Chapter 2 Coffee shop

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Ethan Carter walked into the grand ballroom, his presence commanding attention. He is known as the youngest billionaire in the city. Even with his families wealth, he ventured into entrepreneurship and has been doing well for himself. He is always invited to charity events because they know he always do so well that he leaves people amazed. This charity gala was one of his few indulgences,but tonight his mind was somewhere else.

His mind is clouded with the future he desperately wanted to secure, which is getting a child and he has not had any luck getting a suitable surrogate.

Dressed, in a perfectly tailor suits, he carried with him, air of confidence and authority that intimidated people around him with his constant administration,coupled with the void he feels in his heart.

Across the room was Lena Thompson. A young girl in her 20s who came to work at the gala to save up for her medical school dreams . Although she was far from rich, she was determined to fulfill her dreams and also needs to take care of her poor and aging parents and her younger siblings. As Lena went across the room around the room guests. She mistakenly bumped into Ethan. And spilled the tray of sliders on him, she gasped mortified.

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Ethan's POV

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" Lena exclaimed, grabbing a napkin to help clean up.

I looked down at the spreading stain, my jaw tightening. "Watch where you're going," i snapped, my voice cold and irritated. "Do you have any idea how much this suit costs?"

Lena flushed, her embarrassment turning to frustration. "I said I was sorry," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "It was an accident."

My icy glare made her feel bad which was what I wanted. "An accident that could have been avoided if you were paying attention," I shouted at her before brushing past her without another word.

As the night went on, my irritation lingered. I tried to focus on speeches and auctions, but my mind kept drifting back to the waitress. she was the first person as a peasant to talk back at me in such manner and it's kind of got under my skin , I saw her continue to circulate the room serving guest. Our eyes kept meeting and she always turned away.

Hours later, as the gala wound down, i found himself alone on a balcony, looking out over the city. The cool night air did little to calm my restless thoughts. I was a man who is used to getting what i wanted, and the encounter with the waitress had reminded him of how isolated i had become in my pursuit of success.

Just as i was heading back inside, i spotted her talking and laughing with another lady. I knew she meant the apology and decided to make amends.

Deciding i needed to make amends, i entered into the ballroom, searching for her. When i finally spotted her, she was busy stacking chairs and tidying up after the event. But i noticed she stopped and walked towards me.

"Mr Carter," she began, "My name is Lena Thompson"

Her tone softer than before.

"I wanted to apologize for earlier," Lena said. It was a stressful night for me, but that's no excuse for my behavior."

My eyes softened slightly, though i remained wary. "Thank you for the apology. It's not every day someone in your position admits they were wrong."

We both smiled and shook hands.

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LENA'S POV

At my work the following week as a server at the local cafe, I got caught in my thoughts again whilst wipping the tables and my mind drifted off to my encounter with Ethan Carter the previous week. For now, i had to focus on my shift, and how to raise money for my upcoming expenses.

The café was busy as usual, filled with the hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I enjoyed her job here; it provided a steady income and a chance to interact with a variety of people. Today, however, i was distracted,because the application for medical school was coming to an end.

As i refilled a customer's coffee cup, the bell above the door chimed, signaling a new arrival. I glanced up and froze. There, standing in the doorway, was Ethan Carter. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on me with a look of surprise.

"Miss Thompson?" he asked, approaching the counter. "Do you work here?"

I nodded, trying to mask my unease. "Yes, Mr. Carter. It's one of my jobs." I replied him.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "I see. May I have a coffee, please? Black."

I moved quickly, preparing his coffee while trying to steady my nerves. I handed him the cup, and he took a sip, his expression thoughtful.

"This is quite the coincidence," Ethan remarked, leaning against the counter. "I did not expect to see you here."

I shrugged, wiping my 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 was in the area for a meeting and needed a break," Ethan replied, glancing around the cozy café. "But I am glad I ran into you. Can you sit with me and have a cup of coffee please?" He asked with sincerity marked on his face.

I bit my lower lip, choosing my words carefully. "I would have loved to but I am in the middle of work right now.

Ethan nodded, his expression serious. "Of course. I understand. How about dinner tonight after your shift?"

"I am sorry but I can not do that". I responded.

"Why?. Ethan asked, curiosity picked on his face.

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

"Okay, I understand." Ethan said.