Chapter 32 Chapter 32
Savannah tied her apron tightly around her waist and sighed. The café smelled of fresh bread and strong coffee. It was warm inside, the soft sound of cups clinking mixing with voices of customers.
After leaving the laundry shop, Rosa had told her to rest, but Savannah knew she couldn’t sit at home all day. She needed to earn something, even if Adrian was helping her. She didn’t want to depend on him too much. That was how her problems with Nathaniel had started—being too dependent.
So when she found this café looking for extra help, she agreed. The pay was small, but at least she could do something with her hands and keep her mind busy.
“Savannah, table two needs a refill,” her new boss, a cheerful woman named Clara, called out.
Savannah smiled faintly, grabbed the pot, and walked over. She poured carefully, her stomach a little heavy but her movements steady. The customer thanked her, and she nodded before hurrying back behind the counter.
It was then that the bell above the café door rang. She looked up without thinking, and her heart skipped.
Adrian.
He stood tall, dressed in a sharp black jacket that made him look like he didn’t belong here. His presence filled the small café, and immediately people turned to look.
Savannah froze, gripping the counter edge. What is he doing here?
Adrian walked to the counter like it was the most natural thing in the world. He met her eyes briefly, then smiled as if this was all normal.
“One black coffee,” he said smoothly.
Savannah blinked at him. “You came all the way here… for coffee?”
“Yes,” Adrian replied simply, his tone calm. “Is that a problem?”
She wanted to argue but bit her lip. She turned, filled a cup, and set it down in front of him. “Here.”
Adrian picked it up and paid without a second thought. Then he walked to a corner table and sat down, his gaze occasionally lifting to where Savannah worked.
Her hands shook as she wiped the counter. Why is he watching me like this?
Minutes passed. Adrian didn’t drink his coffee much. He just sat there, sometimes pretending to scroll on his phone, but she could feel his eyes on her.
Clara leaned close and whispered with a teasing smile, “Savannah, do you know that man?”
Savannah’s cheeks burned. “He’s just… a friend.”
“A rich friend,” Clara muttered, glancing at Adrian’s watch and shoes. “Do you know how many women would die to have a man like that watching them? People in this town will start talking.”
Savannah turned away quickly, pretending to clean the counter again. She didn’t want gossip. She didn’t want people asking questions she couldn’t answer.
But soon, she heard whispers from a group of women sitting near the window.
“That’s Adrian Cole, isn’t it?”
“Yes, the businessman. What’s he doing in a small café like this?”
“Look at the way he keeps staring at that girl in the apron. Do you think…?”
Their voices made Savannah’s heart race. She bent lower, trying to hide her face.
After half an hour, Adrian stood and walked to the counter again. “Another coffee, please.”
Savannah frowned. “You barely touched the first one.”
“I like the coffee here,” Adrian said smoothly, though his eyes told another story. He didn’t care about the coffee.
She sighed and poured him another cup. “You’re making people talk,” she whispered quickly, handing it to him.
“Let them talk,” Adrian replied softly. “I came to see how you are doing.”
Her heart jumped at his words, but she forced herself to look away. “I’m fine. You don’t have to keep checking on me.”
Adrian studied her for a moment, then gave a small nod. He carried the cup back to his table, leaving Savannah restless behind the counter.
The day dragged on. Customers came and went, but every time she looked up, Adrian was still there. Always calm, always watching.
Finally, when the café was about to close, Clara whispered again, “Savannah, if you don’t want him, tell me. I’ll take him.”
Savannah almost laughed but shook her head quickly. “It’s not like that. Please, don’t think nonsense.”
But inside, she wasn’t so sure. Why did he keep coming back? Why did his eyes make her heart beat faster?
When the last customer left, Adrian finally stood and walked to her again. “You’ve worked hard. I’ll drive you home.”
Savannah quickly shook her head. “No, it’s fine. I can manage.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow. “At night? Alone? No chance. Get your things.”
His voice left no room for argument. Savannah sighed, untied her apron, and followed him outside.
The cool evening breeze brushed against her face. Adrian opened the car door for her, and she sat down silently.
As they drove through the quiet streets, she finally spoke. “Why are you doing this, Adrian? Why keep showing up? Why keep watching me?”
Adrian’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. He didn’t answer at once. His eyes stayed on the road.
Then finally, his voice came low and steady. “Because I care. Whether you like it or not, I can’t ignore you.”
Savannah’s heart thudded. She looked down at her hands, speechless.
When they reached her apartment, Adrian didn’t get out. He just looked at her for a moment. “Rest. Don’t push yourself too much.”
She nodded slowly. “Good night, Adrian.”
“Good night, Savannah,” he replied, his voice softer than she had ever heard it.
As she walked up the steps to her apartment, she felt her knees weak. She didn’t know if it was from the long day… or from the way Adrian’s eyes lingered on her.
And in the café that night, the whispers had already started to spread. The story of a rich man and a pregnant woman working in a small shop.
The town was watching.