Chapter 3 Dangerous encounters

The next morning, Aria woke with Kael Romanov's name still echoing in her mind. It clung to her thoughts like cobwebs-unwanted and unsettling. Romanov. The name was etched in every newspaper article her father had pinned on their living room wall during the years of his investigation into the mafia. Drug trafficking, racketeering, murder. The Romanovs weren't just criminals; they were legends of fear. But now, one of them was walking the same university halls as her. Determined to regain some sense of normalcy, Aria slipped into her go-to café, hoping for a few peaceful minutes before class.

The aroma of roasted beans filled the air, and the soft indie music playing overhead eased her nerves-until a familiar voice broke the calm. "Black coffee. No sugar." Her shoulders tensed. She turned slowly. Kael. Tall, sharp-jawed, and infuriatingly composed, he stood in line behind her, his expression unreadable. "You following me now?" she asked, folding her arms. "You wish," he replied with a smirk. "This is the best coffee shop around. I have good taste." "You also have a reputation. One that doesn't exactly scream 'espresso enthusiast,'" she muttered. Kael chuckled, stepping closer. "You've done your homework. Impressive." She stared him down. "I don't have to dig deep. Your name's practically a warning sign." His smile faded slightly, just for a second. "Not all stories are true." "And some are worse than what's printed," she shot back. They grabbed their drinks, and to her dismay, he followed her to an empty table. "Why are you here, Kael?" she asked, her voice low. He stirred his coffee slowly. "Maybe I needed a change. Maybe I'm trying to rewrite my story." She scoffed. "People like you don't change." "You'd be surprised," he said, then added with a glance that sent shivers down her spine, "I already am." Before she could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his jaw tightening. Without a word, he stood up. "Enjoy your coffee, Aria," he said, then walked out. She watched him go, her thoughts a storm. Kael Romanov was dangerous-of that she was certain. And yet, somehow, she knew this wasn't the last time their paths would cross.