Chapter 3
"Have a great day," said Nima to the customer.
"Ufffffffff," she sighed, exhausted.
"Finally, it's all done. Luckily, there aren't many customers around this hour, so I should probably continue with the book I was reading," she muttered to herself, patting her aching back from standing all day.
She picked up her book, "When My Skin Touched Yours," and turned to page 190.
"Do you know how much I've longed for your touch? I've died every day and night, struggling not being able to breathe the same air as you. My tears went dry from crying every night. Where have you been, my love?" said Ciel, the main character of the book.
"I thought it didn't matter where I went. I thought you didn't love me. All I could think about was how you had abandoned me for someone else," said Vanessa, Ciel's lover.
"What do you mean, my love? When have I abandoned you? I love you. I have loved you all this time, whether you were around or not. I couldn't breathe because you weren't by my side," Ciel responded, his voice trembling with desperation.
Slickkk, the sound of the page turning filled the quiet room.
"I know it all. Your mother told me how you went to your mother's friend's house to discuss your marriage with their daughter!" Vanessa yelled holding her tears.
"It is true I went there, but never to talk about marriage. I love you and have never thought of marrying anyone but you. When I returned, I was told you had left. If I made you worry please forgive me," Ciel said, kneeling and holding Vanessa's hands.
With a blend of happiness and relief, Vanessa caressed his cheeks. "Stand up," she said softly.
Ciel stood up slowly, looking into her eyes, his gaze softened.
"I have never abandoned you, Vanessa," he assured her.
After a long pause, Vanessa whispered, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have listened to your mother."
Ciel gently pulled Vanessa closer, wrapping his arms around her waist and caressing her face. She leaned forward on her tiptoes, their lips meeting in a soft kiss.
"To be continued..."
Tears unconsciously fell from Nima's eyes onto her hand.
"Here," said a voice, offering her a handkerchief.
Nima looked up, surprised.
"Oh, thank you. When did you arrive? I didn't realize you were here," she said to James.
"I've been here for quite a while."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"You were so engrossed in your book, I didn't dare to disturb you." He chuckled.
"It's one of my favorite books, 'When My Skin Touched Yours,' written by an unknown author. I don't know who they are, but this story touches my heart every time I read it."
James had started visiting the cafe more often and they had grown closer than ever before with their every interaction.
James looked at her, his eyes widening in surprise. Nima stood before, her face lightened with excitement as she passionately talked about how much she loved that book. This was the side of Nima, he had never seen before, which he found very interesting.