About twenty minutes later, in an elegantly decorated cafe with a strong artistic atmosphere, warm yellow lights and soft classical music filled the air. It was a good place for a chat.
Agnes and Andrew sat by the window. Outside, there was a quiet little courtyard with some tables and chairs, occupied by other customers. The courtyard was part of the cafe, with warm yellow lights entwined around the walls.
Unnoticed, Elisa had also slipped in. She sat next to them, separated by a screen, unable to see them but able to hear their conversation clearly. Sitting alone behind the screen, she had no interest in her coffee. She ordered a cup of jasmine tea and eavesdropped, feeling uneasy.
Were they on a date?
Through a gap in the screen, Elisa could see the smile on Andrew’s face.
“What do you like to drink?” Andrew asked happily. “They don’t have canned drinks here.”
“I’m fine with anything; I just had dinner,” Agnes said directly. “I asked you out today mainly to apologize.”
Elisa’s heart skipped a beat at this, and Andrew felt a slight tightening in his chest as well.
At that moment, the waiter arrived. Andrew politely said, “Two Blue Mountains, please.”
Meeting his gaze, Agnes asked softly, “Did Ansel come to see you?” She was guessing.
Andrew didn’t answer immediately; he wondered what she wanted to say.
Agnes added, “The guy who gave me roses at the company entrance that day-his name is Ansel. Did he come to see you?” She feared he might not recognize the name.
Andrew nodded, “Yes, he did.” He lied about Ansel wanting to propose to her.
Realizing they weren’t actually dating eased Andrew’s mind; anything was possible.
Soon, the waiter brought two cups of Blue Mountain coffee. “Enjoy,” he said politely. Both thanked him.
“There was a misunderstanding; it’s my fault. I’m here today to apologize and explain,” Agnes said sincerely.
The more earnest she was, the more uneasy Andrew felt inside.
Elisa couldn’t quite understand but listened intently. Apologize for what?
“Ansel and I grew up together; he’s my mentor’s son. So we spend a lot of time together in the studio.”
“He likes you,” Andrew sensed it as he took a small sip of his coffee, feeling a slight pang in his heart.
Agnes didn’t deny it. “Yes, he likes me, but it’s not romantic love. We’re too close for that; we can’t be together.”
Hearing this gave Andrew a glimmer of hope again, his smile becoming gentler.
“That’s not the main point. The main point isn’t that I don’t like him back; it’s that I used you as an excuse to reject him without your permission,” Agnes confessed honestly.
Her attitude was particularly sincere. “I’m sorry; it wasn’t intentional. We bumped into each other that morning and he saw us and misunderstood. I didn’t explain but instead said… that I was in love.”
Andrew was delighted to hear this.
Elisa understood a bit more now.
Andrew’s smile widened; he was generous and understanding. “It’s okay; I don’t mind. As long as it helps you get rid of any trouble, I’m fine being your shield.”
Hearing this made Elisa feel even more uneasy behind the screen; her heart felt a faint sting.
Such humble love!