Isabella:Love And Vengeance

The morning had started like any other—quiet, predictable, and a little mundane. The hustle and bustle of the café was in full swing, the clinking of cups and the hiss of the espresso machine creating a soundtrack to my routine. I had arrived early, as I always did, to get everything in order for the day.

Sarah, my ever-curious co-worker, had been buzzing around all morning, giving me sly looks every time she walked past me. She had been on me all week, asking questions that I wasn't quite ready to answer. "So, Isabella, when's the next date with Mr. Mystery Man?" she had asked that morning, practically bouncing with excitement. "You've got me on edge with all your secretive glances at your phone."

I had just smiled and shrugged it off. "You'll know when it happens," I said, giving her a playful wink.

That was the truth. Alexander had told me that he wouldn't be able to see me today—he had a busy schedule ahead of him with work and other commitments. His message had been brief but sweet, apologizing for not being able to spend the day with me. I'd replied with a promise to see him soon, and while I had tried not to dwell on it, I couldn't help but feel a little lonely. It wasn't just about the time apart; it was about the fact that I had become so used to his presence, to the way he made everything feel a little brighter. Without him, the café seemed quieter, and even the clink of the coffee cups felt less cheerful.

As I moved around the counter, Sarah followed me, her eyes fixed on me with that teasing glint I knew all too well. "Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I've noticed a lot of smiles and a lot of staring at your phone lately. You've got a secret, don't you?"

I smiled but didn't answer. It wasn't that I was trying to keep things from Sarah, but I wasn't sure how to explain everything. Alexander was a mystery in a lot of ways, and I wasn't ready to share the depth of what was going on between us, not yet. It felt like something too precious to just spill out in front of someone else, no matter how close we were.

Sarah, however, wasn't one to back down. She leaned in closer, lowering her voice just slightly. "You know, it's okay to tell me. I'm your friend, Isabella. You can tell me everything, I promise I won't judge."

I raised an eyebrow, trying to keep my cool. "Sarah, I really don't know what you're talking about."

She let out a dramatic sigh, resting her chin on her hand. "You're so mysterious, it's killing me. But I'm sure I'll figure it out."

I just laughed, hoping she'd let it go. But deep down, I could feel the weight of her curiosity. She wasn't going to give up easily.

Just then, the door swung open with the familiar jingle of the bell, and a delivery guy walked in holding a large gift box, carefully wrapped in gold paper with a satin ribbon.

"Isabella?" the delivery guy asked, glancing around the café until his eyes landed on me.

I froze for a second. My heart skipped a beat. I hadn't been expecting anything. I hadn't even thought about it. But there it was, a gift, waiting for me. I stepped forward, my curiosity piqued.

"Yes, that's me," I said, my voice betraying the excitement I tried to hide.

The delivery man handed me the box, his eyes glinting with recognition as he left without another word. I stood there for a moment, just staring at the package in my hands. I knew who it was from—there could be no doubt in my mind. It was from Alexander.

Sarah was instantly at my side, her eyes wide with surprise. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" she asked, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. "A gift? From Mr. Mystery Man?"

I nodded slowly, carefully placing the box on the counter. "It's from Alexander," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "He sent it to me."

Sarah's eyes practically sparkled with excitement. "Aha! I knew it! You're really keeping secrets from me!" she said, her tone teasing but also filled with an unmistakable sense of excitement. "You've got to tell me everything, Isabella. What's going on? I can see it on your face—you've got that glow. I want to know all the details. How did he ask you out? What did you talk about? What did he wear? Was he charming? You've got me on the edge of my seat here!"

I smiled, my cheeks warming under her relentless gaze. It felt like she could see right through me. "It's really not as exciting as you think," I said, trying to brush it off. "It's just... a date. It's still new."

But Sarah wasn't buying it. She wasn't letting me off that easily. "A date? Isabella, that's the understatement of the century. This is Alexander we're talking about! I've seen the way he looks at you when he comes in here. That man is absolutely smitten. And you—well, you look like you've got it bad."

"I do not have it bad," I protested, though even I could hear the hint of embarrassment in my voice. "It's just... a relationship, Sarah. We're just getting to know each other. No big deal."

"Uh-huh. No big deal," she repeated, a sarcastic note creeping into her voice. "But tell me, how many of your 'just getting to know each other' relationships come with gifts delivered to your work? And don't get me started on the fact that you're practically glowing every time he texts you. It's adorable, but also frustratingly mysterious. I need to know everything. Please."

I laughed nervously, the truth of it all slowly settling in. I had never been one to open up easily, but Sarah wasn't letting this go. "Alright," I said, finally giving in. "I guess it's time you knew the whole story."

Sarah's eyes widened, and she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're serious?"

I nodded, setting the gift aside to unwrap it later. "Okay, so here's the deal. I met Alexander about a month ago. He came into the café one morning, and we started talking. At first, I thought he was just another customer, but then... things kind of evolved."

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "We've been on a few dates since then, and it's been... amazing. He's incredibly kind, thoughtful, and, well, he's just different from anyone I've ever met. It's hard to explain, but when we're together, everything just feels... right."

Sarah's smile widened as she took it all in. "I knew it. I knew you were falling for him. I can see it in your eyes. You two are perfect for each other."

I smiled shyly, my heart fluttering in my chest. "It feels that way," I admitted softly. "But there's more. He's busy with work this week, so I won't see him until the weekend. It's tough, honestly. I miss him already."

"Well, of course you do," Sarah said, her voice laced with teasing. "You've got the man of your dreams, and now you're stuck here with me instead of him."

I laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed but also comforted by Sarah's lightheartedness. "It's not that dramatic," I said, though deep down, I wished he were here with me, too. "But I think we're still figuring things out."

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I quickly pulled it out, my heart racing when I saw the message. It was from Alexander. I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I read it.

"I miss you already. Can't wait to see you this weekend. Until then, just know that you're always on my mind."

I felt a warmth spread through me, a blush creeping up my neck as I reread his message. I could feel my heart thumping in my chest, my thoughts spinning.

Sarah, of course, noticed the change in my expression right away. "Is that him?" she asked, her voice full of mischief. "Ooooh, what did he say? Tell me everything!"

I glanced up at Sarah, my cheeks flushed. "He just... he misses me," I said, my voice a little breathless.

"Aw, that's sweet. No wonder you're glowing," Sarah teased. "He's totally smitten with you, Isabella."

I couldn't help but laugh, but deep down, I knew she was right. Alexander had completely swept me off my feet, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.

As the day wore on, I couldn't help but think about the weekend, about the time I'd get to spend with him again. Until then, though, I had this—a gift from him, a loving message, and the knowledge that I wasn't just imagining all of this. Alexander cared about me, and I felt the same way about him.

It was enough to make the wait feel a little more bearable.