Inked Hearts, A sign from the Universe

Chapter Two

Nearly one week after our encounter, Alexia and I planned to meet at our usual spot. It was a bright Sunday morning around 9 a.m., and Lexi and I were seated at our favourite café, nestled in a cosy corner with steaming mugs of coffee cradled in our hands. The café, a charming little place with rustic wooden tables and mismatched chairs, was bathed in the soft glow of the early sun filtering through large windows adorned with lace curtains. Potted plants hung from the ceiling and lined the window sills, their vibrant green leaves casting dappled shadows on the worn wooden floorboards. 

The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the tantalizing scent of freshly baked pastries wafting from the open kitchen. Soft jazz music played in the background, its soothing melodies mingling with the quiet hum of conversation from other patrons. The atmosphere was one of warmth and tranquillity, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The chatter of patrons and the aroma of freshly baked pastries enveloped us as we settled in for our weekly catch-up session. 

Outside, the weather was perfect, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining the street. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue, promising a beautiful day ahead. Birds chirped, their melodies blending with the distant hum of the city waking up.

"So, spill it, Lex," I prodded, my eyes sparkling with curiosity behind a pair of oversized sunglasses perched atop my head. "Any juicy drama to report?"

Lexi chuckled, her eyes alight with mischief as she leaned in conspiratorially. "Oh, you have no idea, Sian. Do you remember that couple from last month?

Raising an eyebrow, my interest piqued. "The ones who ended up with a dove stampede instead?" 

Lexi nodded, unable to suppress a giggle. "That's the one! Well, they've decided to renew their vows already."

My laughter rang out, drawing the attention of nearby patrons. "You're kidding! What could go wrong this time?" 

Alexia shrugged, her smile mischievous. "Who knows? But I've already started stocking up on birdseed, just in case."

Our laughter mingled with the ambient noise of the café, filling the air with warmth

Lexi leaned back, her smile lingering. "You know, it's not just about the doves. They're going all out this time. A horse-drawn carriage, a ten-tier cake, the works."

I shook my head, amazed. "Some people never learn, huh? What's next, a parade of elephants?"

"Don't give them any ideas. But seriously, it's moments like these that make me love what I do. Even with all the chaos, there's something magical about seeing people so determined to celebrate their love." she said with laughter

I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. "True. And it's stories like this that keep our lives interesting."

As the café buzzed with the chatter of patrons and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Alexia leaned back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So spill the tea, Sian. What's on your side?"

I chuckled, setting the sleek red velvet envelope on the table with a theatrical flourish. "Well, let's just say it's a mix of excitement."

Alexia's gaze flickered to the envelope, her interest piqued. "Ooh, what's that?"

With a mischievous grin, I slid the envelope across the table towards her. "Take a look."

Her fingers delicately traced the embossed letters as she read the elegant script. "Harvard Business School? Sian, this is incredible!"

I beamed with pride, the weight of my achievement sinking in as I watched her reaction. "Yep, my research paper got accepted. And guess who approved it? a certain Mr. Jay Park."