Love, Lies & Lattes

The review's impact on Brew-tiful Days was immediate. Foot traffic slowed, whispers grew louder, and comparisons to Espresso Empire became painfully frequent. Kiara felt the sting of every sympathetic glance from her regulars.

Determined to regain her footing, Kiara worked tirelessly, experimenting with new recipes and promotions. Yet, each quiet afternoon reinforced the bitter reality of defeat.

Late one afternoon, as Kiara cleaned the empty café tables, the door chimed abruptly, and she looked up to see Rohan Kapoor stepping inside, a serious expression on his face.

Her anger flared instantly. "Come to gloat in person?"

Rohan paused, visibly unsettled by her hostility. "Kiara, we need to talk."

"I don't have anything to say to you," she snapped sharply, turning away.

"I think you do," he countered firmly. "You've accused me of sabotaging your café, and that's not something I'll let slide."

She spun back, eyes narrowed, voice icy. "Did I strike a nerve, Mr. Kapoor? Feeling guilty?"

Rohan took a step closer, frustration etched into his features. "You’re not being fair. I didn't manipulate Arjun’s review. Yes, it favored Espresso Empire—but I had no hand in that."

Kiara laughed bitterly. "Fair? You talk about fairness after stealing customers, hovering during a critic’s visit, and charming your way into getting exactly what you want?"

He clenched his jaw tightly, struggling to contain his rising anger. "I’m running a business, not a charity. I'm not responsible for your café’s failure to impress Arjun."

Her fists clenched at her sides, pulse racing. "Failure? Is that how you see it? I built Brew-tiful Days from nothing, and you—"

"I never set out to destroy what you've built," Rohan interrupted sharply, losing patience. "But I'm not going to apologize for succeeding."

Kiara shook her head, voice low and filled with bitterness. "You're unbelievable."

They stared at each other for a tense moment, anger and resentment crackling between them. Finally, Rohan stepped back, jaw tight, voice calm but distant.

"Think what you want. But I won't waste any more time defending myself."

He turned abruptly and walked out, leaving Kiara alone, her anger still seething beneath the surface.

As silence settled over the café, Kiara realized their rivalry had transformed into something darker, harsher, and deeply personal. The line they'd crossed wasn't easy to erase, and forgiveness seemed impossible.