Night Cafe: CEO's Secret Love

"So, Liam, did you want a coffee? We're currently offering free basic drinks as a thank you for everyone's kindness, but you'll have to pay for anything complicated."

Jade kindly changed the topic upon noticing Liam's embarrassment. Yes, he had been slightly condescending, but she knew that he was only trying to help, so she did not want him to suffer for it.

Liam smiled and swiftly regained his composure. "I'll take two coffees—one latte with extra sugar and one cappuccino with extra froth… Actually, make it two of each please."

Hearing the order, a bemused expression appeared on Jade's face. "Are you meeting someone here?"

"Oh…" Liam chuckled. "To go, please. This was meant to be a pit stop before heading elsewhere."

"Very well, sir. Your coffees will be with you shortly!" After flashing a bright smile, Jade returned to the counter to prepare the drinks.

…

Carrying his four drinks, Liam returned to the car. Parker was leaning back in his chair, having a doze, so he did not notice Liam coming out and, thus, did not get out to open the door for him.

Knock knock!

"Wha— Who? Why are you back so soon?"

Woken from his sleep by Liam's knocking, Parker quickly unlocked the car, jumped out, and opened the door for Liam. When he was back in, he said, "I cannot apologize enough, sir. I was negligent."

"It's fine…"

"So, back home now?" Parker asked as he turned on the ignition.

"No."

"No? Okay then sir, a visit to your fiancée?"

A look of annoyance surfaced on Liam's face. "God, no. Find an alley or something for us to stake out the coffee shop."

"Stake out?"

"Yes. They currently don't have a front window, so anyone could just break in. Hopefully, no one will, but I'd like to be sure."

Parker felt a sense of foreboding in his heart as he asked, "How long do you plan to stay?"

Instead of answering Parker's question, Liam shot him an innocent smile. "Don't worry, I brought coffee."

…

"Goodbye, everyone! Thank you for your support, I don't know what we would have done without you!"

Jade was in high spirits as she bade farewell to the customers. To help so many people help them when they were at their most vulnerable… words could not describe the warm feeling suffusing her chest.

"Oi, Jade." Bernie, however, appeared his usual gruff self, but Jade could tell he was also somewhat touched. When Jade turned to him, he asked, "Do we go home, or do we have to stay until the repairs are done?"

"I don't like leaving the cafe like this," Jade said, with a look of unease on her face, "but the police did say that they would keep an eye on the area, so I suppose we will have to trust our local law enforcement. After all, it's too cold for us to stay here all night."

"Yes, that makes sense. Since that's the case, I'll head off as well; there's nothing more we can do for now. Are you coming?"

"Yes, let's go."

Ting ding!

The pair left their cafe, through their front door, which was flanked by sheets of cardboard.