The bell above the café door chimed softly as Selena stepped inside. Warm air greeted her, carrying the scent of roasted beans and vanilla. Her eyes scanned the room—and there he was.
Andrew sat by the window, long legs crossed casually, one hand wrapped around a cup of steaming coffee. Sunlight streamed through the glass, catching in his black-blue eyes and making them glow faintly. He looked effortlessly charming, the type of presence that drew attention without trying.
The moment he spotted her, a slow, warm smile spread across his lips.
"Selena," he called gently.
She smiled back and walked toward him. "Andrew
He got up immediately, pulling out the chair for her. "Selena. You look beautiful today."
She laughed softly. "You say that every time."
Andrew chuckled lightly. "I didn't expect to see you at the party yesterday. That was quite a surprise."
Selena nodded. "I didn't expect to see you either.
After a few minutes of pleasant silence, Andrew leaned forward slightly, fingers tapping his cup. His voice lowered.
"So… can I ask something a bit personal?"
Selena raised a brow. "Okay…"
"It's about Jace."
Her breath caught. A small, involuntary reaction. She quickly brushed it away.
"What about him?"
Andrew exhaled, shaking his head lightly as if still confused by the memory.
"At the party… when I greeted him? His reaction surprised me."
Selena blinked. "What do you mean?"
"He looked… annoyed." Andrew let out a faint laugh. "As if I had no right to talk to him. Or talk to you."
Selena forced her gaze away, staring at the table. She wasn't expecting Andrew to bring that up. She certainly wasn't expecting the odd tightness in her own chest as he mentioned it.
"He didn't seem pleased when he saw us talking either," Andrew continued gently, as if choosing his words carefully. "So I just… wanted to ask." He paused.
"What exactly is your relationship with him?"
Andrew knew jace back then in South Africa,they both attended a academic seminar for in-depth subject discussion and research, and professional developmentment to build job skills.
Though they both from lagos,Jace base in Lagos while Andrew stays in New York .
Selena kept her face calm, neutral.
"He's my boss."
Andrew stared at her, unconvinced. "Just your boss?"
"Yes." Her answer was firm. Maybe too firm. "He's the CEO. I'm his secretary. That's all."
Andrew watched her closely. "Selena… I've known you since first year university. I can tell when something is bothering you. And right now, it looks like you're avoiding the question."
She inhaled slowly, keeping her voice steady.
"There is nothing between us."
"Nothing at all?" he pressed quietly.
She shook her head.
"Jace is… complicated. And demanding. And intense. But that's work. Nothing more."
Andrew leaned back, thoughtful. "Then why did he look like he wanted to murder me the moment I said hello?"
Selena's lips twitched.
"I'm sure you imagined it."
"I didn't." His tone was gentle but certain. "I don't think I've ever seen a man glare at someone like that unless—"
Selena cut him off immediately.
"Andrew." She looked him straight in the eyes. "Jace doesn't like me that way."
There was a short silence.
Then Andrew smiled, soft and knowing.
"Alright. If you say so."
She felt her shoulders loosen. For a moment, the air felt lighter.
But then Andrew looked down at his cup, voice dropping.
"You know… back in New York, when we'd stay up late working on designs, I always thought…" he paused, swallowing lightly, "I always thought some man would eventually see how amazing you are."
Selena blinked, surprised by the sudden shift.
"Andrew…"
He laughed softly, trying to shake off the seriousness.
"Don't worry, it's not a confession. Not really. I'm just glad you haven't changed. You're still… you." He glanced at her with something soft in his eyes.
"And whoever you like—or don't like—is lucky."
Selena looked away, heat rising to her cheeks.
"I don't… like anyone."
Andrew didn't argue. He didn't push. He just smiled kindly.
Yet the way he looked at her… there was no mistaking the quiet affection he'd been hiding all these years.
Still, Selena didn't see it.
She had too many things on her mind. Too many walls built around her heart. Too many reasons she couldn't afford distractions.
Especially not feelings.
Especially not now.
Andrew checked his watch. "I ordered lunch for you. Hope that's okay."
Selena nodded. "Thank you."
They ate and talked—architecture, memories, life. It felt easy. Safe. Calm.
But unknown to Selena, every few minutes a tall, dark figure stood outside the café, watching through the glass with stormy eyes.
A man with clenched fists.
A tight jaw.
And jealousy burning like wildfire in his chest.
Jace Arinston.
Selena didn't know he had followed her.
Andrew didn't know he was being glared at.
And none of them knew that the rest of the day…
was about to change everything.