Chapter 2 The One With No Second Chances

The One With No Second Chances*

The café buzzed with quiet laughter and the clink of coffee cups, but Ariana barely noticed. She sat by the window, tracing invisible lines on her cappuccino foam. The air smelled like roasted beans and forgotten promises.

"You okay?" *Mya* slid into the seat across from her, dark curls bouncing, eyes scanning Ariana like a lie detector.

"I'm fine," Ariana lied, sipping. "Totally over him."

Mya raised a brow. "You say that every time you hear Austin's name."

Ariana tensed. Austin. The name felt like a bruise-sore but fading. Or so she told herself.

"I mean it this time," she insisted.

Just then, the café door swung open. A man stepped in-broad shoulders, soft eyes, quiet confidence. He wasn't loud like Austin. No smug energy. Just... presence.

Mya leaned closer. "Girl. Don't stare, but Mr. Armani Jacket is looking at you."

Ariana glanced-just once. The man met her eyes and gave a slight nod. Not cocky. Just... respectful.

Later, as they left, he held the door open. "Ladies."

"Thank you," Ariana murmured, not expecting what came next.

"I'm Carmello," he said with a half-smile. "Hope I see you here again."Then he walked away. No number. No follow-up. Just mystery.

Mya whispered, "That man is either confident-or hiding something."

Ariana tried not to care. But something in Carmello's eyes whispered:

*You're not done with love. Not yet.*

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Let me know if you want *Chapter Two*, character POVs, or a plot breakdown!