The Accidental Affair

Chapter....3

Eloise glanced at me as I stared at my phone, my face a mix of dread and confusion. “You sure it’s nothing?” she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

“It’s nothing worth ruining our night over,” I said, shoving the phone into the couch cushions. “Let’s just enjoy the movie.”

But even as the masked killer on-screen chased their victim, my mind was miles away. Lorenzo’s message loomed in my thoughts, stirring up memories I’d worked hard to bury.

Lorenzo De Luca wasn’t just any ex. He was the ex, my first love and the one who broke my heart so thoroughly that I swore off relationships for years. The fact that he still had my number made my stomach churn.

After the movie ended, Eloise stood and stretched. “Alright, I’m calling it a night. Early meeting tomorrow.” She leaned down to ruffle my hair. “Don’t let whatever’s bothering you keep you up, okay?”

I forced a smile. “Goodnight, Eloise.”

As her bedroom door clicked shut, I let out a shaky breath. The room was quiet now, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. My phone sat accusingly where I’d left it.

Curiosity won over hesitation. I grabbed the phone and opened the message again.

Unknown Number:
We need to talk. Call me when you can.

I debated ignoring it, but something in the pit of my stomach told me I wouldn’t be able to let it go. Against my better judgment, I typed a response.

Me:
What do you want, Lorenzo?

The reply came almost instantly.

Lorenzo:
We need to meet. It’s important.

I stared at the screen, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. What could he possibly want after all this time?

Me:
Say whatever it is over text.

Lorenzo:
It's not something I can explain here. Tomorrow. Café Verde at noon.

Café Verde. The place where we had our first date. The audacity of this man to summon me there like nothing had happened was infuriating.

But curiosity gnawed at me. What could be so urgent? Against every ounce of logic, I typed back:

Me:
Fine.

The next day came too quickly. I barely slept, tossing and turning as memories of Lorenzo, and I resurfaced like ghosts haunting my subconscious. By the time noon rolled around, I was jittery and annoyed with myself for even agreeing to this.

Café Verde was buzzing with life when I arrived. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries hit me as I stepped inside. Lorenzo sat at a corner table, looking almost too comfortable. His dark hair was neatly combed, and he wore a tailored suit that reminded me of how effortlessly charming he always looked.

I took a deep breath and approached. “Lorenzo,” I said curtly, pulling out a chair.

He looked up, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. “Aurora.”

“What do you want?” I asked, skipping any pleasantries.

He leaned back, studying me for a moment. “You look good. New York suits you.”

“Flattery won’t work,” I shot back. “Cut to the chase.”

He sighed, his confident demeanour faltering for the first time. “Aurora, I know I don’t deserve your time, but this is serious.”

I folded my arms, waiting.

“There’s been… trouble with your father’s company,” he said finally.

My heart stopped. “What kind of trouble?”

“Fraud. Embezzlement. Some of your employees are under investigation, and your name has been dragged into it.”

I blinked, my mind reeling. “That’s impossible. I haven’t touched Ricci Tech Hub since I moved here. My grandparents handle everything.”

“That’s why I’m here. To warn you. The authorities might come after you.”

I sat back, trying to process his words. This couldn’t be happening. My grandparents were meticulous, and I’d made it clear I wanted no involvement in the company.

“You’re lying,” I said, my voice shaking.

“I wish I were.” He slid a folder across the table. “Everything you need to know is in here. I’m trying to help you, Aurora.”

I didn’t trust him, but I took the folder anyway. “Why are you doing this? After everything…”

Lorenzo’s expression softened. “Because I owe you. For what I did. And because whether you believe it or not, I still care about you.”

I stood abruptly, clutching the folder. “I don’t need your help, Lorenzo.”

His eyes followed me as I stormed out. But as I stepped into the cold New York air, a nagging thought stayed with me.

What if he wasn’t lying?