Chapter 1

I had just stepped out of the towering skyscraper that stood majestically in the heart of New York City. Its glass walls reflected the sunlight, while its elegant architecture radiated wealth, power, and prestige.

The building looked so imposing, as though the entire city lay beneath its shadow.

Ironically, I had just spent nearly two hours inside, attending a job interview that I had hoped would change my life.

And the result?

A complete disaster.

Who would have thought that the HR manager interviewing me would turn out to be Anne, my former college classmate who had always been jealous of everything I had? I had no idea what her problem with me was, but that woman had always treated my life as a competition she was determined to win.

Throughout the interview, she had picked apart my answers, questioned my abilities, and even interrupted me before I could finish speaking.

She hadn't given me a single chance to prove myself.

Damn it! I cursed under my breath.

I stopped in front of the building, tilted my head back to look up at its towering height, and let out a long sigh.

God, please don't let me run into people like that ever again, I muttered.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to swallow the bitter disappointment lodged in my throat.

I needed a job. Not just to pay my bills, but to survive in a city that seemed determined to make my life miserable.

New York might have been a dream city for many people.

But to me, it was beginning to feel like a place that would swallow me whole if I didn't find a way to survive soon.

Just as I was about to walk away, something across the street caught my attention.

A charming little café with a French-inspired white façade stood gracefully among the surrounding modern buildings. Blue hydrangeas adorned its entrance, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

But the scenery wasn't the only thing that made me stop.

The aroma drifting from the café was irresistible. The rich scent of freshly ground coffee mingled with the sweetness of steamed milk, almost as if it were inviting every passerby to step inside and forget their troubles for a while.

My empty stomach chose that moment to protest.

Fine. At least a cup of coffee won't reject me just because I don't have the experience they're looking for, I muttered with a bitter smile.

I crossed the street and pushed open the café door.

Ding!

A little bell above the entrance chimed, followed by the cheerful greeting of a young woman who looked no older than nineteen.

"Welcome!"

I returned her smile before glancing around the room.

The café wasn't particularly busy. There was only one customer, sitting alone in a corner near the window, facing the very building where I'd just had my disastrous interview.

And, good heavens!

That man...

Damn. He's gorgeous!

For a moment, I almost forgot how to blink.

His black hair was neatly styled, his jawline sharp, and his broad shoulders filled out the dark clothes he wore. Even from a distance, there was something about him that made him impossible to ignore. He possessed a quiet, commanding presence that set him apart from every other man I'd ever seen.

I quickly looked away before he caught me staring.

Sevra, get a grip. You're here for coffee, not to find yourself a husband.

Besides, I was thirty-five years old. I should have been mature enough not to lose my mind over a handsome face.

At least, that was what I kept telling myself.

I approached the counter.

"What can I get for you?" the young waitress asked pleasantly.

"Um... a cappuccino, please. No sugar."

"Of course. You can take a seat, and I'll bring it over."

"Thank you."

I smiled at her before choosing a table in the corner, directly behind the handsome stranger.

As I passed him, I sensed someone watching me.

Without thinking, I turned my head.

Our eyes met.

Just for a second.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, my heart began to beat a little faster.

I immediately looked away and hurried toward my table.

Good Lord, why am I acting so nervous? He hasn't even said a word to me!

I settled into the seat tucked into the far corner beside the wall. From there, I could observe the man without making it too obvious.

At least, that was the plan.

His black hair looked flawless from behind. His shoulders were broad, his posture straight, and every movement seemed unhurried, as though he had never once known what it meant to be in a rush.

I wondered who he was.

A businessman? A lawyer? Perhaps a young executive working in one of the skyscrapers across the street?

Whatever his occupation, one thing was certain: he looked like the kind of man who had never needed to worry about the price of a cup of coffee.

Unlike me, who was currently calculating how long the money in my bank account would last if I failed to find a job soon.

A few minutes later, the waitress brought over my order.

"Here's your cappuccino."

"Thank you so much."

I spoke a little louder than necessary, hoping she would hear me as she turned toward another table.

But my simple words seemed to catch the attention of the man by the window.

He turned to look at me.

I froze.

Oops. Was I too loud?