Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 30: Love After Time

FORD'S P.O.V.

I decided to stop by a café near the company before heading to work. The lingering haze from last night's hangover still clung to me like a stubborn shadow, and nothing sounded better than the warm, bitter comfort of coffee to clear my foggy mind.

"One tall cappuccino, please," I said, sliding my card across the counter with a tired smile.

The barista glanced up, her friendly eyes meeting mine. "What name should I put on it?"

A small, almost automatic smile curved my lips. "Adi," I replied softly, and she nodded and told me it will be done for a minute.

I scanned the room for a place to sit and found a quiet corner. I settled in and pulled out my phone, fingers flicking through Twitter—another habit I'd formed over the years.

I scanned the café for a spot and settled into a quiet corner, pulling out my phone and scrolling through Twitter. It had become a strange habit—checking his account, hoping for any sign of Gadiel's life over the last ten years. But it was always disappointing. Gadiel rarely posted, and most of what I knew came secondhand, through mutual friends.

The soft murmur of conversation and the hiss of steaming milk filled the air, punctuated by the barista's cheerful call.

"One tall cappuccino for Aly!"

I rose, grateful for the warmth of the cup as I reached out. But then, unexpectedly, a hand settled gently over mine.

I froze.

Slowly, my eyes lifted to meet the owner of the touch.

The warmth was unmistakable, grounding—and a flood of memories rushed in, unbidden and overwhelming.

And then, those eyes. Those familiar, deep eyes, locking onto mine with a weight that stopped time itself.

My heart hammered violently against my ribs. A shiver traced its way down my spine, my breath caught somewhere between a gasp and a prayer. Words fled me, leaving only the raw pulse of emotion.

"Gadiel..." I whispered, the name trembling on my lips as if speaking it aloud might make him disappear.

"You're back," he said, his voice carrying a flicker of surprise—yet beneath it, a cool detachment that I couldn't quite read. Maybe it was disappointment, or maybe just cautiousness. But I ignored it.

Without hesitation, I stepped closer and wrapped my arms around him. Tears prickled at the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill over.

"I missed you," I whispered, my voice trembling.

For a moment, I clung to him like I might lose him again if I let go. His warmth was the one thing I'd longed for in those endless lonely nights.

But as the seconds passed, I realized he wasn't returning the hug. His body remained stiff, unmoving. A sudden rush of embarrassment flushed through me, and I pulled back awkwardly, heart sinking.

Disappointment weighed heavy. This wasn't what I'd imagined once we met again. But who was I to expect anything different, after all this time? After everything I'd done?

"U-uhm, sorry," I muttered, brushing a hand through my hair.

He nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. "No problem," he said quietly, though there was no warmth in his tone. It was as if seeing me was expected—like Mikel had already told him about my return.

Trying to fill the sudden silence, I asked softly, "H-how are you?"

"Better than before," he answered shortly. His voice wasn't cold—just distant, like a door left slightly ajar but never quite opened.