Captain Swan-The Heart Never Forgets

CHAPTER TWO

Author's note: I'm not going to mention a name, but you know who you are. I couldn't respond to your post because your profile was gone or you blocked me, but if you're on a different profile reading this, I blocked you because you were being rude and entitled. I post my stories on here for fun and for people's enjoyment. And I have a right to take stories down and publish them elsewhere because they are my stories and that is my right. I shouldn't have to explain to you why I took them down or why I won't put them back up. You are not entitled to my stories, and if you don't like it, that isn't my problem. I'm not a child and I'm not going to argue with you like one. If you want to follow me and my stories, please be resfectful.

Anyway, thank you all for giving this story a shot! Hope you enjoy!

Just a side note, the part about the perfume was inspired by Tiktok creater, Jasmine's Garden and the Fairy Tears she promotes on her page. I ordered a bottle and it smells so good!

Killian

8 years ago...

Life, they say, is made up of moments. Some are fleeting and insignificant and have no lasting impact, like driving to work or watching a movie on a lazy Sunday afternoon, or choosing what shirt to wear under a suit jacket.

These moments seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, especially compared to more important moments, like ending a relationship, moving to a different country, changing jobs and finding a new house. Or in my case, all of the above.

But sometimes, it's those seemingly insignificant moments that change the course of our lives irrevocably. Those are the defining ones that leave imprints on us forever. Whether we acknowledge their impact or not, they shape who we are and who we'll become.

The bell chimes above the door, barely audible over the cacophony of ground beans, frothing milk and the chatter of morning patrons as I make my way inside, inhaling the rich aroma of roasted coffee and baked goods. My stomach grumbles in response, reminding me I haven't eaten since yesterday's hastily consumed sandwich.

I scan the room with an eagle's eye. It's not even 8 am, yet every table seems to be occupied by laptops, mugs of steaming hot beverages or plates of pastries.

Robin wasn't kidding when he said this cafe was a town favorite.

I edge forward, weaving through the maze of people. And then, like a lighthouse beaconing through the fog, I spot it-a vacant table in the corner. Sunlight pours through the window, casting geometric patterns on the wooden surface as I make my way over. I shove off my jacket and drape it over the chair before moving toward the counter and stepping in line.

My senses are immediately assaulted by the enchanting fragrance wafting from the woman standing in front of me. I close my eyes and inhale the sweet yet subtle scent of her perfume. An intoxicating blend of ripe strawberries, sweet, warm honey and fresh flowers swirl around her like a gentle breeze I want to get caught up in. But the scent drifts away, and I already miss it.

A throat clearing breaks through the trance-like spell I seem to be under. When I open my eyes, I realize the line has moved forward, and I've been standing still like a dumbass. I glance around, a warm flush of embarrassment creeping into my cheeks. I offer a sheepish smile over my shoulder to the people waiting behind me, silently grateful my moment of distraction went unnoticed by the woman in front of me.

I shake my head and move forward in the queue, trying to return to the present moment. But the smell of her perfume draws me closer. Perhaps a little too close.

She's at the counter now, and the barista greets her with a charming smile, already anticipating her order.

"The usual?" he asks, his voice warm with familiarity.