Richxsimple Stories

Elara Therese never imagined that her life would revolve around a small café in Pampanga. Lilim Café-her quiet pride, her peaceful escape. She's not just the co-owner, she's everything in between: the barista with steady hands, the cashier with a tired smile, and sometimes, the woman who takes out the trash after closing. Her world is simple-coffee, routine, and the comfort of the familiar. Until one rainy afternoon, a girl with soft eyes and expensive shoes walked in, ordering a Sea Salt Latte like she belonged there. Eliana Amoure didn't mean to stay long. She was supposed to be just passing through, hiding from a life she no longer wanted-riches, reputation, rules. But something about Lilim pulled her in. Maybe it was the warm light that kissed the wooden tables, or maybe it was Elara, who always seemed to be there-wiping counters, fixing cups, offering smiles that felt like home. One visit turned into two, then ten, then every morning at ten. And somewhere between the scent of coffee and the quiet glances exchanged across the counter, something began to bloom. Slowly. Softly. Like the first sip of a perfectly made latte-warm, unexpected, and impossible to forget. Because sometimes, love doesn't come rushing in-it lingers, it brews, and it stays.