Twisted love

Caught in the moment

Katherine's POV

Present

Chapter eleven

---
I had spent the last few days trying to piece my life back together after my confrontation with Oliver. Each moment felt like a weight on my chest, and I could hardly escape the nagging thought of what I had lost. I thought I was ready to move on, but the world had other plans.

It was an ordinary Saturday when I decided to visit the local café that I used to frequent with Sophie. I needed some normalcy, a break from the heavy thoughts swirling in my mind. The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the wooden tables. The aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries enveloped me, comforting in a way I hadn't anticipated.

As I stood in line, my thoughts drifted to the past—the laughter, the carefree days with Sophie, the hopes I had for my future. My heart ached as I remembered the joy that had once filled my life, now replaced with a sense of loss and uncertainty.

Just as I was about to step up to the counter, the bell above the door jingled, and I turned instinctively. My heart dropped. There stood Oliver, looking every bit the same—those piercing blue eyes, the tousled dark hair, and that familiar, infuriating smile.

For a moment, time froze. I was caught between the urge to run away and the inexplicable pull that had always drawn me to him. I wanted to hate him for everything that had happened, for the pain he had caused, yet here he was, and all I could feel was a mix of anger and longing.

"Kat," he said, his voice soft yet firm.

"Oliver." The name slipped out like a breath I had been holding for too long.

He moved closer, the space between us charged with an intensity I hadn't expected. I could see the way he searched my face for any sign of what I might be feeling, his expression a mixture of regret and hope.

"Are you okay?" he asked, genuine concern etched in his features.

I couldn't find the words. Instead, I crossed my arms, trying to shield myself from the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "Why are you here?"

"Just grabbing coffee. I didn't think I'd run into you." He hesitated, glancing around as if searching for the right thing to say. "Look, I'm sorry about what happened the other day. I didn't mean to upset you."

I scoffed, shaking my head. "You think a simple apology is going to fix everything? You have no idea what your words did to me, Oliver."

His expression shifted, a shadow of guilt passing over his face. "I didn't mean what I said. I was jus—"

"Just what?" I interrupted, frustration boiling over. "You were angry? Hurt? I get that, but I'm the one who's been left picking up the pieces. You don't get to come in here, act like everything's fine, and expect me to just accept your apologies. Not after everything."

His gaze dropped, and for a fleeting moment, I saw a flicker of vulnerability in him. "I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just... I want to explain."

I hesitated, the tension between us palpable. I could feel my heart racing, torn between wanting to hear him out and the urge to walk away. I glanced at the barista, who seemed to be giving us a look that suggested we might be causing a scene.

"Fine," I said, my voice low but firm. "Let's talk outside."

We stepped out into the bustling street, the sounds of the café fading behind us. As we stood there, the air thick with unspoken words, I felt an ache in my chest—a reminder of the past, of the moments we had shared and the love that had once felt so real.