Julia's POV
I stepped out of the building, feeling weighed down by the burden of my emotions as I stumbled and collapsed to my knees on the pavement. The scenes from moments ago replayed in my mind—his blank face, the ease with which he signed, and the way he removed his ring, all of it causing me to sob uncontrollably.
After feeling a little lighter, I stood up and began straightening my clothes, when the aroma of a passer-by's coffee caught my attention. I decided to get a cup myself as a way to calm the turmoil within me.
I walked into a nearby coffee shop and ordered a hot mocha. Taking my coffee, I sat at an empty table by the window, on the other side of the shop. The first sip brought instant relief. The perfect blend of coffee, milk, the sweet taste of chocolate, a bit of sugar, and cream on my tongue soothed my nerves.
I was quietly observing the view outside when I noticed the shop filling up with people. About ten minutes later, while I was still absorbed in watching the world go by outside, someone distracted me.
I noticed a tall, brown-eyed man, about six feet tall, wearing a beige sweatshirt and jeans.
"Excuse me," he said. "May I sit next to you? I'm afraid there's no other seat available."
I looked up at him with a polite smile and replied, "Yes."
Extending a hand towards me, he said, "Hello, I'm Mark Henry Spencer!"
*hesitant handshake*
"Julia Jad—Ju…lia, Julia Robinson!"
My former married name slipping out of my mouth was a sharp reminder of everything that had happened.
"Well, Julia, I must say you're a very beautiful woman."
I responded with a faint smile.
"And being in the jewellery business myself, I can't help but notice what a stunning ring… truly a head-turner!"
His remark about my ring made me realise that I was still wearing my wedding ring, or rather, my failed-wedding ring.
Trying hard to conceal what I was actually feeling, I responded with, "Thank you very much," and excused myself. He nodded with a friendly smile.
Mark's POV
*writes in his journal*
I am currently on a trip—or should I say a much-needed break—to Fitzrovia, as I needed an escape from the hustle and bustle of business life in London.
However, this trip feels quite different from the others I've taken so far.
Today I met a woman in a coffee shop nearby. Honestly, I first noticed her from afar and, a few minutes later, followed her into the shop. To my luck, the only available seat in the small shop was the one at her table, which gave me the chance to sit next to her and strike up a conversation.
Even though she didn't engage much, her short, simple, and formal replies said more than she realised.
Of course, I could be wrong—after all, she only met me today, and we are strangers. Naturally, she wouldn't be quick to open up in conversation.
Still, I could sense from the way she spoke and the faint gleam in her eyes (thanks to my excellent face-reading skills) that she was going through something in life…
*finishes writing in his journal*
Wow, man! Why am I so interested? I asked myself as I closed my journal and made my way to bed.
Just then, I heard my inner voice answer:
"'Cause maybe the hottest and most successful businessman in London is in loooove!"
"Shut up!" I muttered to myself, dismissing the thought. I was far too busy for things like that. Besides, the idea of love had never thrilled me, not even when I was a teenager. I always thought of love as something that led to heartbreak and, ultimately, a waste of time.
Soon after, sleep overtook me.
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