Forver Mine

Season 01, chapter 03

Season 01, Chapter 03

The next morning, I head to the café as usual. Upon arrival, I notice the place is still quiet, with few customers at this early hour. Lucas greets me with his usual warm smile that he has every morning and some jokes that make me laugh like crazy.

Lucas: Hey, Ethan! Did you sleep well after your party last night?

Ethan: Hey, Lucas. Yes, it was a good evening. But I have something to tell you.

We head to the kitchen, where we start preparing the first orders of the day. Taking advantage of the calm, I decide to talk to Lucas about Mia and my feelings.

Ethan: Yesterday, Mia invited me to the birthday party. It was really nice. We had a great time.

Lucas: Mia, huh? Be careful, Ethan. The girls on campus can be a bit... how should I say... unpredictable.

Ethan: What do you mean?

Lucas: Well, some girls like to make advances on guys they find cute, just so they can brag about it to their friends, especially after they’ve slept together. It's kind of like a game for some of them. I’m not saying Mia is like that, but be cautious.

Ethan: Thanks for the advice, Lucas. Mia seemed sincere to me, but I'll stay on my guard.

Lucas: That's all I ask. You're a good guy, Ethan. Don’t get fooled.

As we continue to chat, Mr. LIM enters the kitchen, accompanied by a man I had never seen before.

Mr. LIM: Lucas, I need you to deliver Madame Chloé's order. She specifically asked for Ethan, but today... Ethan is quite busy.

Lucas: Okay, I’ll take care of it right away.

Mr. LIM then turns to me with a serious expression. I wonder what he has to say that makes me so busy.

Mr. LIM: Ethan, I have an urgent delivery for you. They have specifically requested you for the past two days. It’s important.

Ethan: Of course, Mr. LIM. Where do I need to go?

Mr. LIM hands me an envelope with instructions.

Mr. LIM: Here’s the address and details. It's quite an important company, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

I take the envelope and glance at the details. It's a large company, and the delivery indeed seems urgent. Lucas gives me an encouraging look before heading out for his delivery. I quickly prepare, grabbing the thermal bag and making sure everything is in order. As I leave the café, I feel both nervous and excited. I wanted to deliver to Chloé? Puff.

The ride to the company, which is very far, was boring for me since I took a taxi and the cheerful driver made a weird noise. Upon arrival, I am impressed by the size and elegance of the building. I introduce myself at the reception, and after a few minutes of waiting, I am escorted to an office on the top floor.

Upon entering, I am greeted by a woman in a chic suit, who thanks me for the prompt delivery.

Woman: Thank you, Mr. Ethan. It's greatly appreciated. We really needed this order quickly.

Ethan: The pleasure is mine. I'm happy to help.

Woman: Here’s a little bonus for your diligence.

After finishing the delivery at the company, I decide to visit Chloé before returning to the café. I still have in mind the magical moments we shared the day before, and I think that visiting her could brighten her day.

Upon arriving at her office, I immediately notice a tense atmosphere. Entering, I see Chloé in conflict with a man who is holding her wrist tightly. Next to them is Lily, her secretary, looking visibly uncomfortable.

Ethan: Let her go!

My voice echoes in the small room, and a heavy silence immediately settles. All eyes turn to me. The man releases his grip on Chloé and turns to me with a furious expression, but says nothing. After a moment of silence, he just throws at Chloé:

Ryan: We'll see each other again.

Then he leaves the room, casting one last dark look at me before departing. Once he's gone, I approach Chloé, still in shock from what I just witnessed.

Ethan: I'm sorry for my intervention... I didn't mean to intrude, but I couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Chloé: No, Ethan, thank you. Thank you for stepping in.

Ethan: Who was that?

Chloé: That was my husband, Ryan SATO. But don't worry, I want a divorce. It's complicated, but I'm determined.

I'm surprised by this revelation. I had no idea she was married, let alone in such a situation. My heart aches for her.

Ethan: I'm really sorry you have to go through this. If you need anything...

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. It means a lot to me.

We stay silent for a moment, the weight of the situation heavy on our shoulders. Lily, who had witnessed the whole scene, approaches timidly.

Lily: Chloé, are you going to be okay?

Chloé: Yes, Lily. Thank you. I’ll handle it.

I take Chloé's hand in mine, offering her a reassuring smile.

Ethan: You're strong, Chloé. I know you'll get through this.

Chloé: Thank you, Ethan. Your presence helps me a lot.

Ethan: I'll head back to the café. If you need to talk or anything, call me.

Chloé: Alright. Thanks again.

I leave her office, my mind troubled by what I've just discovered. On my way back to the café, I can't stop thinking about Chloé and what she's going through.

Upon arriving at the café, Lucas looks at me, curious to know how my delivery went.

Lucas: So, Ethan, how did it go?

Ethan: The delivery went well. But there was an incident at Chloé’s...

Lucas: An incident? What happened?

I take a deep breath before telling Lucas what I saw and what Chloé told me.

Lucas: Wow... That’s serious. Be careful, Ethan. These situations can be complicated and dangerous. Especially for you considering the way your relationship with Mrs. Chloé is heading.

Ethan: I know. But I want to be there for her.

Lucas: Then do it, but be cautious.

As night falls, I'm at home, engrossed in a captivating adventure novel. The tranquility of my apartment is interrupted by knocks at the door. I get up to open it and find Lucas with a mischievous smile and a PlayStation under his arm.

Lucas: Hey, Ethan! I thought we could play a bit to relax.

Ethan: Good idea. Come in.

We settle into the living room and start a fierce game of FIFA. We’re in the middle of the second match when my cell phone rings. It’s Mia.

Ethan: Hello?

Mia: Ethan, come meet me at a nightclub on 9th Street. It's important.

Ethan: Mia, I'm playing with a friend right now. Can we meet another time?

Mia: If you want your ID back, you should come now. Otherwise, you can forget about them.

I frown and quickly check my table. Nothing. My IDs are gone.

Ethan: Send me your location. I’ll be there right away.

Lucas: Need a hand?

Ethan: No, it should be fine. Thanks, Lucas.

I grab my sweater and head to the address Mia sent me. Upon arriving at the bar, I see her already seated at a table, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Mia: Ethan! You came. Perfect. Let’s dance.

Ethan: Mia, where are my IDs?

Mia: You’ll get them, but only if you give me a good evening. Deal?

She gets up, pulls me by the arm, and leads me to the dance floor. The music is lively, and the bar’s atmosphere is electric. Mia gets close to me, and we start dancing to the beat of the music.

Mia: You know, Ethan, you dance well.

Ethan: Thanks, Mia. I don't want to ruin your evening, but I'm really here to get my IDs back.

Mia: I know, I know. You’ll get them. But first, have some fun.

She kisses me on the cheek, and we continue dancing. Despite my initial worry, I begin to relax and enjoy the evening. Mia is an excellent dancer, and her company is pleasant.

Later in the evening, after dancing for hours, Mia starts to show signs of fatigue. We decide to leave. On the way, she becomes more introspective and begins to talk about her dreams.

Mia: You know, Ethan, I’ve always dreamed of having a life full of adventures. Traveling everywhere, meeting incredible people. But most of all, finding someone to share it all with.

Ethan: That sounds wonderful. And I'm sure you’ll find someone who shares those dreams with you.

Mia: I hope so. I also have specific tastes in men. Someone who is kind, caring, and understands me. Someone like… you, for example.

Ethan: Mia…

Mia: No, let me finish. Tonight, I realized that you’re everything I’m looking for. I know this might be sudden, but I really like you, Ethan.

Ethan: I’m flattered, Mia. Really. But I have to be honest with you. My life is a bit complicated right now. There are things I need to sort out and a life I need to succeed in.

Mia: I understand. I'm not asking for an answer right now. I just wanted you to know how I feel.

We continue our walk in silence for a moment, enjoying the cool night air.

Mia: Thanks for tonight, Ethan. I really had fun.

Ethan: Me too, Mia. And I'm glad I spent this time with you.

When we arrive at her place, Mia takes my IDs out of her bag and hands them to me.

Mia: Here, as promised. I just wanted to spend time with you.

Ethan: Thanks, Mia. I’ll walk you to the door.

To be continued…

Forever mine, author Saint Daniel.