Chapter 9 – The Mysterious Man

"Finally, everything's done," Jeslyn said as she wiped her hands with a small towel. She had been helping Nico and Livia clean up the tables and tidy everything up after closing.

"Yeah, Jes. The café was super busy today," Nico said, letting out a long sigh as he leaned against the kitchen wall. Beads of sweat still clung to his temples, clear signs of a hectic day.

"Do you think it has something to do with your brother-in-law?" Livia suddenly piped up, making Nico glance at her with a confused look.

Jeslyn frowned instantly. She paused and turned sharply toward Livia. "What do you mean?" Her tone was flat, but there was a subtle irritation she couldn't hide.

Livia raised both hands in defense. "Well, he’s like a good luck charm or something. He was the first customer who came in today." Her voice was innocent—perhaps a little too innocent.

Jeslyn scoffed and tossed the towel onto the table. "Stop talking about him. He's the most annoying person ever," she said, though she ended it with a long sigh.

Nico tried to hold back a chuckle, casting a sidelong glance. "But honestly, Jes... ever since he showed up, the café has had a different vibe. A group of moms even asked me, Who was that guy earlier? He was so handsome.”

Jeslyn rolled her eyes. “Oh, please… He just came for coffee and to show off his position. Don’t let your imaginations run wild.”

“But he is really handsome, though,” Livia teased, nudging Jeslyn lightly. Both employees had grown so close to her that they treated her like an older sister.

“Yeah, I guess,” Jeslyn admitted absentmindedly, her mind drifting. “But he’s still a jerk. Don’t be fooled just because he’s good-looking.”

“But the way he looked at you, Jes… it wasn’t normal. It was like… I don't know… like you belonged to him or something,” Livia added.

A shiver ran down Jeslyn’s spine. Not because of Livia, but because those words reminded her of his gaze—Leonel's—and the way he spoke. It felt intense… and dangerous.

“Alright, enough. Stop talking about him,” Jeslyn cut in quickly and walked to the counter to double-check the register. But one thing she couldn’t control was the sudden quickening of her heartbeat—for no logical reason.

Why did he have to be the first person to show up at the café? she thought, annoyed… and a little nervous.

Livia and Nico said their goodbyes after ensuring the kitchen was clean and everything was put away properly.

“Ten o’clock tomorrow, right, Sis?” Nico asked, putting on his jacket.

Jeslyn nodded. “Yeah. Be careful on your way home.”

“Bye, Jeslyn! Don’t forget to get enough sleep!” Livia waved as she followed Nico out the side door.

The café fell silent. Only the ticking of the wall clock echoed softly and steadily. Jeslyn stood behind the counter, counting the bills stacked neatly in the drawer. Her hands moved skillfully, but now and then, her eyes drifted toward the large glass window. Her reflection was faint—like a shadow from another world.

After confirming the totals, she locked the register, grabbed her shoulder bag, and flipped the main switch. The pendant lights above the tables dimmed one by one, casting the space into a sudden gloom.

She walked slowly toward the front door, glancing back occasionally to make sure nothing was left behind. The scent of coffee and caramel still lingered in the air, like unfinished memories.

Just as her hand gripped the doorknob and began to turn the key, a strange feeling crept up her spine. Goosebumps spread across her arms. Her eyes flicked outside—the street was empty, lit only by the dim glow of street lamps.

And yet… it felt like someone was watching her.

Jeslyn quickly locked the door and descended the small steps to the sidewalk. Her pace quickened as she followed the path to her parked car. Her heart grew more uneasy.

It’s just my imagination, right? There’s no one out there...

But why did that cold sensation still cling to the back of her neck?

She reached her car and unlocked the door. Swiftly, she got inside.

Jeslyn shut the door a little hastily and locked all the doors automatically. Her eyes scanned the surroundings through the mirrors. The street was still deserted. But the unease wouldn’t go away.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but her heartbeat was far too loud to ignore.

“Calm down, Jeslyn… it’s just stress. Don’t be paranoid,” she murmured, trying to reassure herself.

She turned the ignition. The soft roar of the engine was somewhat soothing. But just as she was about to shift into gear and drive away, her eyes landed on the rearview mirror.

Someone was standing across the street.

The figure was hazy, the face obscured by shadows cast from the trees. But the posture—straight and motionless—was unnerving, as though he was waiting.

Jeslyn froze. Her hands on the steering wheel felt cold.

Who is that...?

She looked away briefly, hoping the figure would vanish when she looked again.

But when she glanced back...

Nothing.

The street was empty once more. No one was there.

Jeslyn swallowed hard, then stepped on the gas, pulling out of the lot faster than usual.

Yet the image—the silent figure standing still in the dark—haunted her all the way home.

And behind, in the very spot where her car had been parked, a man slowly lifted his face from the shadows. His eyes gleamed. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

On the drive, Jeslyn exhaled deeply. “Who was that man…?” she murmured.

***

Jeslyn parked in the garage of her cozy yet spacious home. The porch light glowed warmly, sweeping away some of the lingering tension. She stepped out of the car and headed toward the front door.

As soon as she opened it, the scent of home-cooked food welcomed her, making her stomach growl. The aroma of chicken soup and other familiar dishes made her realize how hungry she actually was.

She entered and found her parents at the dinner table. Her mother was pouring warm tea into a glass, while her father sliced roasted meat.

“Jeslyn, you’re just getting home?” her mother asked with a kind smile.

“Sorry I’m late. The café was packed today,” Jeslyn replied, smiling, though fatigue still lingered in her features.

“Well, that’s good! Means your business is doing great,” her father said, picking up a piece of sausage.

“Come on, sit with us. I made your favorites. It'll warm you up,” her mother added, patting the empty seat beside her.

Jeslyn couldn’t refuse. This house—these two people she loved most—was her safe haven from the chaos of today.

She sat down and placed a slice of meat on her plate. “Thanks, Mom. I’m starving.”

Her mother studied her face with concern. “You look tired. Are you stressed?”

Jeslyn gave a faint smile. “A bit, Mom. But I’m fine. Everything’s okay.”

But behind that smile, her thoughts were still tangled with Leonel’s intense gaze… and that mysterious man outside the café.

“Um… Since you’re both here, I wanted to tell you… I’m moving back to my apartment tomorrow.”

The air suddenly grew tense.

“Tomorrow? Isn’t that a bit soon?” her father asked.

“Well, I don’t really have a choice, Dad. I have to start working again,” Jeslyn replied.

“You’re still planning to work at your fiancé’s family company? But Jefran already said you could just focus on your café,” her mother said.

“I don’t want to abandon my responsibilities, Mom, Dad. I’ve been part of that company from the beginning. And I’ve decided to return,” Jeslyn said firmly.

Her father put down his fork and looked at her, frowning. “But you just started the café, Jes. Why rush it?”

Jeslyn lowered her gaze, poking at the meat on her plate. “The café will still run. But I can’t keep avoiding my duties at Clovies Group. I’m still part of that family… and that company.”

Her mother studied her closely. “Does Jefran know?”

Jeslyn looked up. “Yes,” she answered shortly.

Her father sighed deeply. “Jeslyn, we just want you to be happy. If you’re doing this out of guilt or pressure from Jefran’s family, you don’t have to go through with it.”

“I know, Dad. But this isn’t about anyone else. I just... want to stand on my own. Not because of the family name, not because of Jefran, or anyone else. I want to prove I can handle everything. Including Clovies,” Jeslyn said with quiet determination.

Silence fell.

Finally, her mother smiled softly and placed her hand over Jeslyn’s. “If that’s your decision, I’ll support you. Just… take care of yourself, okay?”

Jeslyn nodded. “I promise.”

Her father sighed again, but a small smile tugged at his lips. “Then starting tomorrow… you’re not just a café owner, but a career woman too.”

Jeslyn smiled—partly relieved, partly anxious. A part of her had missed her job. But another part of her… feared what lay ahead—Leonel, the past, and everything left unresolved.

And tomorrow… would be the beginning of it all.

***