Part 11

I looked up to see who had just entered. My eyes widened in surprise as I recognized the figure standing at the door. It seemed like he was just as shocked to see me.

"Thania."

"Andre."

He immediately walked toward me, his expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity.

"Thania, do you work here now? Did you leave your office job?" Andre bombarded me with questions, his forehead slightly creased.

"I've actually been working here for a while, and no, I haven't left my job. This is just a side job," I explained calmly.

"A side job? Is your salary not enough to cover your expenses?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

"I'm sorry, Andre. I can't really explain that."

"Oh… I see. My bad."

Wanting to change the subject, I asked, "What would you like to order?"

"Cheesecake."

"Would you like to have it here or take it to go?"

"I'll eat here. And I'll have an orange juice, too."

"Alright, please wait a moment."

Andre chose a seat at the front, directly facing the counter where I stood. I passed his order to the staff responsible for making drinks and prepared his cheesecake myself. After a few minutes, I brought his order to his table.

"Thank you."

I simply nodded and gave him a small smile before returning to my tasks.

9:30 PM

I glanced at Andre, who was still sitting in the same spot. His plate was empty, and his juice glass was almost dry. It had been at least half an hour since he finished eating, yet he showed no sign of leaving. Instead, he just sat there, occasionally watching customers come and go.

Suddenly, his voice broke my thoughts.

"Thania."

I flinched slightly, startled to find him suddenly standing right in front of me.

"What is it?"

"When do you finish work?"

His question caught me off guard. "Why do you ask?" I raised an eyebrow.

"I'm just curious. Is that not allowed?"

I sighed. "I still have a while to go. I usually finish around midnight. If you want to leave, go ahead. You don't need to wait for me."

"Midnight? Are you serious?"

"Yes, that's my schedule."

He paused for a moment before saying, "Alright, but is it okay if I stay and wait for you?"

"No, you should just go home."

The moment I said that, he turned and walked out of the shop. I assumed he had finally given up and left.

11:00 PM

I removed my apron, folded it neatly, and grabbed my bag. After saying goodbye to my colleagues, I stepped outside.

But just as I was about to walk away, I noticed someone leaning against a sleek black car. His arms were crossed, and his expression was one of amusement.

"You're still here? I thought you left earlier," I said, walking toward him.

"Of course, I'm still here. I told you I'd wait, didn't I?"

I sighed and shook my head with a small smile. "Thank you."

"Ready to go home?"

I hesitated. As much as I had grown closer to Andre lately, it didn't feel right to accept his offer. I was married, and no matter how innocent it seemed, constantly going home with another man didn't sit well with me.

But at the same time, I felt guilty rejecting him. He had waited for hours. If I refused, wouldn't that make me seem cruel?

"Thania! You're just standing there. Do you want to go home or not? Or do you like it here too much?"

I snapped out of my thoughts. "Alright, let's go. I'm just exhausted."

Andre opened the car door for me like a gentleman. I slid inside, and he walked around to take the driver's seat.

Author's POV

"You can drop me off here," Thania suddenly said.

Andre frowned. "Why? Where's your house?"

"It's nearby. Don't worry about it. Thank you for giving me a ride. Have a good night and drive safely."

Before he could argue, Thania gave him a soft smile and stepped out of the car.

Andre sighed, watching her disappear into the dimly lit street. He wanted to insist on taking her all the way home, but something told him she wouldn't let him.

Thania, meanwhile, trudged toward her house. It wasn't far, but exhaustion weighed on her legs. She just wanted to collapse onto her bed and sleep for hours.

Once inside, she tiptoed toward her bedroom. She glanced around but didn't see Gibran anywhere. He must already be asleep, she thought.

She felt relieved knowing he was home. Whenever she arrived late, his car was always in the driveway. At least she didn't have to worry about him coming home safely.

6:30 AM

Gibran woke up earlier than usual. He stepped out of his bedroom and walked downstairs. The house was eerily quiet.

Strange.

Usually, the morning was filled with the sound of bustling activity—the clinking of dishes, the soft hum of the coffee machine, or the faint melody of a morning playlist. But today, there was nothing. Just silence.

His brows furrowed.

Where was Thania?

She was always up before him, making breakfast or at least moving around the house. But today, it felt like he was alone.

Is this what it's like to live by myself? he wondered.

Shaking off his thoughts, he grabbed his keys and left for work.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Thania remained curled up in bed, lost in a deep sleep. Her body finally had the chance to recover from the exhaustion of the previous night. Today was her day off, and she planned to savor every second of rest.

As for Gibran? He didn't even cross her mind at that moment.

Love yourself first.