Chapter 3 The Invite

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ETHAN'S POV

I sat in my car, staring at the café's entrance. I had known Miss Thompson worked here for a week now, all thanks to the private investigator i had hired to do a background check on her and to check in on all her activities and work schedule.

I had to orchestrate this "coincidental" meeting, because I needed to see her in her element and understand more about her life outside our initial interaction at the gala.

I got down from my car to go in. As I stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee hit me, and i scanned the room, immediately spotting her. She was wiping down tables, a look of deep concentration on her face.

For a moment, i felt a pang of guilt for spying on her, but i pushed it aside. I had to know more about her and her element because I wanted her to be the future mother of my child, and this was the only way i could think of to do it.

"Miss Thompson?" I called out as i approached the counter. Her eyes widened in surprise, and i noted the slight tremble in her hands as she nodded."you work here?"

"Yes, Mr. Carter. It's one of my jobs," she replied, her voice steady despite the nerves i could sense.

I raised an eyebrow, masking my own surprise at how composed she seemed. "I see. May I have a coffee, please? Black."

As she prepared my coffee, i could not help but watch her closely. She moved with a practiced efficiency, clearly used to the demands of her job. I wondered how she managed to balance everything from work, to taking care of herself , and taking care of her family without selling her body because I learnt from my Private investigator that she was still a virgin. When she handed me the cup of coffee, i took a sip and leaned against the counter, trying to appear casual.

"This is quite the coincidence," i remarked, though i knew it was anything but. "I did not expect to see you here."

She shrugged, wiping her hands on a towel. "It's just another job to help me save up for school and feed my family. What brings you here?"

I glanced around the café, buying myself a moment to think of what to say . "I was in the area for a meeting and needed a break," i lied smoothly. "But I am glad I ran into you. Can you sit with me and have a cup of coffee, please?" I asked, attempting to sound sincere.

She bit her lower lip, hesitating. "I would have loved to, but I am in the middle of work right now."

I nodded, feigning understanding. "Of course. I understand. How about dinner tonight after your shift?"

"I am sorry, but I cannot do that," she responded, her tone firm but polite.

"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"I have a job to do which is important. But maybe next time," she answered truthfully.

"Okay, I understand." I said, feeling a mix of frustration and admiration for her dedication.

I finished his coffee, paid and left, heading to my supposed meeting.

As i drove away, I could not stop thinking about her. She was resilient, determined, and fiercely independent, qualities I had started to admire and kind of found frustrating. I knew i had to find a way to talk to her about my proposal without overstepping my boundaries.

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A WEEK LATER

LENA'S POV

I closed from my tutoring job and hurriedly walked to my waitressing job hoping not to be late.

I walked out of the school and walked to work brushing the surface of the pavement with her shoes.

"Good morning." Stella, my co worker greeted.

" Good morning Stella." I responded.

I clocked in and immediately went to the locker room to change into my uniform. Whilst i was changing Stella came in.

" Lena. There is a man here and he insists to be served by you only." Stella said.

"Do you know him.?" I asked curiously.

"He is the man from last time that wanted to take you out to dinner. So hurry up.". Stella replied whilst walking out to the locker room."

"Hi, and welcome to our coffee shop. May I take your order please ?" I said to Ethan.

"Hello Lena. Good to see you again." Ethan responded.

"What will you like to have?" I asked him.

"I would like some coffee and also to take you to dinner. And I am not taking a no this time around." He said whilst staring at me.

I hesitated for a while , then decided to take advantage of the opportunity. " Dinner is fine.

Ethan agreed, and i walked back to the counter to continue my work.

As Ethan walked out of the cafe, i wondered as to why he wants to have dinner with me later that night.

I pushed the thoughts aside and decided to focus on my work.

The rest of my shift passed in a blur. I kept myself busy, taking orders, serving customers, and cleaning. As my shift ended, i hurried home to prepare.

I got home and immediately ran into the shower. Took a quick bath and got dressed. I chose an old dress i had in my wardrobe, although old but elegant.

As i was getting dressed, i got a message from Ethan for my house address so he could send his driver to bring me a dress and also pick me up to the restaurant where we will be having the dinner.

I applied a light touch of makeup and brushed my hair. I could not help but feel nervous and was looking forward to what Ethan wanted to talk to me about during the course of the evening .

Just as i finished getting ready, my phone buzzed with a message from Ethan: "The driver is waiting outside your building. He will take you to the restaurant."