This is the sequel to Heart Ain't a Brain. If you haven't, read that first!
They say don't fall in love, it's a mistake.
The trajectory of one's life can change in the blink of an eye. So what happens when a series of tragic events changes the cour...
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Oh, you hurt and miserable Hoes be hurt and miserable Only whinin' if I'm dinin' Bitches love to whine and cry Hoes be hurt and miserable
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries wrapped around Nayeli the moment she stepped through the doors of Velvet Roast. The scent was comforting, like a gentle embrace, laced with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and something buttery that made her stomach growl in anticipation.
She paused just inside, taking in the space around her. Velvet Roast had an effortless charm—intimate but not cramped, sophisticated yet inviting. Soft jazz floated through the air, blending seamlessly with the low hum of conversation and the occasional clinking of ceramic cups against saucers. The lighting was warm and golden, casting a soft glow over the rich wooden floors and deep emerald walls. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf lined one side of the shop, filled with well-loved novels, poetry collections, and art books, giving the space a timeless, lived-in feel.
Near the counter, an espresso machine let out a quiet hiss of steam as a barista with a messy bun and ink-stained fingers worked efficiently, crafting drinks with practiced ease. The pastry case beside them was filled with golden croissants, delicate fruit tarts, and thick slices of coffee cake dusted with powdered sugar. Everything about the shop exuded warmth, like a place meant for slow mornings and unhurried conversations.
Nayeli shifted her purse higher on her shoulder, her fingers trailing over the soft velvet of the café's name embroidered onto the back of a nearby chair. She had never been here before, had never even heard of this place—probably because she rarely found herself in Midtown for long. But today was different.
Today, she was meeting someone who had insisted they meet here.
Her gaze swept the café, heart tapping faster as she searched for the person responsible for dragging her into this unexpected meeting. The cozy warmth of the coffee shop did nothing to settle the irritation curling in her stomach. If anything, the rich scent of coffee and fresh pastries only reminded her that she could have been anywhere else—somewhere that didn't involve unfinished business and lingering resentment.
Then, she spotted her.
Harper sat at a small table near the window, her posture stiff, hands wrapped around a steaming cup of coffee as if trying to absorb its warmth. The natural light framed her face, highlighting the sharp set of her expression as she watched Nayeli approach.
Biting back the simmering annoyance rising in her chest, Nayeli stalked over, heels clicking against the hardwood floor.
"You're late," Harper said, her tone clipped and unforgiving the moment Nayeli dropped into the chair across from her.
Nayeli rolled her eyes. "Don't start with me. I didn't even want to come here, but you wouldn't take no for an answer." She slung her purse onto the empty seat beside her, crossing her arms as she leveled Harper with a glare.
