Secretly Mine
Chapter 141: A Fateful Encounter (1) [Lucas POV]

Chapter 141: A Fateful Encounter (1) [Lucas POV]

Let’s see if that new coffee shop is any good.

Ever since moving back here, I’ve tried countless coffee shops, trying to find the one that can actually make a normal cup of coffee.

I looked down at my watch.

Good, I have plenty of time before my next meeting.

The weather outside was enjoyable due to the light breeze. It was my favorite kind of weather. I took in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the fresh air as I walked along the sidewalk.

This part of the city was very well-maintained. Everything was clean, and there were plenty of trees and planters full of fresh flowers.

"Let’s see, it should just be up ahead over here," I mumbled as I looked around the streets.

Just as I found the café in the distance, I felt something crash into me.

"I’m so sorry!" A very pleasant voice rang out.

I looked down to see who would have such a nice yet familiar voice.

Leslie?

Looking down, I noticed the familiar beauty. Her beautiful chestnut brown hair cascaded down her shoulders as she quickly took a step back.

"Leslie! Are you okay?" I asked. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked down at her worried expression.

Hearing me call out to her, she finally looked up at me. "Lucas! What are you doing here?" she asked with wide eyes.

She’s adorable, I just want to reach out and hug her.

"I’m just taking a stroll around in the nice weather. What about you? Did you just finish work?" I asked, noticing the building that she had just come out of.

Vittoria Global, huh?

Something didn’t sit right with me ever since she told me she was working here. It just felt a little strange that she would work at her sister’s fiancé’s company and not at her father’s.

Leslie smiled softly, pulling me out of my thoughts. Although her smile was small and polite, it lit up the entire area around us.

She’s like a fairy. Even the sun shines brighter around her.

"Yes! My sister is currently out, so the family driver is with her. I decided to take the time to explore the city a bit," she said with a nod.

If this isn’t fate, I don’t know what is.

My lips curved up into a big smile. I have long wanted to spend time with her, but it was just difficult to find a reason to. After speaking with her the night of the fashion show, I understood that the rumors about her being virtuous and proper were true, and I didn’t want to scare her away by making my feelings too forward.

Even on our earlier walk through the park, I could tell that she was very guarded. I knew that if I wanted to pursue her, it would take some time. But she was worth it.

So meeting like this, randomly in the street, was certainly a setup by fate, and I wouldn’t miss it for anything.

"If that’s the case, how about we explore together? There’s a new café just up ahead that I’ve been wanting to try. I’m still trying to find a spot that knows how to make coffee the right way," I asked, inviting her along with me.

Please say yes. Please say yes.

My heart began to beat wildly from anticipation. I did my best to maintain a good distance so that she would feel comfortable around me. It was a trait I’ve been taught since childhood.

"A good gentleman always makes a lady feel at ease."

My mother’s teachings were always fresh in my mind, not only with Leslie but with all the ladies. It was just the right thing to do.

Her expression finally went from surprise to an almost teasing smile, "Oh? I didn’t know that you were a coffee connoisseur. Sure, I’d love to go for a stroll."

The moment I heard her agree, I felt like I could float up to the clouds from happiness. I gently took her large purse out of her hands, carrying it for her as we walked towards the new café.

Along the way, I did my best to engage in small talk, pointing out a few other coffee shops I’ve been to previously. She giggled, enjoying how passionate I was about my coffee.

Her melodic laugh made my heart flutter with joy. I’ve never been so at ease and refreshed in the company of a woman before, but for some reason, Leslie was very easy to talk to.

Typically, the ladies I’ve been around all had an air of entitlement or haughtiness. Leslie was one of the few heiresses who didn’t possess these traits, instead showing humility and kindness.

By the time we arrived at the coffee shop, we were both smiling brightly.

I hope I can see you laugh like this all the time.

Her eyes shone like twinkling stars, taking my breath away. I never knew that there could be someone so perfect in this world.

She looked around the inside of the café before leaning over to me. "There seem to be a lot of people. Those who have already received their coffee look satisfied. What do you think?"

I think you’re the best thing here.

I pretended to look around carefully to inspect the café.

"The brand of espresso machines and coffee grinders is good. This place certainly has potential," I said with a slight nod. My assessment was honest, reflecting my true feelings about the shop.

She looked up at me with shock and awe. Seeing her so invested in my small coffee interest was so heartwarming. We immersed ourselves in discussing what makes good coffee, and before we knew it, it was already our turn to order.

I glanced down at her, asking her what she would like.

A latte? Perhaps a matcha?

My mind raced with possibilities of what sort of coffee she liked best as she read the menu.

"I’ll have an iced coffee. Black, please."

A hint of surprise struck me as I heard her reply. Completely contrary to my expectations, she ordered a plain iced coffee, making her even more attractive in my eyes.

I quickly turned to the barista, placing our orders.

"Sure thing, two black iced coffees coming right up," she answered. Originally, I planned to order something fancier, but after hearing Leslie’s order, I felt that it was a better option.

After placing our orders, we walked to the other end of the counter, where others were also waiting for their orders. We found a quiet spot and chatted while waiting for our coffees.

Everything was nice and peaceful until I spotted a woman with a piping hot coffee turn abruptly, causing her coffee to spill out of her cup. The coffee flew out, heading directly for Leslie’s arm and chest.