Chapter 8

LENNOX 

I’m going through the cash register to track the cash flow in the cafe, when all of a sudden, Nara, in all her goofiness, rushes into the office, panting like she is being chased by a leopard or whatever.

I flinch when she stops by my side, trying to catch her breath. My brows pull into a frown. “Are you okay?”

“I’m very much okay, but I doubt you will be.” She starts, her eyes darting to the door like if she looks away, a ghost or probably a grim reaper will walk in and snatch her soul.

“What? Why?” My brows furrow as confusion swirls in my head.

Is she okay?

“Liana is here. In your cafe.” Nara digs her fingers into her locks like Liana’s coming means trouble. Which of course, I also knew. “Stay here in your office. I’ll send her away.”

I smile as I reach for Nara’s shoulders. “Calm down, Nara. I’ll go talk to my sister.”

Before I make a move to leave, Nara holds my wrist, her eyes pleading. “We both know Liana isn’t here to talk. She looks like she wants to tear you apart.”

This seems to bring a chuckle out of me. “There isn’t a day Liana doesn’t look like she wants to tear me apart.” I gave her a reassuring smile and she finally let go of my wrist reluctantly.

Just as I am about to reach for the door once again, it flings open and Liana storms in, her nose flaring and her eyes filled with so much anger it radiates off her in waves.

What can be the matter?

I did nothing to upset her, so why is she in my cafe, looking furious? I can’t help but wonder.

“You can’t just barge in here.” Nara steps forward with the intention of stopping Liana from whatever she has swirling in her mind. “Please leave.”

Liana completely ignores Nara, her gaze on me. “You leave, I need to speak with my sister.” She grits.

Nara stares at me and I give her a reassuring nod that I am fine and she can go. “I will be fine.”

She nods and excuses herself, leaving Liana and I alone.

“Ashford harassed my fiancé,” Liana starts.

Confusion swirls in my head as I proceed to speak. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Liana snorts. She doesn’t believe me. “You’re a liar! I know you were the one who sent Ashford to meet Joshua. I bet you didn’t have the guts to do it yourself so you sent your so-called fiancé!”

“Can you calm down?” I yell. “I seriously have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

“You do. You can keep denying it all you want.” Liana steps closer, pointing her index finger at me. “Stay the fuck away from my man.” She hisses in annoyance.

 “If I have my way, I wouldn’t let you come to my wedding. You disgust me!”

“Liana. You’re blowing this out of proportion. I seriously didn’t send Ashford….” I am not done speaking when she turns around and storms off, slamming the door shut.

I fall onto my chair with a sigh, rubbing my temple. I am confused about what to do. While I am at it, I’m tempted to text Joshua and apologize on Ashford’s behalf. But then, I do not want any more trouble from Liana. She has done enough already.

So I proceed to do what I am supposed to do, I grab my phone and dial Ashford’s line. 

What he did was uncalled for. He is overstepping his boundaries and I do not like that. Not even for a second.

While I am at it, the door pushes open and Nara slips into the office. “Are you okay? I heard your sister yelling.”

I nod, a sigh slipping past my lips. “Yes, I am fine.” 

“Okay, I’m glad to hear that. I’ll return to the cafe now.” Nara is about to leave when Ashford hangs up on me.

Raising my brow in confusion, I proceed to dial his line once again, only for a knock to ring through my office. I exchange glances with Nara before shifting my gaze to the door.

I half expected Liana again, but knowing the pride she has, she won’t come to my cafe again. So, just before I can say a word, the door creaks open and Ashford walks in.

 “You came.”

He nods as he walks fully into the office. “I was around the corner so I decided to drop by.”

“I’ll take my leave now.” Nara says, wink at me and leaves the office.

My gaze falls on Ashford and every trace of surprise is gone from my face by the time I walk to his side. “We need to talk.”