Vincent's lily

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Chapter 2: The Encounter

The next morning, Lily was up early, eager to start setting up her coffee shop. She’d barely slept, her mind swirling with thoughts of the intense stranger she had encountered the day before. Something about him had left her uneasy, yet undeniably curious.

As she arranged the tables and placed books on shelves, she tried to push him from her thoughts. Today was about her dreams, her new life. The world she left behind was filled with routines and safety nets; here, in Rome, she had a blank slate. She was determined to create something special.

By mid-afternoon, she’d finished most of the interior work. The soft, cozy atmosphere was starting to take shape. Satisfied, she stepped outside to admire her handiwork, brushing a few stray strands of hair from her face as she surveyed the quiet street. Just then, she noticed a tall, well-dressed man approaching her shop. The sight made her heart race—she recognized him instantly.

It was the stranger from the market.

He walked with an air of authority, his stride confident and unhurried. As he reached her, he stopped and looked around, as if taking in the ambiance she’d created. Lily felt her heart pound in her chest, but she managed a polite smile.

"Welcome! We’re not open yet, but you’re welcome to take a look around," she offered, trying to mask her nerves.

He gave her a small, almost amused smile. "Vincent," he introduced himself, his voice smooth yet edged with something darker. "Vincent Roy."

Lily nodded, her smile faltering a little. "I’m Lily. Lily Collins."

Vincent’s gaze lingered on her, his dark eyes unreadable. "So, you’re the one opening this place. It doesn’t exactly blend with the neighborhood."

She shrugged, feeling a little defensive. "I like it here. It’s quiet, and people could use a little peace now and then."

He seemed to consider this, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Quiet can be dangerous in a city like this."

Lily tilted her head, meeting his gaze directly. "Dangerous? I think it’s just what you make of it."

For a moment, they stood in silence, each sizing up the other. He was used to people cowering or retreating, but this girl held her ground, her eyes full of a strength that caught him off guard.

"Why did you come here, Lily?" he asked, genuinely curious now.

She hesitated, wondering how much to reveal to this stranger. "I wanted a fresh start. To create something... beautiful. A place where people can escape, even for a little while."

Vincent regarded her thoughtfully. "Not many people come here looking for beauty. It’s a city that tends to chew people up and spit them out."

Lily’s resolve only seemed to strengthen. "I’m not afraid of a little challenge. Besides, I think every place has beauty, if you’re willing to look for it."

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but it was quickly masked by a knowing smirk. "Perhaps," he murmured, almost to himself.

Just then, Marco appeared at Vincent’s side, clearing his throat. "Boss, we need to go. There’s some business to attend to."

Vincent nodded, glancing back at Lily. "Be careful, Lily. This city isn’t as kind as you are." His tone held a hint of warning, one that she couldn’t quite place.

She watched as he turned and walked away, followed by Marco. She knew she should probably be cautious—he was clearly someone with influence, someone people feared. But something about him drew her in, a curiosity she couldn’t shake.

After they left, Lily returned inside, replaying their conversation in her mind. She was no stranger to challenges, but Vincent seemed like a different kind of test altogether. And though she knew she should keep her distance, she couldn’t help but wonder if their paths would cross again.

In the following days, Lily settled into her new routine, pouring her energy into the shop. Yet, Vincent’s words lingered, like an unspoken promise. It was as if the city had shifted somehow, its shadows now holding a mystery she was compelled to explore.

Unbeknownst to her, Vincent, too, found himself distracted. Thoughts of the girl with the defiant spirit invaded his mind more than he cared to admit. She was a stark contrast to the darkness he knew, a light that somehow found its way through the cracks in his carefully constructed walls.

And so, the city of Rome stood as the silent witness to the unfolding of two worlds that were never meant to collide, yet seemed irresistibly drawn to one another.

Okay byeeeeeeeeeeee