Delphinia strolled into her favorite patisserie, the warmth of the shop wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. The scent of freshly baked pastries filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of chocolate and caramel. Glass displays showcased an array of colorful macarons, decadent cakes, and delicate tarts. She needed this. She needed the sweetness to drown out the bitterness lingering in her heart.
She approached the counter, placing her order with a small, polite smile. The cashier, a young woman who recognized her as a regular, chatted with her briefly before handing over a neatly packed box filled with an assortment of pastries. Delphinia thanked her and stepped out of the bakery, the bell above the door chiming softly as she exited.
But the moment she stepped onto the sidewalk, her heart sank.
Standing just a few feet away was Kai.