The café was unusually quiet that morning. Maya stood by the counter, lost in thought, tracing circles on a cup with her fingertip.
Adrian's words from last night echoed in her mind — "You're not safe alone."
She hadn't slept. Every creak of the floor, every sound outside made her wonder if someone was watching.
Then the doorbell chimed.
Adrian entered, dressed in a charcoal suit, his expression unreadable.
"You didn't answer my texts," he said.
"I didn't know what to say," she admitted.
He sighed, stepping closer. "Then just say you'll trust me."
"I do," Maya whispered. "That's the problem."
For a heartbeat, silence filled the air — their eyes locking, saying everything their words couldn't.Then Emilia came rushing out from the kitchen, breaking the moment.
"Maya! The supplier said the flour delivery's delayed again."
Adrian straightened, masking the emotion in his face. "I'll handle it," he said.
Emilia blinked. "You? Mr. CEO?"
Adrian gave a half-smile. "Consider it… community management."
Maya tried to hide her laugh, and for a moment, things felt light again.
---
Later – At the Supplier's Office
Adrian's charm and authority got the issue fixed within minutes. The manager practically bowed as he left.
But as Adrian returned to his car, a black SUV parked nearby caught his eye. A man in sunglasses sat inside, pretending to read a newspaper.
Adrian's instincts flared. He didn't show it — just slipped his phone out and snapped a discreet photo before driving off.
Meanwhile – At the University
Professor Max sat in his lecture hall, but his thoughts weren't on the whiteboard. They were on Lila Knight.
She was sitting quietly in the back row today, her usual bright energy replaced by something distant.
After class, he stopped her.
"You didn't take notes today," he said gently.
Lila shrugged. "I was distracted."
"By what?"
She hesitated, then smiled faintly. "You. You looked tired."
Max blinked, a soft laugh escaping him. "You noticed that?"
"Always," she said, and for a second, their eyes met — that quiet spark of understanding they always shared, the one neither dared to name.Back at the Café – Evening
Maya was closing up when the lights flickered. She frowned.
The storm outside had returned, rain tapping against the windows.
Then the bell above the door jingled. She looked up — and froze.
It wasn't Adrian.
It was a man in a black coat, his face shadowed.
"We're closed," Maya said quickly.
The man stepped closer. "You're Maya Sharma, right?"
Her throat went dry. "Who are you?"
Before he could reply, the door burst open — Adrian stormed in, rain dripping from his hair, eyes blazing.
"Get away from her!"
The man froze, startled by the sudden force in Adrian's voice. Within seconds, Adrian had grabbed his arm, twisting it.
"Who sent you?"
The man stammered, "I–I was just delivering a message—"
Adrian snatched the paper from his hand. The man ran out into the storm before he could stop him.Maya stood frozen as Adrian read the note.
> You were warned, Mr. Knight. Step back, or she pays the price.
Adrian's fist tightened, veins standing out on his arm.
"Maya," he said, turning to her, voice softer now but trembling with anger, "you're staying with me tonight."
"What?" she breathed.
"I can't protect you from a distance anymore."
Her eyes widened, fear and something deeper swirling inside her. "Adrian, this is crazy—"
"Maybe," he said, stepping closer, his voice low, sincere. "But losing you would be worse."
Their eyes met, the storm outside mirroring the storm within. Meanwhile – Max's Apartment
Max looked out the window at the rain, a cup of tea in hand. He smiled faintly when his phone buzzed — a message from Lila:
> Do you believe in age gaps?
He chuckled softly and typed back:
> Only when the heart forgets to count years.