Chapter 2.1

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, at the company of Christopher, he was busy with working on the new game they’re developing. In the midst of this busy morning, his secretary, Grian, called him regarding the coffee shop.

“So I have to pretend I’m the owner?” He asked for the millionth time again.

“Yes,” he answered, a bit annoyed.

“Interview Fatima and hire her to work there.” Grian nodded and sighed.

“Why don’t you do it?” he asked and Chris rolled his eyes. “She seems to be avoiding me so do it.” He ended the call and continued working. His mind is boggled by Fatima, he can’t stop thinking about her.

“I’ll take a break,” he told the group of game developers before standing up from his seat and taking his coat.

He left the room and entered the elevator. He took a deep breath and smiled sadly. Fatima must’ve gone through so much these past six years. Her condition right now makes it obvious how much has changed.

When the elevator opened, he was greeted by a woman. “Chris! I was going to visit, how’s your mother?” The woman giggled flirtatiously.

“Not now, Hannah.” She frowned and held on to his arm as he walked out of the elevator. “But... your mother said-“ he cut her off.

“I’m not a kid anymore, I have my own choices. Now leave.” He removed her grasp and started walking to the exit. He cannot deal with her today. He was tolerant before, his mother likes Hannah to be with him, but he doesn’t. Now that he suddenly found Fatima, he wants to be with her and no one else.

“Chris!” she called out but he ignored her. She stomped her foot and groaned. “He’s so stubborn!” she exclaimed to herself as she didn't know what to do now.

He proceeded to enter his car and drive to the coffee shop. That’s right, the coffee shop is owned by him. It was his grandmother’s shop but she passed away. To honor her, he continued to let the coffee shop thrive. It's a two hours drive from his company to the coffee shop though. He still couldn’t believe Fatima was that close to him, he could’ve found her if only he stayed in that part of the country.

After driving for almost two hours, he arrived at the coffee shop. He carefully got out of his car and looked at the windows of the coffee shop. Fatima is talking to Nikki, the barista working with Philippe. He walked inside and a bell rang. “My regular order, please.” Nikki looked at him and bowed her head.

“Sir-“ Chris shook his head lightly and signaled her to not say anything. Fatima stared at him with her eyebrows raised. (Why the hell is he here?) she thought to herself. He looked at her and she avoided eye contact right away.

“I’ll prepare his order. Go ahead and go to the back so you can talk to his secr- the OWNER, I meant. Go ahead and talk to the owner..” Nikki almost spilled her words. Fatima followed her orders and walked to the back office. Christopher watched her and she took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

“Come in,” a deep voice said and she opened the door and came face to face with Grian. He smiled at her and gestured to her to sit down. “Oh..” She scratched her neck before sitting down.

“How have you been, Fatima?” He questioned and she smiled.

“I’ve been great, you? It’s been years..” she said and he nodded and smiled charmingly. “I know.. who knew we’d meet again, right?” She nodded in response. Her eyes widened in the sudden realization that she admitted to being Fatima.

He leaned forward to her face and she stepped backward. “I knew it was you, Fatima.” She stepped back again and struggled to find her words.

“No- n-no, you’ve mistaken.” She cleared her throat and avoided eye contact with the man.

“If you want this job then tell me the truth,” he said and crossed his arms. Fatima frowned, knowing she can’t get out of this one. It just felt so natural talking to him that she forgot to tell him she’s Glen.

“Please don’t tell Christopher,” she begged and he squinted his eyes.

“Okay,” he agreed and she sighed in relief. He knows that Chris already knows and he can’t do anything about it though.

“It can be our little secret.” He winked and she didn’t know how to react.

“Let’s start the interview, then. Shall we?” She nodded and laughed awkwardly before taking a seat. After a few minutes of the interview, it ended. But Grian still has questions for her.

“What happened to you, Fatima?” They both went silent as she smiled sadly.

“Strange, right? I was this girl loved by many and now I’m.. this..” She chuckled because of the irony. One moment she lived a good life and the next, she’s living a horrible one. Funny how things can change so quickly.

“I think you’re still the girl I knew before,” he said and she raised an eyebrow.

“You think so?” He nodded.

“I missed you, and so did Chris. It’s nice to see you again.” Memories of him flooded her. He liked her back then but she didn’t. She loved Christopher.

He stood up and walked to the door and she followed him. “Work hours start at 6 in the morning, are you in?” Her eyes widened in excitement.

“I got the job?” she asked enthusiastically and he nodded.

“Oh my god, thank you!” She squealed in excitement and hugged Grian. He froze in place and stared at her. She let go when she realized what she did. “S-sorry..” she whispered and he chuckled. He extended his arm and hugged her. “It’s nice to know your personality is still the same.”

They exit the room and she couldn’t help but keep her smile. “I’ll be sure to arrive tomorrow early,” she said and Grian nodded. She walked out of the coffee shop and raised both her hands. “Yes!”

Christopher and Grian watched and the pair both laughed. “She doesn’t want you to know it’s her,” he explained and Chris nodded.