Chapter 73

• Maya sat in a cozy corner of her favorite café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the hum of quiet conversations around her. She stirred her latte absentmindedly, her thoughts a tangled mess of doubts and questions. When Luke had texted her earlier that day, asking to meet, she’d almost said no. But his tone had seemed sincere, even vulnerable, and despite her better judgment, she’d agreed.
• Now she was questioning why she’d come.
• The door jingled as Luke walked in, his tall frame silhouetted against the sunlight streaming through the window. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on her almost immediately. A small, disarming smile spread across his face as he approached.