Love, Lies & Lattes

That evening, as Kiara closed up Brew-tiful Days, exhaustion weighed heavily upon her. The intense rivalry with Rohan Kapoor consumed far too much energy, but surrendering was not an option.

Slumping onto her sofa at home, she stared blankly at her phone before a notification popped up, pulling her from her thoughts.

Cupid’s Café: New Message from Ro

Kiara hesitated, her heart suddenly racing. She’d almost forgotten about her anonymous match. Curiosity and caution tangled inside her chest as she opened the message.

Ro: "Tough day at work? Or is the coffee business always this ruthless?"

Kiara frowned suspiciously. How did he always seem to know what she was feeling?

Kiara: "Let's just say some people make life harder than necessary."

She waited, tension humming through her body.

Ro: "Ah, rivals or customers? Or both?"

She smirked despite herself.

Kiara: "A bit of both. Some rivals need reminders to play fair."

Ro: "Interesting strategy. Fairness doesn't always guarantee victory."

Kiara's fingers hovered over the keyboard, her annoyance rising sharply. Even her anonymous escape was turning into another battle. Who exactly was this man?

Kiara: "Fairness builds respect. Winning at any cost leaves you alone."

His reply appeared quickly:

Ro: "Sounds personal."

She paused, breathing deeply before responding carefully.

Kiara: "Maybe it is. Let's change the topic—unless you're worried about losing an argument."

The reply was swift and confident.

Ro: "I never lose. But I'll humor you. What's your escape when the real world gets too intense?"

Kiara relaxed slightly, allowing herself to be drawn into the gentler conversation.

Kiara: "A good book, strong coffee, and solitude. Yours?"

The pause lasted longer this time, as if he carefully considered his answer.

Ro: "Driving. Fast. Far away from responsibilities."

Kiara smiled faintly, picturing her anonymous companion speeding down an open road, free from burdens—exactly how she wished she could feel right now.

They continued chatting for hours, avoiding deeper personal details but forming an undeniable connection. As the clock ticked toward midnight, Kiara realized with a jolt that she'd almost forgotten her irritation from earlier.

Ro: "I should let you sleep. Tomorrow’s another ruthless day, after all."

She smiled softly, replying:

Kiara: "Thanks. You too. Goodnight, Ro."

Setting her phone aside, Kiara stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. She didn't know who this mysterious stranger was, but somehow their conversations had become her refuge—a safe, neutral territory away from the chaos.