Samantha scoffs lightly, tapping her nails against the table. “I highly doubt it.”
“Looks like I’ll just have to let the coffee speak for itself. So, what can I get for you both?” I say, ignoring the taunt.
Aditya’s smirk widens at my restraint. “Well, Samantha is classy, and her taste is refined, after all. So, can you suggest accordingly?”
I keep my expression neutral, forcing myself to focus on my job. “We have a variety of desserts. Our caramel cheesecake is a bestseller, and if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the honey almond biscotti pairs well with coffee.”
Before Aditya can respond, Samantha waves a perfectly manicured hand. “Actually, I’d prefer something healthy. I have to maintain my figure.” Her eyes skim over me, her lips curving in a way that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “By any chance, do you have almond milk coffee? No sugar, of course.”
I refuse to react, keeping my tone professional. “Yes, we do. I can make you an almond milk cappuccino or a cold brew with almond milk if you prefer something lighter.”
She hums, tapping a finger against her chin. “Hmm, the cappuccino should do.”
I nod and turn to Aditya. “And for you?”
His gaze holds mine for a second too long before he leans forward slightly, his voice lower, more deliberate. “You know my choice. And what I want.”
I swallow hard, keeping my face carefully blank even as my pulse quickens. “Your usual, then,” I say evenly, refusing to acknowledge the double meaning behind his words.
His smirk deepens, as if satisfied by my reaction—or lack of it.
“Thanks,” he murmurs.
I force myself to breathe, taking down their orders, pretending my hands aren’t shaking ever so slightly. “I’ll have it out shortly.”
Turning on my heel, I walk away, my heart hammering against my ribs. I can still feel his eyes on me, but I force myself to get it together. Ignoring the tightness in my chest, I remindmyself that I need to build a life beyond him, and that he doesn’t get to have that hold on me anymore.
I hand the order slip to my staff, my fingers trembling slightly, before turning on my heel and making a beeline for my office. The moment I step inside, I shut the door behind me, leaning against it. I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep, shuddering breath.
“What’s wrong?” Mili’s voice cuts through, and I blink, lifting my head to see her standing near my desk, arms crossed, her eyes filled with concern.
I exhale slowly. “Aditya,” I say quietly. “He’s here. With his date.”
Mili’s expression hardens instantly. “The nerve of that…” she snaps, her hands clenching into fists. “I’ll handle him. He has no right to waltz in here, throwing his date at you.”
I shake my head firmly. “No, Mili. I’ve already asked the staff to take care of their table. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he’s gotten under my skin.”
Mili’s jaw tightens, but she nods, stepping closer. “I get it. But, Sana, you don’t have to keep pretending like it doesn’t hurt.”
I let out a hollow chuckle, running a hand over my face. “What else can I do, Mili? Break down in front of him? Give him exactly what he wants?” I shake my head. “I won’t. I refuse to let him see me weak. I won’t give him that power.”
Mili sighs, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’re not weak. You’re one of the strongest people I know. But strength doesn’t mean you have to face this alone and put up with this kind of shit.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, nodding. “I know. And I appreciate you.”
She squeezes my shoulder gently. “Always, Sana. Always.”
Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. He has moved on. Found someone new. And soon, he’ll find his happiness—one that doesn’t involve tormenting me. And when that day comes, my world will finally fall back into place.
But right now, it feels like I’m standing on the edge of a crumbling cliff, the ground beneath me unstable. One wrong step, one careless moment, and I could spiral into the void, lost in the wreckage of what once was.
Chapter 24
Aditya
Samantha lets out a frustrated huff as we step out of the café, her heels clicking against the pavement with irritation.
“A café, Aditya? Really? This is where you brought me for our first date?” she scoffs, her perfectly manicured fingers tightening around her designer clutch. “I was expecting something grand, something that matched our status. Not… this.”
