Ced's POV

I've been stuck in my office early this morning with my laptop,doing my first duty since I came back from Paris.

After mom died,I decided to leave the country to avoid seeing my father.I made sure that our businesses here are in good hands while I was away to at least keep my mom's legacy alive.
She's a successful business woman and maybe I got some of her traits when it comes to business management.Aside from my coffee shop,I also manage mom's company,I took over her place cause I can't trust my father anymore.He once was a loving father and a faithful husband but then casino happened and ruined him.He started wasting his money,used all his savings and everything he put up his whole life.He stayed in his condo unit and was being taken care of whoever he picked up at the club.Mom and I knows he's hopeless already,we can't save him,he doesn't want to be saved neither.I didn't like who he becomes,I accepted the fact that I've lost my father and grateful to have my mom always there for me.Until that night.We received a call from his also drunk friend that dad had an accident and they were on their way to the hospital.My mom rushed to the hospital.She didn't let me go with her since I have an appointment in the morning and it was late,she told me to sleep and so I did.But I woke up with a news that shattered me into pieces.Mom got involved into a car accident and was found dead on arrival.When I arrived in the hospital,I saw her covered with white cloth - lifeless.While my dad?All well and still breathing.

The person who bumped into my mom's car was drunk,over speeding,lost its consciousness and had my mom suffered the consequence.
Later that day I found out that guy also died but I didn't care.I was crying nonstop when I entered my father's room,there I saw him with his lovely whore.I walked near them,they both looked at me and saw a glimpse of fear in the whore's eyes.

She's gone,because of you.I never thought I could hate you this much,father.

My voice sounded out of breath from crying but I managed to say it,I heard him call my name as I was on my way out but didn't bother to go back.I asked my client to reschedule our meeting and informed them about what happened to my family,they understood and grant my request.After mom's burial and after I settled my appointments.I processed my papers and got ready.

I remember driving my way to the airport on a rainy day,I couldn't see the road clearly but I really wanted to leave here temporarily.I can't afford to lose myself or else I'd lose everything.
My mom always tells me to never lose yourself in the process of breaking down.

I know I'm not the only one who suffers,and others had it worse but they managed to get through it and so am I.

I was right.

That's what I told myself the moment I saw her.
She looked more miserable than me.Like she doesn't have any reasons left to go on.I stopped my car near her,and got out of the car holding a coffee I brought with me to keep me still while driving but I know she needed it.I stood in front of her but she didn't move a bit even after noticing my presence,her eyes were swollen,I placed the coffee beside her and give her some words of wisdom.I wanted to hug her but I might scare her so I went back to my car and left.

Hold on.We got this.

We are in the same situation,at the edge of giving up but in this trying times,we have to be tough.I hope she'll win her battle.

And from what I've seen.She did.It has been a week since I saw her,I got busy and didn't had time to visit my shop,I wonder,does she goes there regularly?I remember her stealing glances at me like she's studying me,did she perhaps remember me?

"Ced?" I heard Belle,my best friend,called me knocking at the door.

"Come in,Belle."

I saw her holding a paper bag probably with a food inside.

"I know you guessed it right.You have to eat,the company is in a good place,you don't have to worry." She said placing the food on the table.

I asked them to renovate my office while I was in Paris.I want it to be like the room in my house since I spend more time staying here.
I have small bed here,a sofa,the table's larger than I told them since it was Belle's idea since she eats with me most of the time.She said she's doing it or else I'd starve myself.

"Come on now!Let's eat!"

I got up or else she'll scold me like a grandma.

"This pasta tastes so good!" I exclaimed.

"As good as your papers there?" She pointed my table.

"Belle,you know how big my responsibility is."

"Yes but you're not alone,Ced." She replied.

Her eyes are like begging me to get loose.She's been inviting me to go with her to a party but I always choose to spend my time working,and sleeping.I honestly couldn't remember when was the last time I had fun.

"I know,and I owe you big time especially when I was away,but I don't think going out will help me." I honestly said.

"My birthday's coming,I promised our employees and close friends here I'd give them a party,and you can't say no,Ced,or else - "

"Who said I'll decline?" I didn't let her finish and scoffed.

After having lunch,I went back to my paperwork while Belle's in a meeting.

Time flies and it's 3 in the afternoon.I received an update from Shaun saying that our business is doing good.Shaun has been working for me since she was first year college,she choose to work for me even after she finished her study.

Maybe I should go there.

I get my bag and leave the office.I saw my employees greet me and I greet them back waving my hands.

After 45 minutes,I arrived and walked to the door with my sunglasses on.I saw Shaun talking to a customer and I joined her at the counter.A customer then came and I take her orders,I sometimes do this for fun and to let my employees know that I'm not different from them,though I always maintain
boss-and-employee boundary.

My heart skip a beat when I saw a woman heading towards the counter.

"That's one of our valued customers ma'am, she's Gab,she always order her favorite flavor and do you know what is it ma'am?"

I heard Shaun talking to me but my gaze was locked to this beautiful woman,who's standing in front of me.

"Same order" I heard her say,she was looking at her phone since she got in.She probably noticed my silence and that's when she avert her gaze,now looking at me.I saw the shock in her face but she was able to regain herself right away.

I was confused and have no idea what she usually order.

"French vanilla." She softly spoke and smiled a little.

Seems like I have to take note of it from now on.

"Alright,give me a second,I'll bring it with you."

I turned around and see Shaun's expression,I know she wasn't expecting to hear what I just said,so am I.

While I was preparing her order,a thought suddenly came to my mind.

French vanilla.

It's my mom's favorite flavor and that is why I chose to have it before my flight that day.

I smile at the memory.

I took a deep breath before heading towards her direction.Still sitting on the same corner like the last time.

I carefully put her order on the table along with its receipt.

She looks up and thank me.A moment of silence,the two of us contemplating who's gonna break the ice first.

I fake a cough and here goes nothing...

"Can I join you?" I asked her.

"Yes ma'am,of course" she said which made me smile.

"I heard you're one of our valued customers." I smile again which she reciprocates.

I really suck at initiating conversions except when it's work related.

"That's true,something's pulling me back here."

"Our coffee?" I asked

"Yeah" She paused and look at me."It was this,right?" showing me the coffee cup."It was you." She added,now, there's certainty in her tone.

"It was me." I confirmed.

I sense she has something to say but chose to keep whatever it is to herself,and instead she take a sip of the coffee.

"Celine Del Hera." I formally introduced myself .

"Gabrielle Lacsina." She said back and accepted my hand offering a handshake.

I couldn't explain what I feel the moment our hands touched,she feels warm and I've been cold since.And those eyes,those eyes that were once swollen,now full of life.Does she feel what I'm feeling too?

Why am I feeling like this by the way?

I heard a sound of fake coughs which bring me back to my senses but it didn't came from me this time though.I saw Shaun and shit! I totally forgot I asked her to bring me a coffee before sitting here.The interruption made Gab and I let go of each other's hands.I thanked Shaun not just for the coffee but for saving me from losing my mind completely.

"So,you're the owner?" She asked.

"I don't usually admit it to my customers,but since it's you who asked,then I'll tell you,yes,I am."

She nod her head and we both drink our coffees.

"Do I look better now than the first time you saw me?" I didn't expect her to ask that.

"You look absolutely different now,if I didn't happen to see you that day?The thought would never cross my mind."

"Different.Good or bad?" she asks,sounds like teasing me.

"I think my statement was clear."

"Uhm...but I wanna make sure."

"Good" I said.

I saw her lips curve forming a sweet smile looking at me,satisfied with my answer and there goes my heart again.

"I should thank you for that." That made me raise my right brows.

She just smiled and finished her coffee and type something on her phone.Few seconds later she place a bill on the table under the vase and look back at me.

"Do you still have work or anything to do?" She asks.

"No,why?"

If Belle see me in my office now still working,
she'd tear those papers in front of me.She once did that when I drowned myself with work to forget what's happening in my life.Surely,I don't want that to happen again.

"Do you wanna go somewhere?" She asks looking at me with puppy eyes.

"Sure."

Belle,I'm going out.You must be so proud of me.
She opened the door for me and I stand,only a step behind her.

"Where are we going?" I ask

"Somewhere." she replied shortly.

Great.

"Are you comfortable riding on a motorcycle?”

“Is it safe?” I ask,hesitant.

I haven't tried riding on a motorcycle my whole existence but I'm not gonna admit that to her.

Shrugging,she said,"Depends on the driver.”

"Let's go then." I said without thinking.

She walks across to get her motorcycle,I followed her and was about to hop in when I notice something.

Gab's Flowershop

A way to show your love

"Yup,we sort of like uh...neighbors." She said like she read my thoughts.

"Looks like we'll be seeing each other often." I said to Gab who's now wearing a jacket and a helmet.

"Here,I was with my sister earlier,you can use this." She offered me one.

I wear it but I heard her chuckle.

"Oh car girl" she said then fix my helmet."You have to lock it"

“Oh!Right.”

The next thing I know is I'm hugging her tight.
I can feel the wind blowing my hair even with the helmet on.Her speed is ridiculous,this is totally different from driving a car!
She must've notice my nervousness and that's when she started slowing down.
I still tugged the hem of her jacket in case she changes her mind.

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