On the quaint streets of Park Avenue, Victoria worked hard at the local diner with whatever her parents left behind. She has a talent for brightening the lives of those who leave the diner with a heart as warm as the coffee she serves. Her smile was contagious and patrons often stopped to catch a glimpse of her beaming face. That same day, after an unusually busy day, Victoria was alone late at night. The door opened and the restaurant bell rang announcing the arrival of a new guest. After wiping the counter and her apron a bit wet, Victoria looked up to see strong, clear, very light hazelnut eyes that seemed to hold a secret world within them. "A table for one person?" Victoria asked as her eyes scanned Tristan. "Yes please." he answered in a soft voice that sent shivers down her spine. Tristan was supposed to meet with a business partner to discuss a business proposal for a new venture. He was eager to seal the deal and expand his empire, but fate had other plans. He llooked outside the window, the skies darkened with an unexpected storm, and thunder rumbled ominously. Tristan received a call that business meeting plans have changed. It was 9:50 PM and when Victoria led him to a table by the window, she wondered who this handsome stranger was. There was something interesting and captivating about him. There was something mysterious about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on. "10pm, closing time is 10:25pm." Victoria said, pointing to the beautiful clock hanging over the door frame, "So incase you are waiting for someone, I won't wait, just so you know sir". "You have nothing to worry about, the, I'm supposed to meet up with a business associate of mine, but the meeting has been rescheduled. But make it 10:30pm." replied Tristan. "Your eyes, they um...they glow" She said in a very weak and curious voice that even if there were people close to her they wouldn't have heard what she said, but he turned to her and in a soft voice that sent another shiver down Victoria's spine. "What about the eyes?" Tristan turned to her and asked.
"You heard me? How? How could this be from that distance? - she asked him, but she was silent looking surprised.. As closing time approached, people began to leave. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" Tristan ordered regular coffee instead. A few minutes later, she brought a tray of coffee to his table. "Ma'am, you seem to be a popular figure here." He said. "And it looks like you're here for the first time." She replied, not paying attention to his face at the time. Tristan noticed Victoria's nervous look and said, "Do you like baseball? "Hmm, do you think the New York Yankees will go all out for a championship this season?" She ignored him but he asked again, wanting to lighten the mood to let go of the previous incident. "It's possible, but I don't see the New York Yankees going to a championship because other teams plan to win, too", she replied. And as time passed, he found himself talking to Victoria. The words flowed easily, as if they had known each other for years. Around 10:30 and 10:50 p.m., the restaurant was empty and only Tristan and Victoria were laughing and talking, finding a common language in the most unexpected places. Victoria did not know that Tristan is a lycan, a billionaire and the head of a huge empire, and that his life is surrounded by a world of mystery and extravagance. But in that moment with Victoria, he felt a sense of normalcy that he had never felt before.
"So, what brings you to the diner today?, I haven't seen you around here before" she asked, "just taking a break from the business world for a little while. It's refreshing to step away from the boardrooms and enjoy some simple pleasures from time to time you know" Tristan answered. Shrugging his shoulder, looked at her and continued, " what do you do for fun?"
"I barely have time to get some sleep much less time for fun,. If it's not the diner, it's my little sister, if it's not her then it's back to planning the grand opening of my foundation. I hope that goes well when the time finally comes". She looked away rolling her eyes as she answered.
"I see. I hope you do not mind me asking, what's the objective of the foundation?" He sipped his coffee for the first time since it was placed on his table as he questioned. "To empower orphans, children with no parents in the line of education and basic societal orientation guiding them to do right in the society. I'm an orphan, all I have is my sister and this diner. It hasn't been easy for us but we are trying and we came up one day with the idea in our own little way to help other orphans through the right path to prevent widespread menace in the society". For a moment Victoria forgot herself while talking but Tristan, paying attention was impressed although didn't take notice of her beauty at the time but nodded his head and said "hmm, well it's a good and noble thing at least someone is finally stepping up to curb some of the societal issues" he said as his eye brows narrowed because he despised humans especially those who felt they could take advantage of him both in business and pleasure.
That night they mingled with each other. They shared dreams and aspirations, fears and vulnerabilities, creating a rare bond that transcended differences in background and status but didn't tell her anything about himself. Tristan smiled as Victoria poured another cup of coffee. He was drawn to her low-key, kind nature and ability to find joy in the little things. He realized that he had never felt so comfortable and at ease with anyone. When Victoria's gaze reached the clock, it was 11:50 PM and she realized how late it was. "Sorry, I didn't see the time." She said disappointedly. "I think i'll have to close for the night now."
Tristan nodded in understanding. "Of course I didn't want to keep you here so long". he signaled with a gesture for the check as he brought out his wallet put the it in her hand. Victoria smiled warmly and said, "No, No ,No it was a wonderful evening. Thank you for keeping me company, sir." He was surprised by such a gesture. "Well, do have a good evening." He said as he forced a smile on his face trying to understand for a brief moment what he was feeling.. He looked at Victoria again and checked the time. Tristan stood up and held out his hand. "I'm glad, ma'am. I wish we could do it again," "Victoria, call me Victoria, and yes, I wish we could do it again," she replied with a warm smile.
As they shook hands, an unspoken connection floated in the air, and the two felt an inexplicable attraction to each other. Tristan found solace in Victoria's presence, as she made him feel like a man rather than a lycan burdened by ancient traditions and responsibilities. Victoria, on the other hand, felt a connection like she had never experienced before not even with Claudio her abusive ex fiance. Little did they know that this chance encounter would pass them by again and change their lives forever. So Tristan, the Lycan enigmatic billionaire, and Victoria, the kind hearted diner worker, part ways that evening, oblivious to the extraordinary journey that awaits them in the coming days and months. Fate moves for the first time and their lives intertwine in ways they could never have imagined.