Sofia runs a cozy café in a small town, pouring her heart into her work after inheriting the business from her late mother. Her routine is quietly interrupted when Ethan, a paramedic, begins frequenting the café. His visits are brief at first, but as the weeks go by, the two form a strong connection. With every shared conversation, they reveal more about their lives, their dreams, and the unspoken bond between them deepens.
Ethan's niece, Lily, also becomes a fixture in Sofia's life, adding a sense of warmth and joy to the café. However, everything shifts when Ethan receives a job offer in Seattle-an opportunity he's worked toward for years. Torn between his ambitions and his growing feelings for Sofia, Ethan struggles with the decision.
In a heartfelt conversation at the café one rainy evening, Ethan confesses his feelings to Sofia, revealing how much meeting her has changed his perspective. Sofia admits she feels the same, but is conflicted about standing in the way of his dreams. The chapter ends with a kiss, leaving both of them uncertain about the future, but certain of their connection.
As their love story unfolds, the question remains: will they find a way to stay together despite the distance, or will the demands of their separate paths pull them apart?
As Claire aims to leave her oppressive stepfamily behind, she befriends Zion. Will he be her ticket to freedom or a distraction in achieving her dreams?
*****
Claire Olsen has had a crush on Zion Petrakis since the first time she laid eyes on him, but he never noticed, instead only having eyes on the school's it girl, Maddie Jennings. Knowing she couldn't compete with Maddie, Claire hid her feelings for Zion, satisfied with admiring him from afar. However, when a series of events led Claire closer to Zion, her feelings for him grew from infatuation to love. And despite fighting hard to keep her feelings contained by distancing herself from Zion, he was determined to show her that he's earned a spot in her life.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]