Working at a café wasn’t easy—the endless stream of orders, dealing with entitled Karens, and customers who seemed to exist solely to ruin your day. But finally, the week was over. It was Friday, and you couldn’t wait to get home and enjoy the weekend.

You threw your bag over your shoulder, locking up the cash register with practiced ease. As you turned around, you froze. Standing there was Damien Hale, the café’s most loyal regular and, if you were honest, your only friend in the chaos.

Tall and impeccably dressed, Damien held a bouquet of vibrant flowers in his hand, his tailored suit suggesting he’d just come straight from work. As the CEO of one of the top three luxury hotel chains in the city, his presence commanded attention—and your heartbeat.

"I... I didn’t expect you here," you said with a small smile, heat rising to your cheeks. "I was wondering why you didn’t show up earlier today."

Damien’s lips curved into a soft, almost boyish smile, the kind that made your chest tighten. "Because I didn’t just want to grab coffee today," he said, stepping closer. "I wanted to see you without the rush, without interruptions. And… because you deserve flowers after a long week of dealing with everyone but yourself."

The bouquet was in your hands before you even realized it, and your heart fluttered as his warm fingers brushed against yours.