Chapter 23
Sana
“Hey… how are you holding up?” Mili asks, settling into the chair across from my desk.
I exhale, leaning back against my chair. We’re in my back office while my staff is handling the rush out front. I didn’t have the energy to face the customers today, to plaster on a smile when inside, I feel like I’m barely holding it together.
They say time flies. But it’s only been a day. Just a day. God, why can’t time just speed up and take me far away from this mess? Instead, it’s dragging. Every second feels like it’s stretching forever.
Mili watches me quietly, her gaze soft, but she doesn’t rush to fill the silence. She knows me well enough to let me process my thoughts at my own pace.
“It’s just been a day since the drama. I’m still trying to process everything,” I finally murmur, rubbing my temples.
“Yeah, but do you seriously think cutting all ties with Aditya is the only way?”
“What other choice do I have?” I say, rolling my eyes. “Besides, somewhere deep down, I knew this would never work out.”
“I get it, but it still sucks. The way everything turned ugly. You deserved better.”
“Maybe. But what’s done is done. No point dwelling on it.”
“There are other men out there, you know. Like Jai...” she trails off.
“Let’s not go there right now. This café,” I motion to the room with my hand before speaking, “is what keeps me happy. And honestly, I have enough on my plate without adding another complication,” I snap.
I don’t mean to sound dismissive, but she knows how overwhelming things are for me right now.
I just can’t handle any additional weight on my shoulders.
“Fair enough. But I just hate seeing you like this.”
“I’ll be fine. I always am.”
“You don’t always have to be. You can lean on me, you know?”
“I know,” I say, my voice softening. “And I do appreciate it. But right now, I just need to focus on work, on something that doesn’t feel so… uncertain.”
“Alright. But I’m still here if you ever want to talk or just sit in silence.”
Before I can reply, there’s a knock on the door, and one of our waitresses peeks in, hesitation clear on her face.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, glancing between Mili and me. “But there’s a table asking specifically for you, Ma’am. They don’t want anyone else to take their order.”
I give her a nod as she slips back out and shuts the door. I feel my brows knit together in mild irritation. The last thing I need right now is a demanding customer. But at the same, I’m thankful for something to do to get away from this conversation with Mili.
Mili sighs, already pushing her chair back. “Want me to check it out?”
I shake my head. “No, I’ve got this.” I glance at the paperwork in front of her. “You need to balance the accounts, and I could use a distraction anyway.”
She gives me a knowing look, then nods. “Alright. But if it’s trouble, don’t entertain it longer than necessary.”
“Noted,” I mutter as I head toward the café floor, pushing aside my conversation with Mili and forcing a smile onto my face. It’s second nature by now—masking my emotions, pretending everything is fine.
But the moment my eyes land on the table, my smile vanishes. I stop mid-step, the floor beneath me suddenly threatening to give way.
Aditya.
And what’s more—he’s not alone.
Seated across from him is a woman who looks like she’s stepped straight out of a magazine. She’s effortlessly stunning—flawless skin, perfectly styled hair, and an air of quiet sophistication that makes heads turn.
Yes, she’s perfect for him. And now I understand just how right I was to break things off with Aditya.
Seeing them together now, maybe this is the closure I needed to finally accept the truth—to understand that this was always meant to be.
This is exactly what Aditya deserves—a woman like her, someone who fits effortlessly into his life.
Not someone like me. Simple. Ordinary. A mess of emotions, just trying to keep it all together.
But still, why does it sting so much to see him with her? To see him find his perfect match? Why can’t I just be happy for him? This is what I told him to do—move on. Then why does it feel like I’m the one being left behind?
I swallow hard, steadying myself. I can handle this. I refuse to let it shake me. Steeling myself, I straighten my shoulders, take a slow breath, and force myself to take a step towards them.
“Welcome to Brewing Bliss,” I say, tapping the screen on my tablet, keeping my voice steady even as something inside me quietly breaks.
Aditya leans back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “Hey, Sana. What’s with the formality? I know how much you like to keep things professional, but come on… we’re friends. You can drop the act. You know damn well how much it grates on me when you treat me like a stranger.”
The double meaning in his words makes me tighten my grip on the tablet. Before I can respond, the woman beside him frowns, her manicured fingers tracing Aditya’s hand across the table. “You know her?” she asks, her tone edged with disbelief as if the idea itself is offensive.
Aditya straightens and turns to her, grinning.
“Oh, yes. She’s very dear to me…” He shoots me a wink before turning back to her.
“A friend, really. It’s all thanks to her that I even agreed to this date in the first place.
” His voice is causal, but every syllable cuts deep.
He then turns to me with a smile. “Sana, this is Samantha. And Samantha, this is Sana.”
I feel my stomach twist, but I refuse to let it show. I won’t give him the satisfaction of letting him see that this silly game he’s playing has an effect on me. Instead, I lift my chin and meet Samantha’s gaze with a polite smile, even as she looks at me like I am a speck of dust in her shoes.
“Nice to meet you, Samantha,” I say.
She gives me a once-over, her expression downright disapproving. “Likewise,” she replies coolly, though it’s clear she doesn’t mean it.
Aditya leans back again in his chair, stretching leisurely as if he has all the time in the world. “I have to say, this place is a perfect choice for my date.” His voice is smooth, deliberate—aimed at me more than Samantha.
My jaw tightens as I glare at him. I know exactly what he’s doing—pushing, testing, trying to chip away at my resolve. But I won’t let him break me. Not today. Not ever. I’m strong enough to handle whatever he throws at me. I’m just not letting him win this, no matter how hard he tries.
I fake-smile at him, keeping my voice steady. “Glad you think so.”
Samantha, however, doesn’t seem as impressed. She crosses her arms, glancing around the café with a sceptical look. “Hmm… it’s just okay, I suppose. I’ve been to far better places.”
I force a polite smile, ignoring the sting. “Maybe you should try our coffee first; you might just change your mind.”
Aditya chuckles, his eyes never leaving mine.
“That’s what I’ve always admired about you, Sana.
So determined. So eager to prove yourself right and others wrong.
” He tilts his head slightly, his voice smooth but laced with bite.
“But tell me, do you really think a cup of coffee can change my date’s mind?
You see, I want to make this date special for Samantha. ”
I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to waver. “If it’s from my café, then yes.”
Aditya’s piercing gaze stays on me. “Well then, let’s see if your café lives up to its reputation. You’ve already let me down once. I hope it doesn’t happen again.”
I refuse to let his words get to me. Instead, my fingers press harder against the tablet, but I don’t let my mask slip. “I don’t make the same mistake twice. And like I said, my café is known for its best coffee.”
Samantha scoffs lightly, tapping her nails against the table. “I highly doubt it.”
“Looks like I’ll just have to let the coffee speak for itself. So, what can I get for you both?” I say, ignoring the taunt.
Aditya’s smirk widens at my restraint. “Well, Samantha is classy, and her taste is refined, after all. So, can you suggest accordingly?”
I keep my expression neutral, forcing myself to focus on my job. “We have a variety of desserts. Our caramel cheesecake is a bestseller, and if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the honey almond biscotti pairs well with coffee.”
Before Aditya can respond, Samantha waves a perfectly manicured hand. “Actually, I’d prefer something healthy. I have to maintain my figure.” Her eyes skim over me, her lips curving in a way that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “By any chance, do you have almond milk coffee? No sugar, of course.”
I refuse to react, keeping my tone professional. “Yes, we do. I can make you an almond milk cappuccino or a cold brew with almond milk if you prefer something lighter.”
She hums, tapping a finger against her chin. “Hmm, the cappuccino should do.”
I nod and turn to Aditya. “And for you?”
His gaze holds mine for a second too long before he leans forward slightly, his voice lower, more deliberate. “You know my choice. And what I want.”
I swallow hard, keeping my face carefully blank even as my pulse quickens. “Your usual, then,” I say evenly, refusing to acknowledge the double meaning behind his words.
His smirk deepens, as if satisfied by my reaction—or lack of it.
“Thanks,” he murmurs.
I force myself to breathe, taking down their orders, pretending my hands aren’t shaking ever so slightly. “I’ll have it out shortly.”
Turning on my heel, I walk away, my heart hammering against my ribs. I can still feel his eyes on me, but I force myself to get it together. Ignoring the tightness in my chest, I remind myself that I need to build a life beyond him, and that he doesn’t get to have that hold on me anymore.
I hand the order slip to my staff, my fingers trembling slightly, before turning on my heel and making a beeline for my office. The moment I step inside, I shut the door behind me, leaning against it. I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep, shuddering breath.
“What’s wrong?” Mili’s voice cuts through, and I blink, lifting my head to see her standing near my desk, arms crossed, her eyes filled with concern.
I exhale slowly. “Aditya,” I say quietly. “He’s here. With his date.”
Mili’s expression hardens instantly. “The nerve of that…” she snaps, her hands clenching into fists. “I’ll handle him. He has no right to waltz in here, throwing his date at you.”
I shake my head firmly. “No, Mili. I’ve already asked the staff to take care of their table. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he’s gotten under my skin.”
Mili’s jaw tightens, but she nods, stepping closer. “I get it. But, Sana, you don’t have to keep pretending like it doesn’t hurt.”
I let out a hollow chuckle, running a hand over my face. “What else can I do, Mili? Break down in front of him? Give him exactly what he wants?” I shake my head. “I won’t. I refuse to let him see me weak. I won’t give him that power.”
Mili sighs, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’re not weak. You’re one of the strongest people I know. But strength doesn’t mean you have to face this alone and put up with this kind of shit.”
I swallow the lump in my throat, nodding. “I know. And I appreciate you.”
She squeezes my shoulder gently. “Always, Sana. Always.”
Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. He has moved on. Found someone new. And soon, he’ll find his happiness—one that doesn’t involve tormenting me. And when that day comes, my world will finally fall back into place.
But right now, it feels like I’m standing on the edge of a crumbling cliff, the ground beneath me unstable. One wrong step, one careless moment, and I could spiral into the void, lost in the wreckage of what once was.