Five years later,
Maeve stepped out of the shower, the warm water dripping from her hair as she wrapped herself in a plush towel. The soft terrycloth enveloped her, a comforting familiarity. She smiled, feeling the calm morning routine wash away her lingering doubts. The bathroom mirror fogged, and she wiped it clean with a gentle swipe. Maeve's movements were deliberate and peaceful as she began to get ready.
Maeve stood before the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Her face had changed in the span of five years. She splashes some cold water across her face. Her damp auburn hair caught in its wavy curls was richer and darker than before. The gentle contours of her cheeks had sharpened, defining her jawline. Maeve smiled, tracing the curves of her face.
It's been five years since she renounced her family and it's name. She promised to pick herself up from scratch. Running away with the money she had hidden in a separate account. It saved as her father had terminated her account as she suspected. He must have done thinking she made that decision on an impulse. She lived comfortably in her rented apartment, located at the heart of the city. Maeve had a glass of wine waiting idly on the table. Some of her habits failed to die quickly.
Maeve went for simple. Tired of the extravagance of her former self demanded. Maeve's gaze lingered on her reflection, her expression serene. With a last glance, she left the bathroom, dressed up, and headed out the door. The city's vibrant energy called to her, but she felt grounded and at peace. Life was really different from before.
As she strode to her coffee shop, the morning sunlight cast a warm glow on her face. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods. Maeve's heart swelled with pride as she basked in the shop she called her sanctuary, her haven. A place where people came together, sharing laughter and stories. She unlocked the door, a bell above it ringing out. Maeve smiled, ready to face the day.
Long after, Maeve poured steaming coffee into a waiting cup, the aroma filling her cosy coffee shop. Her staff bustled around her, preparing for the morning rush. Maeve had built a life she loved—independent, calm, and fulfilling. She couldn't ask for anything more than this.
As the senior barrister and owner, Maeve took pride in every detail. She'd carefully selected the warm lighting, plush armchairs, and vibrant artwork adorning the walls. Her past life, tied to her family's influential name, seemed a distant memory now. Maeve had traded high-society events and cut-throat politics for quiet mornings like this.
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While on the other hand, Oliver Hathaway lugged the last box up the stairs, his breath catching in his chest. Finally, he had found an apartment -modest, yet homey. The apartment was a cosy haven, with cream-coloured walls and worn hardwood floors. Natural light streamed through the large windows, illuminating the simple furnishings. But most importantly, it was close to his father's enterprise. As he unpacked, Oliver's gaze drifted to the surrounding apartments. Who would his neighbours be? he wondered.
"I'll make a welcome gesture," Oliver decided. "Mother's smoked beef sauce would bring wonder to their taste buds," he thought to himself. He envisioned the look on his neighbours' faces—surprise, gratitude, and perhaps a spark of friendship. He hoped. To succeed in his father's company, he would have to start his contribution ground up. And his first step was his independence. A lesson his father decided that he needed to know.
As he began to unpack his kitchen, Oliver's mind whirled with recipes and introductions. "Smoked beef sauce, the perfect icebreaker," he chuckled. With renewed energy, Oliver continued unpacking, eager to meet his new neighbours and possibly build a connection.
He came across a photo of his younger self in high school. His subtle smile dulled into a frown. Maeve's sassy smile as she huddled close to him in the picture caught his attention. It left a slight ache in his chest. He hadn't heard from her in five years. He was devastated.
*************
Maeve's coffee shop hummed with activity, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafting through the air. Regulars chatted with her staff, while newcomers discovered the cosy haven with bright eyes and awe.
Just as Maeve was about to take a break, her phone buzzed. She picked it up in a heartbeat. and almost like clockwork answered.
"Maeve's Coffee Shop, this is Maeve."
"Hi, Maeve. This is Roxane from the Grande a la Vista Hotel. We have a VIP client requesting a bespoke bed and breakfast treatment, and we'd love for your café to provide the culinary experience."
Maeve's interest was piqued. "That sounds wonderful! What's the client's preference?" she brought a pen and paper to take down the order.
"Apparently, they're looking for a classic full English breakfast with a twist. Something unique to your café." the hotel attendant said.
Maeve's mind whirled. "I think I have just the thing. Our signature 'Sunrise Delight' – smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, and artisanal bread, paired with a speciality coffee blend."
Roxane's voice brightened. "That sounds perfect. Can you deliver to our hotel by 7 am tomorrow?"
Maeve checked her schedule. "Consider it done. I'll personally oversee the preparation and delivery." As Maeve hung up, her staff gathered around, curious.
"What's the buzz?" her junior staff Rachel asked over the counter. She had just completed an order and was making her last rounds before her break.
Maeve beamed. "We've landed a VIP client from the Grand a la Vista Hotel. Bespoke bed-and-breakfast treatment." Maeve smiled, pride swelling. Her coffee shop had become a staple in the community, and now, it was catching the attention of luxury hotels. As she began preparing for the next day's delivery, Maeve envisioned the Grand Vista a la Hotel's elegant rooms and the VIP client's delighted expression.
"This is just the beginning," she whispered.