Beneath the scars

Chapter 15

Asia’s POV

Three days had passed since Lorenzo’s birthday party.

Kelvin had already left for work before sunrise after receiving a call from one of the overseas branches, and I found myself enjoying breakfast alone on the back terrace overlooking the garden.

The roses I had asked the gardeners to plant a few days earlier were beginning to bloom, tiny patches of pink and white adding life to corners of the estate that had looked neglected for months.

Mrs. Green, our longtime housekeeper, stepped outside carrying a fresh pot of tea before replacing my empty cup without me asking.

“You’ve barely touched your breakfast, Madam.”

I looked down at the untouched toast sitting on the plate before me and smiled apologetically.

“I suppose I’m not very hungry.”

“You’ve been saying that all week.”

“I have?”

She nodded before she disappeared back inside before I could argue.

I reached for the teacup watching the steam disappear into the cool morning air.

My phone vibrated against the table.

For a second…

I thought it was Daniel.

Instead…A new name appeared across the screen.

Maya.

A smile tugged at my lips before I even opened the message.

Morning!

I hope you’re not secretly avoiding me.

Coffee today?

Around one?Also… my cousin invited himself because apparently he thinks I have terrible taste in friends.Hope you won’t mind him tagging along.

I laughed under my breath.She hadn’t changed since the party.

Even through text messages, she somehow sounded exactly like herself.

I typed back.

I’m not avoiding you.

One works perfectly.

Tell your cousin he’s welcome.

Her reply came almost immediately.

Great.

See you soon.

I slipped my phone back onto the table just as it vibrated again.

This time…

Daniel.

I answered before the second ring.

“Good morning.”

“Morning, Mrs. Richmore.”

“Please tell me you have good news.”

“I do.”

I sat a little straighter.

“The property transfer documents are ready.”

I closed my eyes briefly.

Finally.

“They’ve already gone through the first legal review. All that’s left now is the final package.”

“And the divorce papers?”

“They’re ready too.”

My fingers tightened around the edge of the table.

“When do I get them.”

“I’ll personally bring everything tomorrow.”Daniel continued.“The only difficult part now is getting Mr. Fletcher to sign.”

“I’ll handle that.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

After the call ended, I remained seated for several moments, staring out across the garden.

“It was all coming together…”I thought to myself with a light smile on my face.

I headed upstairs to get changed for my meet up with maya.By the time I finished getting ready, it was already noon.

I chose a cream tweed two piece set with some pointy toe heels and a simple purse with my hair curled.

As I reached the front door, Mrs. Green appeared again.

“Will you be back for dinner?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I’ll keep something warm just in case.”

“Thank you.”

The cafe Maya had chosen overlooked the waterfront on the quieter side of the city.

I arrived ten minutes early.

The hostess led me toward a table beside the large windows overlooking the water.

“This should be alright?”

“It’s perfect.”

After ordering a cappuccino, I glanced at my phone.

12:56.

Still early.

Outside, boats drifted lazily across the water while people walked along the promenade, enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

I simply sat there, quietly stirring my coffee as the waitress had just placed a small plate of pastries on the table when I caught it.

A scent…My hands immediately stopped moving.

The spoon rested silently against the porcelain cup.

It couldn’t be.I told myself I was imagining it.

That memories had a cruel habit of appearing when least expected.

But then…The scent came again.

Warm cedar with a hint of bergamot.

Exactly the same as I had remembered it.

Very slowly…I lifted my head and I turned.And every thought inside my mind disappeared.

Standing only a few feet away…

Frozen exactly where he had stopped walking…

…was Alex.