Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 8

A tense introduction

Saoirse’s POV

The café buzzed with the usual morning rush. I was busy taking orders and managing the staff when i saw Leon walk in. My heart lifted at the sight of him. Ever since we cleared up the misunderstanding, things had been good between us. He’d been coming by to help me out again.

“Hey, Saoirse,” Leon greeted with a smile, rolling up his sleeves as he joined me behind the counter. “What do you need me to do today?”

“Can you handle the coffee orderd?” i asked, smiling back. “Ang dami kasi, nagpapile up na yung orders.”

“Sure thing,” he replied, moving to the coffee machine.

Just a few minutes after Leon arrived, Reeve walked in. I waved at him and he made his way over to us. I noticed a slight tension in Leon’s posture as he continued making coffee, his eyes flicking over to Reeve.

“Hey, Reeve! What’s up?” i asked cheerfully.

“Just wanted to see how you’re doing,” Reeve said, glancing at Leon. “And to meet your friend here.”

I turned to Leon. “Leon, this is Reeve, my childhood best friend. Reeve, this is Leon.”

Reeve extended his hand for a handshake. “Nice to meet you, Leon.”

“Likewise,” Leon replied, shaking Reeve’s hand. But there was something off about the handshake. It was firm—too firm—and the look in Reeve’s eyes was anything but friendly. It was a mix of hatred and jealousy, which surprised me.

“Leon has been a huge help here at the café,” i said, trying to ease the tension.

Reeve forced a smile. “That’s good to hear. I’m sure you two make a great team.”

Leon nodded, his expression neutral. “Yeah, we do.”

The air between them felt heavy, and i couldn’t quite understand why. I decided to change the subject. “Reeve, gusto mo ba ng coffee? It’s on the house.”

“Sure, i’d love that,” Reeve said, his tone softening as he turned to me. “It’s been a while since we caught up properly.”

I glanced at Leon, who gave me a small nod, indicating he could handle things while i talked to Reeve. “Alright, i’ll join you in a minute,” i told Reeve, then turned to Leon. “Thanks for covering for me.”

“No problem,” Leon said, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he went back ro making coffee.

As i led Reeve to a table, i couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling. What was going on with Reeve and Leon? And why did it seem like there was more to Reeve’s visit than just catching up?