CHAPTER:19

"Welcome to Lavender delights! Please take a seat wherever you'd like. And we'll be with you shortly." -Elara chimes, greeting the customer instead of replying to Hana, who she was having a conversation with. Which earns an eye roll from her.

And as Hana turns to face the customer, her face contorts into one full of anger and annoyance. "Kim, you asshole. What are you doing here?"

Elara stares at the man. This man is Kim? She stares at him, not saying anything. But Kim has a nonchalant look on his face, he doesn't seem the least bit bothered by Hana's comment. Elara blinks in surprise. She remembers him. The man who didn't sponsor her cafe because she was late. Well, that was certainly a story. 

But why's he here? Elara studies him. The man in front of her. While Hana continues to shoot daggers with her eyes. For a moment, Elara thinks that even she's never looked at Marshall with such hatred and rage.

The man is at least 6'4. Elara looks down to his legs. And she isn't surprised that more than half of his body is just his long legs. She then looks up at his face. His amber eyes, and lush pink lips.

Kim has the face of an angel, and he looks like he could pass off as a world class model. His slight stubble. In one word, this man is completely ethereal. There's something about this man, that makes it impossible for Elara to look away.

But then again, not all beauty is beautiful.

"Y'know, it's rude to stare." -His husky voice causes Elara to snap out of her trance. She shakes her head and looks away, embarrassed. She takes a moment to compose herself. And puts on that fake customer-service smile. And ushers him inside the cafe.

"Right, I apologize. Why don't you take a seat? Wherever you'd like. And I'll be with you shortly. Here's some cold water and breadsticks to begin with." -Elara says softly. Following after Kim, who takes a seat in the booth by the window. The sunlight making the spot even more beautiful. 

Kim gently lowers himself in the chair, and looks at Elara. Studying her face. Which gives her the time to study his, as well.

Kim looks to be in his late 20's or his early 30's. His skin looks to be smooth and flawless. His body is perfectly in shape, and it's visible. She notices how his arm muscles there as he moves around. Kim is an incredibly handsome man, there's no denying that. His tall, muscular build is eye candy. His slight stubble, dark messy hair and beautiful amber eyes are like a dream.

Elara turns around and walks away to the counter, next to Hana. And Hana whispers to her; "Be very careful of this man."

__

Meanwhile.

Marshall is at his office. Busy, as always. One might even wonder why this man got married, if he just spends all his time working. It's been almost two months since his marriage to Elara. 

Yet, the two avoid each other like the plaque. And to top it all off, they've been intimate with each other only once. But it's not like he's dying or craving for her touch. Psst.

His mind wanders back to that night. The feeling of her soft and silk like skin. Her lips, her neck, her body. Overall, Elara herself.

He's too busy in his own world, that he almost misses the buzzing of his phone. He shakes his head, snapping out of it. He takes his phone in his hand, and unlocks it. His eyes widen when he realizes it's the same unknown number. The stalker had been laying low for the past month, but now, he seems to be back at his ugly activities.

Marshall opens the message and realizes it's a photo. Of Elara, who appears to be in a conversation with Hana. The picture was clicked from inside the cafe. And that makes his heart sink. His body moves faster than his mind. Marshall is already rushing out of his office.

. .

He continues calling Elara on her phone as he races through traffic. Desperate to get there as fast as he can. "Answer the phone, goddamnit!" he mumbles under his breath. Marshall doesn't care how fast or recklessly he's driving the car, he just needs to get to her.

As soon as the cafe is in view, he quickly parks the car and rushes inside, not bothering to turn the car engine off. Marshall is out of breath, but he doesn't care. All he cares about right now, is his wife. That's all. 

Elara is by the counter, and Hana notices him first. Who nudges Elara, and causes her to look up. His wife is certainly surprised to see him here, and it's evident on her face. Marshall rushes to her side, and pulls he closes to him by her arm, hugging her tightly. He holds her close to him, caressing the back of her head. As he burirs his face by the crook of her neck.

"Why do you never answer your phone?!" -Marshall scolds, his deep voice full of emotions, surprising Elara as well. 

"I- uh—? I was busy.... Serving the customers." and as she says this, Marshall raises his head up and looks around. And the only customer, is the man in a blue suit.

Marshall's face contorts into one full of rage. He lets go of Elara and storms up to him. He doesn't even give the man time to react, as he pulls him abruptly by his collar.

"W-Woah-! Hey, what the fuck?! Marshall-?"

Elara and Hana have their eyes open wide in surprise, as they stare at the scenery happening in front of them. Elara rushes to her husband's side.

Marshall's voice is deep and threatening as he speaks. "Kim Emmanuel.. What the fuck are you doing here?"