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Joseph pushed open the door to the café, the warmth of the interior contrasting sharply with the chill in his heart. The rich aroma of coffee filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation. He spotted Valerie in a cozy corner, her fingers delicately wrapped around a steaming cup. She looked up, her smile faltering as she met his gaze.
"Hey," he muttered, sliding into the seat across from her. The small table felt like a battlefield, and the tension was palpable. "What's this about? Why did you want to see me?"
Valerie took a deep breath, her expression shifting from casual to serious. "Joseph, I... I love you," she began, her voice shaky. "But I can't break up with Alex until one of you gets the inheritance."