Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 56

After everything that happened, Charlotte wanted to seek a peaceful life and decided to take a year off from the Ministry of Defense. She moved to Samui, where she had already established a small café.

The late afternoon on Samui was vibrant with warm colors. The sunset cast a beautiful glow across the sea, creating a breathtaking scene with shades of yellow, orange, and pink blending together. Gentle waves caressed the soft, white sands, bringing with them the salty scent of the ocean. This island, with its wild, alluring beauty, seemed like a place where time slowed down, allowing everyone to find tranquility amidst the chaos of life.

Rainbow Café, a cozy spot by the beach, was a favorite among the locals. With rustic wooden tables and colorful plastic chairs, the café was always bathed in natural light. Soft music from the radio blended with the sound of the waves, creating a wonderfully relaxing ambiance. Bright, colorful paintings of the sea, flowers, and joyful moments adorned the walls, giving patrons a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Charlotte, a young woman with long, wavy hair, stood behind the counter, focused on her work, though her thoughts often drifted to Engfa. It had been over a month since their heated argument. She still remembered every word Engfa said when she expressed she no longer wanted to see her.

Today, Charlotte brought homemade pastries to sell for an upcoming charity event at a nearby seaside village. She was filled with hope, yet also weighed down by worry and disappointment when thinking of Engfa. They had once shared many beautiful moments, but now, everything seemed broken.

As the first customers entered, Charlotte greeted them with a smile. She tried to maintain her cheerful demeanor, though she felt an emptiness inside. With each new customer, she wished it would be Engfa walking through the door, but reality seldom met her hopes.

"Can your coffee give me a boost?" an elderly customer asked.

"Of course! What would you like?" Charlotte replied.

Charlotte smiled faintly, her hands working swiftly at the counter as she poured milk into a cup. The evening sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting a gentle, thoughtful expression on her face. Mondays always began with a sense of calm, but deep down, she couldn’t shake her unresolved feelings. Each visitor to the café brought a sliver of hope that Engfa might appear, but it was always the familiar faces of the local villagers she saw.

An older woman, Mrs. Lin, a nearby resident, entered with a gentle smile.

"Charlotte, do you have anything new today?" she asked, her eyes drawn to the pastry counter.

"Yes, I made apple cake with coconut milk today," Charlotte replied with a smile. "Would you like to try some?"

Mrs. Lin took a bite, savoring it with closed eyes.

"It’s delicious! You’re very talented!" she complimented.

Charlotte smiled lightly, but a trace of sadness lingered in her eyes. Mrs. Lin noticed and asked softly:

"Is something wrong, Charlotte? You seem a bit down."

Charlotte shook her head, trying to keep her smile.

"It’s nothing, just a little tired lately."

Just then, a young woman entered, her eyes bright with excitement as she took in the café.

"Could I have a black coffee, please?" she asked.

Charlotte smiled and started preparing it.

"Do you like it with a hint of sweetness, or no sugar?"

"Just a bit bitter, I prefer coffee in its pure form!" the young woman replied enthusiastically.

While making the coffee, Charlotte asked,