Second chance runaway

The interior of the Royal Spare Café was warm and inviting, with soft lighting casting a cozy glow over the space. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the aroma of baked goods, creating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. The walls were adorned with vintage artwork and shelves lined with books, giving the café a charming, eclectic feel.

Carmen led the way to a small table near the window, and I followed, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. We settled into our seats, and I glanced around, taking in the cozy ambiance of the café.

"This place is lovely," I remarked, trying to break the ice.

Carmen nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes, it's one of my favorites. The coffee here is excellent."

A waiter approached, and Carmen ordered a black coffee while I opted for a latte. As we waited for our drinks, I couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. Despite the casual setting, there was an underlying tension between us, as if we were both unsure of how to proceed.

Thankfully, our drinks arrived, giving us something to focus on. I took a sip of my latte, savoring the rich, creamy flavor. "So," I said, trying to start a conversation, "how's work been?"

Carmen's demeanor shifted slightly, and she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs elegantly. "Busy, as always. There's a big project in the works, and I've been putting in long hours. We are working on your shooting too"

I nodded, though I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I had been hoping for a more personal conversation, something that would help us get to know each other better. "Sounds intense," I said, trying to keep the conversation going. "Do you enjoy what you do?"

Carmen paused, as if considering her answer. "It has its moments," she replied cryptically. "But enough about me. How about you? What do you do when you're not modeling?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I enjoy painting and spending time outdoors," I said, keeping it vague. "And of course, spending time with friends ( Tyron)."

Carmen nodded, though I could tell she was still guarded. "That sounds nice," she said, her tone polite but distant.

I felt a pang of frustration. This wasn't going how I had hoped. I had wanted to connect with Carmen on a deeper level, but it seemed like she was more interested in discussing work. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage.

"Carmen," I said, interrupting her as she launched into another story about her latest project, "can we talk about something else?"

She looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected me to speak up. "Of course," she said, her tone softening slightly. "What would you like to talk about?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject. "I don't know," I admitted, feeling a bit flustered. "Anything, really. I just...I don't want to talk about work anymore."

Carmen studied me for a moment, her gaze intense. Then, to my surprise, she smiled. It was a small, genuine smile, but it transformed her face, softening her features and making her seem more approachable.

"Alright," she said, her voice gentle. "No more work talk. Let's just enjoy our coffee and each other's company."

Relief flooded through me, and I smiled back at her, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. Maybe this date wouldn't be so bad after all. We continued to chat, discussing everything from our favorite books to our most embarrassing childhood memories.

And as we laughed and talked, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to get to know Carmen Steele, the woman behind the cold, aloof facade

As we chatted and laughed, I couldn't shake the feeling of warmth that had settled over me. Despite Carmen's initial coldness, she was proving to be an engaging conversationalist, and I found myself enjoying her company more than I had expected.

"So," I said, taking a sip of my latte, "do you have a girlfriend?"

The question hung in the air for a moment, and I held my breath, waiting for Carmen's response. She didn't hesitate. "No."

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and disappointment. Relief that she was single, but disappointment that she didn't seem interested in pursuing anything beyond friendship. The atmosphere between us grew silent, the weight of her answer lingering in the air.

Carmen broke the silence, her voice soft but steady. "And you, you have a fiancé but you don't like him."

I nodded again, feeling a pang of sadness at the reminder of my situation. "Yeah," I said quietly, "but what can I do? My mom wants me to marry someone with money."

Carmen studied me for a moment, her gaze intense. Then, to my surprise, she spoke again. "So marry me."