CHAPTER NINETEEN

“The Nook” was a hidden gem, tucked away in an alley draped with ivy and fairy lights. Its door was an invitation to a world away from the rigid lines of school life, a promise of warmth and the kind of food that fed more than just the body.

As they stepped inside, the ambience of “The Nook” enveloped them. The walls were adorned with paintings of far-off places and shelves filled with knick-knacks and books that whispered tales of adventure and romance. The air was thick with the aroma of coffee and cinnamon, and a soft melody played in the background, the notes dancing around them like old friends.

David could feel the tension in his shoulders begin to ease as they settled into a booth lined with plush cushions. “This place… it’s like something out of a storybook,” he murmured, his gaze taking in the cozy nooks and the gentle glow of the hanging lanterns.