Viktor

Scarlett was standing a few feet away at the other end of the counter, waiting for her own order. She looked beautiful even in simple clothes — hair down, light makeup, and that quiet confidence I’d always admired. My heart did a stupid little flip.

I wanted to say hi. I wanted to thank her again for taking care of me yesterday, for the food, and for everything. Maybe even tease her a little about how she ran out last night.

But the moment our eyes met, she looked away.

She turned her body slightly, pretending to check her phone, clearly ignoring me. Her shoulders were tense. She was...