Chapter 4

Trevor trailed behind Miss Cal, but his gaze remained fixed on the coffee shop across the road. As they stepped outside, he waited for Miss Cal's car to pull away before crossing the street. His intention was clear—he meant to bump into Saya deliberately. Checking the time on his phone, Trevor entered the cafe. Positioning himself strategically beside the door, he patiently awaited her arrival. When Saya pulled the door open, he feigned concentration on his phone, only to "accidentally" collide with her as she stepped inside the cafe.

"Ouch, I'm so sorry..." Her apology spilled out despite her not being at fault.

He expected her to continue inside, but instead, she started poking his chest with her hand.

"Wow, you're so muscular..."

Trevor furrowed his brow. 'How can she touch another man so freely?'

Unaware of his presence, she hadn't looked up and had no idea it was him. In an attempt to get her attention, he cleared his throat loudly. Upon realizing, she pulled her hand back as if struck by lightning.

"U-Um…what are you doing here?" she stuttered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Trevor chuckled, glanced down to where she had touched, and replied, "If you must know, I exercise often."

Her face was so red that if her head were a kettle, it would have whistled.

"Excuse me..." She rushed past him and ran into the restroom.

He continued staring in the direction she went, debating whether he should leave or wait for her to come back.

"Is she meeting someone today?" he pondered, turning to look out the door to see if there was anyone with her.

Observing the empty surroundings, Trevor sighed quietly, a subtle relief washing over him as he confirmed she was alone. Eager to extend their time together, he secured a table and ordered a cup of her favorite coffee, patiently anticipating her return. The minutes felt like an eternity until, at last, she approached him.

"Mr. Burton, I am truly sorry about earlier. Bumping into you and touching you like that..." Her cheeks displayed a subtle flush as she spoke.

"Hm, I see. But tell me, Saya, are you meeting someone?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I am meeting my classmate for lunch. We have this assignment to work on together," she explained, her gaze drifting out of the window.

She consistently avoided meeting his eyes, and each instance felt like a subtle fracture in his heart.

"Is she that scared of me?" He couldn't help but wonder deep inside as he observed her looking away from his pensive stare.

"What time is she coming? I ordered you a cup of coffee. I hope you don't mind. I have not seen you since you left."

"He... is coming in thirty minutes. I wanted to read and get ready, so I came early."

"Sit down."

Trevor's voice carried a commanding tone, and she immediately took a seat in the chair opposite him.

"Oh, I did it again," he groaned internally. His authoritative tone consistently triggered a submissive response from her, akin to an abused puppy.

"Are you afraid of me, Saya?" Trevor inquired, his heart torn by her reaction.

"I am not. But you do make me anxious at times," she replied honestly.

"Do I really? Why is that? You stayed with me for a year. I thought our arrangement was mutual."

"How can I say this? You have this commanding aura. You're cold, and even though I know you're warm and kind, I can't help feeling anxious when I'm around you. It's a feeling I can't explain."

"Did you fall in love with me?" He smirked as his eyes met her gaze.

"Ah, I see you're still arrogant, Mr. Burton," she remarked, rolling her eyes.

"Excuse me...Miss Saya, here is your coffee," the server interrupted them.

"Thank you, Tati," Saya replied, offering a warm smile.

"Have you been well? I'm sorry about my family," Trevor's tone softened as he spoke.

"I really am fine. That was the past, and you shouldn't dwell on it. School is hard, but I am working hard. I'm eating a lot, and I'm staying away from the candies," she grinned like a child explaining to a parent.

"You're right. It's good that you are doing well. I must go now. Enjoy your coffee and continue to work hard. Take care of yourself, Saya," he said as he stood to leave.

He yearned to linger with her a little longer, but the demands of the office compelled him to leave. He had deliberately rescheduled his meeting by an hour, aware that she frequented the coffee shop with that same guy. Striding past her, he cast a fleeting glance in her direction, observing her from the corner of his eyes. She was an exceptional woman; whoever marries her is destined to be a fortunate individual.

"Mr. Burton!" She called out to him when he was a few steps away from her.

"You look well. It was really nice seeing you." She flashed him her beautiful, warm smile.

He nodded, acknowledging her words, then walked out into the afternoon sunlight.

Trevor navigated the bustling street, resisting the urge to glance back, though the desire remained within him. Slipping into his car, he steered towards his company, the vivid image of her smile etched in his mind. Today, he had taken a risk, and as he drove, he found no room for regret. The memory of her familiar scent and endearing clumsiness lingered, accompanied by the realization that her hair had grown longer. She was transforming into the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.