afting lattes and cappuccinos for the steady stream of customers. Marissa's voice was a constant companio

d preoccupied with the weight of her grandmother's matchmaking efforts and

, Marissa's voice suddenly took on a mischievous

ssa whispered, her voice barely above a murmur as she n

ze, her eyes landing on a figure standing in the doorway – Alex

sparkling with a hint of mischief. There was something undeniably magnetic about him – a raw s

crowded café. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he made his way over t

mooth and warm as he leaned against the

inged with a hint of uncertainty as she me

and Alexander stood on the precipice of possibility, thei

" Alexander requested, his voice tinged wit

f adrenaline course through her veins. The air crackled with tension as she s

rked, his brow furrowing in concent

ind a plausible explanation for their previous encounter. But b

she teased, her eyes twinkling with mis

ing her to keep quiet. But it was too late – the c

turned his attention back to Emily, a knowi

ce tinged with amusement. "You're

, her mind racing to come up with a plausib

lking about," she stammered, her voice be

ling with amusement as he leaned in closer, h

rking up in a mischievous grin. "But I must say, yo

at his easy charm. There was something about Alexander that put her at ease – a sense of fami

stir within her heart. Perhaps their chance encounter was more than just a

mily watched as Alexander made his way out of the café, his depar

y couldn't help but wonder what other surprises fate had i

ain her excitement. "Do you know him?" she

instinct to keep her newfound connection with Alexander a secret. But as she met Mariss

one," Emily confessed, a smile tugging at the corner

t's incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a

essed, her brow furrowing in confusion. "I mea

e I know him anyway. Besides, it was kind of fun playing it

there," she conceded, her expression softening with affection. "But trust me, Em

confidence swelling within her chest. Maybe, just maybe, there was something s

r. And with Marissa by her side, ready to support her every step of the way, she knew that whatever lay ahead, she was ready t