Maybe

Chapter 42 That date

I sat across from the man in the dimly lit café, stirring my coffee aimlessly. His name was Daniel Parejo. Mom had been so thrilled that I barely had the heart to cancel. But now, as I glanced at him, I regretted every decision that had led me here. 

Daniel had a perfectly polished appearance—slicked-back hair, an expensive watch glinting on his wrist, and a smile that felt more rehearsed than genuine. Something about him felt... off. 

“So,” Daniel started, leaning forward with an unsettling grin. “You always let your mom set up dates for you?” 

I forced a polite smile. “Not really. This was more of a... unique situation.” 

He chuckled, but it sounded hollow. “Unique? Interesting. So, what do you do for fun?” 

I paused. “I read. Sometimes cook. Just... normal stuff.” 

He raised an eyebrow. “Normal’s boring, don’t you think? I like to live on the edge.” 

“Living on the edge” sounded like a red flag wrapped in a catchphrase. I sipped my coffee, hoping it would end soon. “What does that mean, exactly?” 

Daniel smirked, tapping his fingers on the table. “You know, risky ventures. Fast cars, late nights, no rules. Life’s too short to play it safe.” 

I nodded slowly, feeling a growing sense of unease. “Right... and what do you do for work?” 

He shrugged. “A little of this, a little of that. Nothing conventional. I’m more of a freelancer.” 

Something about the way he avoided specifics made my stomach twist. “Freelancer in what field?” 

“Let’s just say I deal with high-stakes situations.” His grin widened, but his eyes stayed cold. 

I put down my coffee cup, my fingers tightening around it. “Sounds... vague.” 

“Vagueness is part of the charm.” He winked. “You seem like someone who’s tired of the mundane. Why not add a little excitement to your life?” 

My instincts were screaming at this point. I forced a laugh, standing up. “You know, I think I’ve had enough excitement for one night. Thanks for the coffee.” 

As I turned to leave, Daniel’s voice followed me. “You can’t run from excitement forever. Sooner or later, it finds you.” 

I walked out, heart pounding, realizing this was one blind date I would never forget. Something about Daniel wasn’t just off—it was dangerous.

“Let me walk you home,” Daniel said, his voice smooth but somehow unsettling. 

I hesitated, every part of me wanting to decline. There was something off about him, something I couldn’t quite place. But before I could speak, my eyes caught a familiar figure a few tables away. 

Ethan. 

He was sitting casually, sipping on his coffee, eyes locked onto us like a predator observing its prey. Was he following me? Stalking, maybe? The thought should have annoyed me, but instead, it made me feel... safer. 

I plastered a sweet smile on my face, directed right at Ethan. He didn’t react, his gaze shifting coldly to Daniel instead. Fine. Two can play that game. 

“Sure, Daniel,” I said, turning back to him. “Why not?” 

Ethan didn’t react visibly, but I caught the subtle clench of his jaw before he turned his attention back to his drink. 

Daniel grinned, clearly pleased. “Perfect. Let’s get going, then.” 

We stepped out into the cool night air. The streets were quieter now, with only the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of a dog.