Bound By Fate

Proposal of Convenience

Zara wiped down the last table at the cozy cafe where she worked, her mind heavy with worry. The afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the worn wooden floors. Despite the welcoming ambiance, her thoughts were far from the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee and the faint chatter of customers.

She was only twenty-one, but the weight of responsibility pressed down on her shoulders like a burden beyond her years. Her mother's illness had worsened, and the medical bills were piling up faster than she could keep track. Zara's gaze flickered towards the small corner where she kept a crumpled piece of paper – the latest statement from the hospital, marked with numbers that seemed to mock her.

"Zara, are you okay?" Mia, her coworker and friend, approached with a concerned expression. Mia was older, with a gentle demeanor that often served as a comforting presence amidst Zara's turmoil.

"Yeah, just tired," Zara managed a weak smile, though exhaustion etched lines on her face that belied her youth.

Mia's brow furrowed with worry. "You sure? You look like you haven't slept in days."

"I haven't," Zara admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just...everything with Mom, you know?"

Mia nodded sympathetically. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but if you need anything, I'm here."

Zara's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Mia. That means a lot."

Before Mia could respond, the tinkling bell above the cafe door announced the arrival of a new customer. Zara glanced up, ready to greet the newcomer, but the sight that met her eyes made her heart sink.

Aaron Archer stood in the doorway, his presence commanding attention despite the casual elegance of his attire. At twenty-eight, he exuded a sense of confidence that bordered on arrogance – a stark contrast to Zara's own uncertainty.

But Aaron didn't approach the counter this time. Instead, he took a seat at a table in the corner, his piercing gaze briefly meeting Zara's before he looked away. Zara felt a pang of resentment at the sight of him. Aaron was not just a customer; he represented everything she had come to resent in recent months. His family's wealth and influence were well-known in their small town, but Zara had never expected their paths to cross again, in such a manner.

Zara shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "I'm fine, really," she said to Mia, forcing a smile. "Let's just get through today."

Mia nodded, though her eyes remained filled with concern. "Alright. But if you need a break, just let me know."

Zara returned to her tasks, doing her best to push the thoughts of her mother's illness and Aaron Archer out of her mind. But the weight of her worries remained, a constant presence that she couldn't escape.

As the afternoon wore on, the cafe slowly emptied out, the warm glow of the sun giving way to the soft light of early evening. Zara and Mia worked in comfortable silence, the rhythmic clinking of cups and plates providing a soothing backdrop to their thoughts.

"Zara, can you grab some more napkins from the back?" Mia asked, breaking the silence.

"Sure thing," Zara replied, grateful for the distraction. She made her way to the storeroom, taking a moment to collect herself before returning to the front of the cafe.

When she came back, Aaron was still sitting in the corner, his attention focused on his phone. Zara felt a chill run down her spine but forced herself to ignore it. She couldn't afford to let him get under her skin.

Mia glanced at Aaron, then back at Zara. "He's been here a while," she noted. "Do you think he needs anything?"

Zara shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. "I don't know. Maybe he's just waiting for someone."