Chapter 68

• Damien stood a few paces away from Charlotte, his heart hammering in rhythm with the tension enveloping him like a thick fog. The café buzzed around him, but the world had faded into a blur, his focus solely on her. She looked just as breathtaking as he remembered, dressed in a light sweater that hugged her form and dark jeans that accentuated her curves. Yet, the spark in her eyes, usually bright and inviting, seemed dimmed as she laughed at something Jake said, that carefree laughter a stark contrast to the heaviness in Damien's chest.
• Jake was charming, the kind of guy who exuded confidence with every movement. He leaned closer to Charlotte, the informality of their exchange a slap in the face to Damien, who felt like an unwelcome intruder. With his heart racing and thoughts whirling, Damien took a step back before the charged atmosphere could pull him in any deeper. He watched as Charlotte hesitated; the small furrow in her brow spoke volumes.
• “Are you sure?” She leaned slightly away from Jake, her eyes searching his as if seeking reassurance. But before Damien could glean meaning from that moment, she gave a slight nod, a smile breaking through the uncertainty—“Okay, let’s get coffee.”