Chapter 111 My choice

Chapter 111 My choice
Talia POV

The coffee shop is busier than I expected for a Sunday afternoon.

I spot Austin immediately when I step inside.

He is sitting at a corner table with two cups already in front of him.

When he sees me,he waves at me, his smile warm and genuine.

Considering why I am here, I feel guilt twist in my stomach.

Austin doesn't deserve any of the drama I have brought into his life.

"Hey," I say, sliding into the seat across from him.

"It's good to see you again.” Austin replies, pushing one of the cups toward me. "I got you a latte. Two pumps of vanilla, right?" He asks and I nod.

He remembered that too after just one date!

That cements my earlier conclusion about him.

He is the kind of guy who would make someone a great boyfriend.

Sadly, that person cannot be me.

"Thank you," I say, wrapping my hands around the warm cup.

We sit in silence for a moment and I can feel the weight of what I need to say pressing down on me.

"So," Austin says finally, saving me from having to start. "I'm guessing this is about that guy from the other day. Marcus, right?" He asks and I look up sharply. "How did you…"

"Talia, the man punched me in the face because I tried to kiss you," Austin says with a wry smile.

“ The way you looked at him? I'd have to be blind not to see it." He adds and I can't help but feel bad for him.

"I'm so sorry about that day.” I blurt out.

“ I'm sorry about everything that happened that day and for dragging you into my mess, about…"

"Hey," Austin interrupts gently. "It's okay. I'm not mad."

"You should be. You didn't deserve any of that." I point out because that's the truth.

"You are right. I didn’t deserve that.” Austin agrees.

“ I am not going to lie and say it didn't hurt.

The punch sucked but realizing that you were never really there with me when I was pouring my heart into that moment.”

The guilt inside me intensifies.

"I'm sorry," I say again and I mean it.

"I really am. I thought if I just moved on and gave someone else a chance, I could get over him. But I couldn't." I confess choosing to be honest like Austin has been honest with me.

"You love him," Austin observes and I nod. What's the need of denying it when it's the truth?

"Yeah," I admit quietly. "I do love him even though he hurt me.” I can't help but chuckle at how absurd that sounds.

“Even though he is complicated and messy and comes with baggage,I love him."

“ You are hopeless.” Austin says and I don't sense hate or anger in his words.

“ I am and I can't sew to stop myself.” I admit.

Austin takes a sip of his coffee.

"Can I ask you something?" he probes and I nod.

"Does he love you back?" Austin asks. "If he doesn't love you and is just stringing you along…"

"He loves me." I interrupt.

“ He confessed to me and I know it might sound stupid, but I believe him."

"Then I'm happy for you," Austin says, and he sounds like he means it.

"Talia, you deserve to be with someone who loves you the way you love them. Even if that person isn't me."

I can feel the sadness in his words, feel guilty that I dragged him in my mess, gave him hope then snatched it away.

"You're really not mad?" I ask.

"I am not mad, just disappointed," Austin admits then forces a smile.

“We went on one date, Talia. It's not like we were building a life together."

"Still, you deserved honesty from the start. I shouldn't have agreed to go out with you when I was still hung up on someone else.” I admit.

"Probably not," Austin agrees with a small smile. "But hey, at least I can say I got punched defending your honor. That's a good story, right?"

He is cracking up a joke to lighten the mood so why would I not play along?

Despite everything, I laugh.

"Thank you for being so understanding and for not making this harder than it already is." I say and Austin nods, taking another sip of his coffee.

"Of course," Austin says.

“ I hope it works out with him. I hope he treats you the way you deserve." He adds and I feel that his wish is genuine.

"Me too," I say softly.

We finish our coffees, talking about lighter things.

When we finally stand to leave, Austin pulls me into a brief hug.

"Take care of yourself," he says.

"You too," I reply.

As I watch him walk away, I feel something lift from my shoulders.

Closure, That's what we just had.

I pull out my phone and check the time.

It's almost three.

Marcus mentioned yesterday that he had to go into the office today to catch up on some work.

Before I can overthink it, I'm pulling up his contact and typing out a message.

“Are you still at the office?

His response comes almost immediately. He confirms that he is still there and might be for the next few hours.

With a smile on my face, I shove my phone to my bag and make a decision.

The drive to his office building feels longer than it should, anticipation building with every mile.

I don't know what I'm doing.

I don't know if showing up unannounced at his workplace is a good idea.

But I just closed the door on Austin and committed to giving Marcus a real chance.

All I want now is to see him and feel that connection we shared the other day in my house.

I want to remind myself why I am taking this risk.

The building is mostly empty on a Sunday considering it's not a working day.

I spot few people, maybe some dedicated employees and the security guard at the front desk.

Although I haven't been at the office since I submitted my resignation letter, not many people know that I no longer work here.

The receptionist greets me warmly as I head for the elevator.

I step into the president's elevator and punch the topmost floor.

The ride feels endless.

My heart is pounding and my palms are sweating.

I feel like a teenager about to do something reckless.

Finally, the doors open on the fifteenth floor.

The office is quiet with his personal assistant’s cubicle empty.

Marcus's office is at the end of the hall, his name on the door.

I have been here severally before but as his secret fuck mate and not woman.

I don't knock, I just push open the door and step inside.

Marcus is at his desk, bent over his laptop, tie loosened and sleeves rolled up.

He looks sexy like that. Sure, men look most attractive when working.

He looks up when I enter, surprise flashing across his face.

"Talia," he calls, standing up. "What are you…"

I don't let him finish.

I cross the room in three strides, gr

ab his tie and pull him down for a kiss.

Marcus makes a surprised sound against my mouth before his hands come up to grip my waist, pulling me closer.

When we finally break apart, we are both breathing hard.

“To what do I owe this surprise? I didn't know you were coming.” He says, looking pleasantly surprised.

"I wanted to see you," I reply .

"Is that okay?"

"It's more than okay," Marcus says, his thumb stroking my hip.

“ I am at the office. What if someone sees…" Marcus starts but I cut him off.

"It's Sunday," I point out. "The building is practically empty.

Besides, didn't you say you wanted to stop hiding me? That you wanted everyone to know?" I ask, wriggling my brows at him.

Something shifts in Marcus's expression.

"You're right. I want everyone to know that this beautiful woman is mine and mine alone.” He declares possessively and I can't help but smile.

"So," I say, trailing my fingers up his chest. "Are you going to keep working or are you going to show me how much you missed me?"

Marcus's eyes darken.

“ You know my choice even without asking.” He declares, his lips wrapping around mine.