8. Coffee shop confrontation

Emily had found a quiet solace working at Clara's new coffee shop. The steady routine of brewing coffee, the warm, inviting atmosphere, and the support of her best friend had been a balm to her wounded heart. She was content in this small, peaceful corner of the world, far away from the chaos that had once consumed her life with Alexander.

One afternoon, Emily was busy behind the counter, focused on perfecting a customer's cappuccino when she heard the unmistakable sound of Alexander's voice. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly steeled herself, refusing to let the familiar pang of anxiety take over.

Alexander strolled into the coffee shop, his arm draped casually around Vanessa, his childhood friend and now constant companion. The two looked every bit the glamorous couple, their presence drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the café. Alexander's eyes immediately locked onto Emily, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Well, well, look who's here," Alexander said arrogantly as he approached the counter. He made no effort to hide the condescension in his voice. "So this is where you've been hiding, playing the humble barista. How quaint."

Emily looked up from the espresso machine, meeting his gaze with a calm she hadn't felt in years. "I'm not hiding, Alexander. I'm working. There's a difference," she replied coolly.

Vanessa leaned in, her voice dripping with mock concern. "You know, Alex, she's just trying to get your attention again. Poor thing doesn't know when to quit."

Alexander chuckled, clearly amused by the situation. "You know, Emily," he began, leaning over the counter with a smug expression, "I've been thinking. Maybe I was a little harsh. I'll allow you to hold my hand from time to time, and maybe we can even have some… physical contact. Wouldn't you like that?" His tone was patronizing, as if he was offering her the world on a silver platter.

Emily stared at him, incredulous at his arrogance. If this had been a few months ago, her heart would have leapt at the prospect, but now… now she only felt pity. "Alexander, are you really that delusional?" she asked, her voice calm but laced with steel. "I've already filed for divorce. I've made it clear that I don't want anything to do with you anymore."

Alexander's confident smirk faltered slightly, but before he could respond, Vanessa stepped forward, her eyes blazing with contempt. "How dare you talk to Alex like that after everything he's done for you!" she snapped. "He's lowered himself to give you another chance, and this is how you repay him? You're nothing without him!"

Vanessa raised her hand, her intention to slap Emily clear, but Emily was quicker. She caught Vanessa's wrist mid-air, her grip firm and unyielding. Without hesitation, Emily twisted Vanessa's arm back and delivered a sharp slap across her face. The sound echoed through the café, and everyone around them froze, their eyes wide with shock.

"Touch me again, and it'll be worse next time," Emily said, her voice low but deadly serious. She released Vanessa's wrist, who staggered back, clutching her reddening cheek in disbelief.

Alexander stood there, stunned into silence. He had never seen this side of Emily before—this strong, unyielding woman who had just effortlessly put Vanessa in her place.

Emily looked at them both, a sense of clarity washing over her. "I'm not that naive girl you used to manipulate, Alexander. I'm done with you, with all of this." She turned back to her work, dismissing them as if they were nothing more than a bad memory.

Clara, who had been watching from the back, finally stepped forward, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "You heard her," Clara said firmly, stepping beside Emily. "This is a place of business. If you're not here to order something, I suggest you leave."

Alexander, still reeling from what had just happened, glared at Clara. "You'll regret this, Emily," he spat, though the threat lacked its usual force.

Emily didn't even bother to respond. She simply continued with her work, pouring the next customer's coffee with steady hands. Alexander, realizing that he had lost whatever hold he once had over her, turned on his heel and stormed out of the café, Vanessa trailing behind him, still nursing her wounded pride.

As the door closed behind them, the tension in the room slowly dissipated, and the customers who had witnessed the scene began to murmur among themselves. Clara placed a reassuring hand on Emily's shoulder.

"You handled that like a pro," Clara said, her voice filled with admiration.

Emily sighed, her hands trembling slightly now that the adrenaline was wearing off. "I'm just glad it's over," she admitted.

Clara gave her a warm smile. "It's only the beginning, Em. You're finally free."

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Emily believed it too.