Chapter 2 Fate or Coincidence

The soft hum of conversation and the rhythmic clinking of cups filled the small café. Emma stirred her coffee, glancing at the man across from her. She wasn't sure why she'd agreed to share a table, but something about him intrigued her.

"So, do we pretend to ignore each other, or do we talk?" he asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Emma arched an eyebrow. "That depends. Are you a quiet coffee drinker or the kind who fills silences with unnecessary conversation?"

He chuckled, tapping his pen against his notebook. "Depends on the company."

She took a sip of her coffee, studying him. He had the air of someone who noticed details others missed, someone who asked questions not just to fill time but to truly understand.

"Emma," she offered, setting down her cup.

"Mark." He extended a hand, and she shook it, feeling the roughness of someone who wrote more than he typed.

"You're a journalist, aren't you?" she asked, nodding toward his notebook.

Mark's smile widened. "Guilty. Investigative reporting, mostly."

Emma nodded, not entirely surprised. "And what scandal are you uncovering today?"

He leaned back, studying her. "That depends. Know any corrupt architects?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Not yet. But I'll let you know if I find one."

The conversation flowed more easily than she expected. They talked about the city-its chaos, its charm. Emma spoke of the buildings she dreamed of designing, while Mark shared the stories he was chasing. Somewhere between sips of coffee and stolen glances, the rain outside faded into the background.

Emma checked her watch, surprised at how much time had passed. "I should get back to work."

Mark nodded, but there was something in his gaze-like he wasn't ready for the moment to end. "Same. But hey... maybe we'll run into each other again."

Emma smirked as she grabbed her coat. "Maybe. New York's a small city, right?"

She left the café, stepping into a world that suddenly felt a little less predictable.