The cafe was too quiet for the way my heart was beating. Or maybe it was my heart beating too fast. I couldn't tell.

All I knew was that I could hear it, loud and clear, over the soft jazz playing in the background.

I sat by the window, holding a cup of tea that had gone cold, pretending to be calm. Five years was supposed to be enough time to bury the past.

It wasn't.

He chose this place. Of course he did...Perfect decor, soft jazz, impeccable service and a view of the city he practically owned now.

The perfect stage for Enzo Wayne.

When he finally walked in, half the women in the room turned to look at him. He didn't have to speak, his presence alone commanded attention. Five years hadn't aged him. Same broad shoulders, same dark hair, same intense eyes that made you feel like he could see into your soul.

"You look beautiful, Elena."

How is it that my name in his mouth still did strange things to me.

"You got my lawyer's letters," I said, going straight to business. "But just in case you didn't, I brought the papers." I lifted them slightly. "I need your signature."

He didn't even sit. "I got them".

"And?"

He finally sat across from me, leaning back, unbothered, acting like he had all the time in the world. Maybe he did. Billionaires can buy time.

"This isn't a joke, Enzo" I said. "It's been five years."

"And yet here you are," he murmured. "Still my wife."

"Not for long."

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, his voice dropping low.

"You want a divorce? Fine. After you give me what's mine."

"What's yours?" I repeated, stunned.

"Closure," he said first. "After five years of silence. My wife vanished. You owe me an ending that means something."

" And a child," he added quietly. "My heir."

I froze. "Are you insane?" I yelled before remembering where we were. A few people looked our way.

"Sometimes, especially when it has to do with you. But I'm also really patient," he said.

He smiled. "I waited five years. You left before our story was finished. I'm just asking for the ending I deserve."

"You deserve a court date," I snapped, standing. "And a therapist, because clearly, you need help."

He smiled again, clearly trying to get on my nerves. "I'm not fighting you, Elena. I don't understand why you're so agitated."

"You can't be serious," I said, " I'm marrying someone else."

"Go ahead and marry him if you want, sweetheart," he shrugged, casual as always. "But remember, it's a crime to marry when you're already married to someone else. I'll just sue both of you to death."

For a moment, I felt like I was choking. I forgot how to breathe.

"Don't you think it's easier on everyone if you just call off the engagement?" he said softly. "Stop stringing the poor guy along. You belong with me. And that ring..."

He glanced at my hand, smirking.

"The guy can't even take care of you. Look at that awful ring. I gave you a better one when I was dirt poor."

"Shut up about my ring. I love it."

My voice came out sharper than intended. My hands were shaking, but I wouldn't let him see it. He's arrogant enough as it is.

"Enzo smiled, clearly amused by my outburst. "Notice how you missed the chance to say you love him."

"You're unbelievable."

"I'm honest," he replied, leaning forward. "You used to love that about me."

"I used to love a lot of things about you," I said quietly. "Doesn't mean I still do."

"I've always been able to tell when you're lying, Elena. Your eyes tell a different story even though you're trying to make me believe you hate me."

I couldn't sit here with him any longer without causing him bodily harm, so I pushed the papers toward him. "Just sign the damn papers, Enzo."

He smirked.Then picked them up slowly and tore them one by one, his eyes locked on mine.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Enzo? Now listen..."

"No," he cut in. "You listen."

He leaned in close, his breath brushing my cheek. "We'll do this my way."

He paused, then said, "if you need me to sign it that badly, then you're going to play by my rules. Do as I say, and I just might sign it. I'm going to enjoy this."

This man really does bring out the ghetto in me.

I grabbed the coffee, and for a wild second considered throwing it in his stupid, smug face. But I stopped myself.

He wasn't worth me loosing my cool, even though I knew how good it would feel.

Instead, I stood, slightly shaking, furious. "You're pathetic," I said quietly. "And I pity you."

I walked out before he could reply, my heels clicking against the tile.

The soft jazz drifted behind me, the world around me moving on. A waiter passed me by. Everything perfectly normal.

Except me.

Except my world, currently being turned upside down by Enzo.

In that moment, I wasn't sure who to direct my anger at, Enzo, for holding me hostage in the past when I'm trying so hard to break free, or myself, for still caring at all.

The morning light streamed through the windows of Maplewood Town Library, warm and golden.

Rows of shelves arranged neatly, the faint smell of books, old and new and clean polish hanging in the air,

It was quiet, peaceful, the kind of peace I built my life around. My perfect, happy place.

I adjusted a stack of children's books on the table for the weekend's reading event, humming along to the soft music in my headset. For a while, it almost felt like yesterday and the past week didn't happen.

"Excuse me," a voice said behind me.

I turned to see Maya from the front desk, pointing toward the hallway. "Someone's here asking for you."

I frowned. "Who?"

Before she could answer, I saw him..tall, confident, and so out of place among the rows of bookshelves.

Just my rotten luck.

The devil found his way into my sanctuary.

"You're stalking me now?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Enzo's lips twitched. "You always did look good surrounded by books."

"Don't start." I turned back to the table to pick up the next stack of books going on the shelf. "If you're here to finish tearing things up, the trash can's over there.

He chuckled softly. "You look beautiful and that top is doing such wonderful things to your...

I cut him off. "Shut up. Sign the papers, Enzo. Then leave."

He didn't reply immediately. Instead, his tone softened, unexpected. "You really got your dream job, huh? I remember how you used to talk my ears off about those novels you're always reading. About wanting to work in a library, helping kids fall in love with books."

That stopped me for a moment. I hated that he remembered. That tiny flicker of tenderness hurt more than the fight yesterday.

"Don't," I said quietly. "Don't pretend you care."

"I'm not pretending," he said. "I came to apologize. For yesterday."

"You came all the way for that? You could've texted."

"I don't live far." His eyes held mine. "I bought a house nearby."

I looked up sharply. "You're moving back here?"

"Already did." he said.

Before I could answer, my phone buzzed on the desk. Nathan's name lit up the screen.

"Hey babe," I answered, forcing my voice to sound steady. "Yeah, I'm at work. That would be nice. Mm hmm. I love you too."

When I hung up, Enzo's expression had changed. The softness was gone, replaced by that cold, unreadable mask I knew too well.

Without another word, he turned and walked out.

For a moment, I stood there, phone still in my hand, wondering what just happened.

Then I took a deep breath, straightened the books again and whispered to no one in particular,

"He's not going to win this time. I don't care how he feels."

It had been a week since I'd seen Enzo, a whole blissful, glorious week. Not a single text, call or unwanted visit at the library.

I started to think maybe he meant what he said at the library, maybe the apology was real. Maybe Enzo had finally decided to let me go. It didn't matter, I was just glad.

But I also couldn't stop thinking. Maybe something happened. How was it possible that I hadn't seen him around town, even though he told me he bought a house here? Maybe he really was gone for good.

That was a nice thought.

I stood by my bedroom window, brushing my hair, smiling to myself.

Nathan had texted me half a dozen reminders about tonight, he wanted us to try out a new place that just opened. Nothing fancy, he said. Just dinner and some quality time.

I told myself that was all I needed right now. Laughter, peace and someone who didn't make my heart feel like it was always running a race. Not someone whose very presence made me act wild and reckless.

By the time Nathan picked me up, I was determined to have a good night. No tension, no secret, no dark haired, suit wearing man from the past. Just dinner with the man I loved.

The restaurant was elegant, all glass, filled with so many plants it felt like a garden, soft lighting, jazz playing low in the background and cute little lights on each table. In that moment, I realized why Nathan was so excited to come here. I couldn't wait to try the food.

When Nathan reached for my hand across the table, brushing his thumb over mine, I smiled.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" he said. "Just us."

"Yeah," I replied, still smiling. "Just us. And this place is so beautiful. I love it, we totally have to come again."

"I'm glad you like it, I knew you'd enjoy the garden vibe they've got going on," he replied, smiling that half smile that made his dimple pop.

All seemed well in the universe in that perfect moment.

Until it wasn't.

I caught his scent before I even saw him seconds later. It felt like someone pressed an invisible hand against my ribs, stealing half the air from my lungs. How was he still using the same perfume after all these years? It's strange how a memory can hit you out of nowhere, just because of a perfume. How something so small could drag you years back in seconds. It was unfair how memory worked, it didn't ask for permission before hitting you in the chest.

For a second, the restaurant blurred around me, replaced by another night, another table, his hand covering mine as we planned a future that burned out too fast.

And there he was, tall, composed, smirking, walking straight towards our table.

He was dressed in gray shirt, no tie, top button undone. He looked like he just stepped out of a Vogue magazine, moving like he owned the place. I reminded myself I hated him and had to stop looking.

Too late. Nathan followed my gaze.

"Elena?"

Before I could answer, Enzo stopped beside our table. "Elena," he said smoothly, his voice deep enough to draw glances from nearby tables. "Looking beautiful tonight, as always."

Of course,

Of all the restaurants in the city.

"Hi," I replied, forcing my face to remain neutral, trying not to show how much I wanted to kick him in the nuts right now, standing there looking smug. "You're... uh, you're here."

"Clearly." he said, a hint of amusement on his face.

Well, at least one of us finds this funny.

Nathan stood, extending a hand to him. "Hi, I'm Nathan Osborne. Elena's fiance."

For a split second, I thought I saw something in Enzo's eyes, but it passed so fast I couldn't tell what it was. Then he smiled, shook Nathan's hand firmly and said, "Enzo Wayne. Elena's husband."

The silence felt loud, even the jazz sounded so faraway, as if the entire restaurant paused to listen. The words landed like a punch.

I could see Nathan's body go rigid, his jaw tighten. Now would be a prefect time for the ground to open up so I could disappear quietly. I felt awful. Nathan didn't deserve any of this.

Enzo released Nathan's hand as if nothing had happened. "Didn't mean to intrude," he said. " I just saw my wife across the room and she looked stunning. I thought I should say hello. It's not a crime to talk to my wife, is it?"

Oh, Lord. He just had to go there, he was really asking for it.

"Enzo," I said quietly. "We're here on a date and would like to be alone. I'd appreciate it if you'd..."

"Of course," he cut in, the smile gone. "Enjoy dinner with your friend." He said, then turned to leave.

As if that wasn't enough, halfway to the VIP section, he looked back.

"Oh, and in case you were wondering," he added casually, "I'm just having a business dinner with those two gentlemen over there. So you don't assume I'm with a woman."

Then he winked, actually winked.

He walked away, calmly, like he hadn't just blown up my night.

Nathan sat quietly, looking at his empty glass of wine. When he finally spoke, I could hear the anger in his voice.

"Your ex is Enzo Wayne?

I nodded slowly. I hated the guilt I felt, like I'd just been caught doing something wrong even though I hadn't done anything at all.

"As in the Enzo Wayne of Wayne Industries?" His voice rose. "And you didn't think that was worth mentioning?"

"I can't even refer to him as your ex," he went on. "He's still your husband."

"Nathan, please. It wasn't...

"It was," he cut in. "That man just walked up here, called you his wife and you didn't even flinch. He clearly has no intention of signing those divorce papers, Elena. You really think this is over?"

"I'm sorry." I replied shakily. "I didn't want you to..."

"To what?" Nathan's eyes were full of hurt. "Feel like I'm being toyed with by some billionaire who thinks this is a game?"

I reached for his hand, but he pulled it back. The rejection hurt so bad, like a slap across the face.

"I just..." I exhaled loudly. "I didn't want him to be part of my life anymore. I didn't want him to define us."

Nathan laughed bitterly. "Well, too late. From what I just saw, he's not signing those papers anytime soon. He's enjoying this way too much, making me look like a fool."

"I love you." I said quietly. "He doesn't matter. He just... enjoys getting under my skin. That's all."

"Yeah, well, he's doing a damn good job."

"It's only a matter of time before he's out of our lives for good, I promise. Let's just go, okay? We can get out of here."

Nathan looked at me like he didn't believe a word before nodding.

As we got up to leave, I glanced across the restaurant. Enzo was at his table, leaning back, toying with his wineglass and looking right at me. I had a feeling he'd been watching me the whole time.

And when he raised his glass slightly, like a toast, I knew exactly what it meant.

Round one was over.

And he won this round.

The lilies arrived at ten in the morning, a few hours after I arrived at the library.

Maya called me over with that nosy look she gets whenever something exciting happens at the front desk.

" There's a delivery for you," she said and somehow I already knew who it was from.

I took the bouquet, the soft white petals brushing against my fingers, then opened the small card attached. It had just two words; "Remember this?"

Those two words had enough power to drag me backwards through time.

To memories I had shoved in the deepest corners of my heart.

I remembered exactly the first time he bought me flowers. He had no money then. He'd walked into that tiny flower shop on Warwick avenue because I mentioned lilies were my favorite. He came back with the littlest bouquet he could afford. Then, he went down on one knee, nervous and awkward, pulling his hands in and out of his pockets before finally pulling out the tiny ring.

"I know it's not much," he'd said, " but I can't wait another day to ask you. Will you marry me, Elena? Will you make me the happiest man alive? I promise to love you forever."

When I said yes, he smiled, the biggest smile I had ever seen on him, then he looked sad.

"You deserve so much more," he said. "I should have proposed with a diamond. Get you a house... I'm going to do all of that for you, even if i have to work myself to the bone. I'm going to make so much money and give you the life you deserve. I promise, Elena."

I touched his cheek and said, "I don't care about any of that, okay? You could have proposed with a plastic ring and I'd still say yes. I love you. Always."

He smiled then and held on to me like he would never let go.

We walked to the diner to celebrate, sat at our favorite corner booth, ordered burgers and shared a milkshake from the same glass with two straws, making plans for a future we couldn't see. For a moment, it felt like we had everything.

I blinked, dragging myself back to the present but the memory stayed with me.

I placed the flowers on the corner table and tried to shake off the memory as I went about my day. Kids came in talking about costumes for storyfest, Mrs. Lyon returned another batch of historical romance novels and everything seemed normal again. I could almost pretend the lilies hadn't arrived at all.

Then, Nathan walked in smiling, the storyfest banner I asked him to pick up tucked under his arm. He looked happy, like he always did when helping me.

"Who sent those?" he asked, nodding toward the lilies.

I sighed. "Just someone."

Nathan raised his eyebrows. Of course he knew exactly who it was.

Before I could stop him, he picked up the card and read it aloud. "Remember this?"

He looked at me. " What's this about? What does it mean?"

I tried to keep my voice steady. "Just a thing. Not even sure I remember."

He squeezed the card. "Hmm, really? Are you sure?"

I could tell the question was not just about the flowers. He wanted to know whether I'd kept pieces of my life from him.

And the truth was... I had.

Not out of love.

But because some memories belonged to me, my first flowers, the proposal, the diner celebration. I didn't want to share them or explain them. Not because they belonged to Enzo but because they belonged to me.

Nathan read the words on the card again like it would magically change. "I know this is just another stunt, you need to ignore him so he doesn't get encouraged."

"He...he doesn't need encouragement, I said softly. "Enzo does whatever he wants. He'll do what he pleases without caring how it affects anyone."

Nathan ran a hand through his hair. "Okay. I'll talk to him. Man to man. Make him see reason. Maybe get him to sign the papers, I'll sort this."

"No," I said immediately.

He blinked. "What do you mean 'no'? Everytime I offer help, you say 'let me handle it'..."

"I know," I said, trying to keep my voice low, "and I love you for it, Nathan. But this..this is mine to finish. You don't know Enzo, if you step in, he'll twist it. He'll make it about you and he'll enjoy it." I could see Nathan getting angrier by the minute. "Please, don't."

He stared at me like he wanted to argue. Instead he said, "we agreed you'd move in with me once we got engaged. I think it's time. Show him how serious you are,"

My stomach dropped. "I don't think we should do that right now. With everything... With Enzo, it feels.." I searched for the right words. "I think we should wait."

He cut me off. "I love you, Elena, I really do, but this whole Enzo drama is pissing me off. It seems like you still care about his feelings. I don't want to believe that, but from what I'm seeing..."

"Nathan,"

He didn't let me finish.

The type of anger on his face was something I'd never seen before. He tossed the storyfest banner on the table and walked out, slamming the door behind him.

I stood there, stunned. Even the lilies on the table looked like they were judging me.

"Elena!" Judy's voice snapped me out of my pity party. She and Olive walked in, both wearing the same expression that told me they'd seen Nathan storm out angrily on their way in.

"Are you okay?" Judy asked, hugging me before I could answer. Olive gave me a tight hug without saying a word.

"I brought some stuff," Judy announced excitedly. "Stickers, the face paint kit...don't worry, everything for storyfest is sorted." Judy's way of fixing things was legendary.

Olive looked at the lilies, then laughed.

"Girl, the way the group chat has been going off, and seeing how Nathan stormed out of here, I already know who those lilies are from. You told us this was crazy, but this is a full blown telenovela."

I let out a short laugh, Olive could make me laugh even while I was ugly crying. "Of course. Wouldn't be Maplewood without drama."

They hugged me again. Judy got into arranging the lilies like it was the most important task. Olive teased me about keeping secrets, but I could see the worry in her eyes.

We got busy sorting out items for storyfest while they updated me up on workplace drama and the usual Maplewood gossip. For a little while, the guilt eased like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

But when that relief faded, the hurt came in. Nathan had left angry and I felt responsible. He didn't deserve that. He'd been kind and so patient.

If only that evil bastard would sign the papers and stop showing up everywhere like an unwanted rash.

It wasn't just about signing the divorce papers anymore. It was the house he bought in town, the investments, his sudden presence everywhere I turned. He was making himself unavoidable and I hated it.

It took a while before we finished, so we grabbed a late lunch on the library steps..sandwiches and gossip, the best combination. For a few minutes, the lilies, Enzo and Nathan's anger all faded into the background. Kids from storytime ran around. One kid in a spiderman mask shouted, "I'm superman" and ran past.

For a moment, life seemed normal.

After waving the girls goodbye, I got a text from Enzo,

"Did you remember? I hope you still like lilies.

I stared at the message.

I thought about the diner, proposal, the way his laugh used to make me smile too. I thought about Nathan, how hurt he'd looked when he left. And for a second, I wasn't sure why I'd kept that memory to myself, whether it was because I wanted to keep it to myself or because I didn't want to make Nathan angrier.

I convinced myself it had to be the second option. It had to be. If it wasn't, then I had to get my brain checked, because I couldn't afford to show that kind of tenderness to Enzo.

I ignored the text, slid the phone into my pocket and walked into the library where the lilies waited like a question I didn't have an answer to.