumped into her, making her tray wobble. A macaron slid dangerously close to the edge.
Adrian moved instinctively, catching the pastry—and her hand in the process.
The contact was brief, but it was enough. A spark, unspoken and confusing, passed between them. Maya jerked her hand back, hiding her blush behind the tray. Adrian's eyes, however, stayed fixed on her.
"Still as clumsy as ever," he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
Maya huffed. "Clumsy? That's rich coming from the CEO who probably trips over his own ego sometimes."
Adrian's smirk widened slightly. "Is that supposed to be clever?"
"Yes," she shot back, her voice dripping with playful defiance. "And it works."
The café seemed to vanish around them—the noise, the customers, even Maya's best friend Emilia watching silently from a table. All that existed was the tension, the teasing, the unspoken challenge.
"Maybe I should take my business elsewhere," Adrian said slowly, almost as if testing her.
"You're welcome to try," Maya replied, crossing her arms. Her heart raced—not just from the confrontation but from something more… electric.Adrian's dark eyes flickered, betraying a hint of curiosity he wouldn't yet admit aloud. He had met many people in his life, but few had stared him down with such fearless fire.
As he turned to order, Maya exhaled, steadying her heartbeat. She didn't notice that her sleeve had brushed his arm again, sending an almost imperceptible jolt through both of them.
From the corner of the café, Veronica Hale watched the scene from across the street, lips curved into a thin, knowing smile. "Interesting," she murmured. "So, this is the little chef daring to provoke Adrian Knight…"
Outside, a breeze caught the bell, jingling softly, almost like a signal. Two lives, strangers yet inexplicably drawn, had collided.
And although neither would admit it yet, something dangerous had begun—a game of wit, pride, and perhaps… desire.