Love, Lies & Lattes

Kiara awoke the next morning feeling unexpectedly refreshed despite her laxte-night banter. She quickly dressed and rushed to Brew-tiful Days, ready to start the day on a positive note. But as soon as she reached the café, reality slapped her back into focus.

Standing across the street, two Espresso Empire employees were distributing flashy pamphlets and discount coupons to every passerby. Kiara clenched her fists, irritation flaring immediately.

"Are they serious?" she muttered, storming into the café.

Meera glanced up from the counter, a guilty expression on her face. "Don't freak out, okay?"

"Too late," Kiara grumbled, peering suspiciously at her friend. "What did you do?"

"Nothing!" Meera held up her hands innocently. "Except... maybe... accept one of their coupons."

"You traitor," Kiara hissed dramatically.

"Hey, a free cappuccino is a free cappuccino," Meera defended herself sheepishly. "I did it purely for market research."

"Right. Market research," Kiara repeated skeptically.

She glanced back outside just in time to see Rohan arrive, sharply dressed in his tailored suit, greeting his employees warmly. She hated how effortlessly charming he appeared, laughing casually as people eagerly took the coupons.

Before she could look away, Rohan noticed her standing at the window. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he gave her a playful, almost mocking wave.

Kiara narrowed her eyes, jaw tight, before abruptly turning away.

"Are you sure you two aren't secretly flirting?" Meera teased, handing her an espresso.

"Stop it," Kiara scowled, sipping her coffee defiantly. "He’s just doing this to annoy me."

"And succeeding spectacularly," Meera added cheerfully. "Why not fire back?"

Kiara hesitated, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "You know what? You're right."

Ten minutes later, she stood outside Brew-tiful Days, carrying a tray of fresh pastries and mini cappuccino samples, determinedly smiling at passersby. She glanced across the street, locking eyes defiantly with Rohan, who watched her curiously.

"Come and taste real coffee!" she called confidently, her voice carrying clearly across the street. "Handmade pastries—better than mass-produced muffins!"

Several curious customers drifted toward her, intrigued. Rohan's eyes flashed with amusement—and something else. Challenge accepted.

Not to be outdone, Rohan stepped forward, raising his voice with effortless charm. "Don't settle for ordinary coffee—Espresso Empire offers premium blends at affordable prices!"

Kiara snorted, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Ordinary? Ours comes with heart, personality, and flavor that won't taste corporate."

The crowd laughed appreciatively. She felt a small surge of triumph—until she saw Rohan moving purposefully towards her, confident smile intact.

"Not bad," he acknowledged, pausing in front of her, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "But two can play this game, Ms. Sharma."

Kiara lifted her chin defiantly, pulse quickening despite herself. "Bring it on."

He chuckled softly, leaning closer, voice dangerously warm. "Careful, Kiara. Keep playing with fire, and you're bound to get burned."

Before she could respond, he casually took one of her pastries, biting into it with obvious satisfaction. "Delicious," he whispered teasingly, strolling away before she could retort.

Kiara stood there speechless, heart hammering as she watched him return confidently to his café. Annoyed—and reluctantly intrigued—she realized this rivalry had just escalated into something far more dangerous.

And disturbingly enjoyable.