The café was tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, the kind of spot with too many plants and not enough outlets.
A low buzz of conversation filled the air, mixing with the scent of espresso and cinnamon pastries.
I sat by the window, idly stirring my iced vanilla latte, waiting.
I had chosen a flared mustard-yellow skirt, bright and soft, and paired it with a cropped denim jacket that made me feel cute without trying too hard.
"You look like a walking Pinterest board," a familiar voice said.
I looked up, grinning. "Sophie."
Sophie slid into the seat across from me, sunglasses pushed up into her curls, a knowing smirk on her face. "So. Spill."
I blinked innocently. "About what?"
Sophie gave me a look. "Don't do that. You texted me with 'we need to talk' followed by four heart emojis and a sparkle.
If that's not lover girl energy, I don't know what is."
I laughed, leaning back in my seat. "Okay, okay."
Sophie folded her arms. "Is it the guy you told me about again? Joe?"
I blushed. "Maybe."
"Oh my God. You kissed him, didn't you?"
My smile gave me away instantly. Sophie squealed.
He kissed me first. "Come on, girl."
"You did! I knew it! Girl, your face is glowing. What happened? Give me everything.
I want a "scene by scene" breakdown, like I'm watching a rom-com."
I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks were warm with memory. "he came to my office, then we stepped out, and got a cool place to sit.
Just the two of us. It was supposed to be casual, but…"
"But it wasn't," Sophie filled in, sipping her drink with a grin.
I nodded slowly. "It felt like... more. He was so gentle. Like, not just flirty -Joe. He was quiet. Thoughtful.
He told me he thinks about me all the time."
"Damn," Sophie whispered. "He sounds serious."
"He is," I said. "I think."
"But you're still scared," Sophie said, sharp-eyed.
I hesitated, then sighed. "Yeah. Because I like him, really like him.
And it's been so easy to hide behind banter and sarcasm. But now... every time he touches me, it's like he's drawing me out."
"Girl," Sophie said, raising her brows. "That sounds dangerously close to falling."
I bit my lip, smiling. "I know."
"You're even wearing skirts now," Sophie teased, pointing at my outfit.
"That's how you know it's real. You're out here doing soft girl aesthetics like Joe won't tease you to death."
I laughed out loud. "He already did! Yesterday, we met, and he just said, 'Is that a new skirt? Or are you trying to distract me from all rational thought?"
"Ohhh no," Sophie cackled. "You're doomed."
I laughed again, shaking my head. "He's... a lot."
"Yeah," Sophie said, voice softening. "But be careful, he's not too much. You know?"
I met her gaze. "I know. That's why I'm processing it. Step by step. I'm not diving headfirst."
Sophie nodded. "Good. Because I love seeing you smile like this.
But I've also seen you broken before. And I swear, if he hurts you"
"I know," I said, resting my chin on her palm. "But I don't think he will. He's different."
Sophie leaned back, watching me closely. "Just promise me you'll keep your eyes open, even while you're falling."
"I promise," I said softly. "But I'm also learning... sometimes you have to let yourself feel the fall."
We both sipped our drinks, silence stretching between us like a thread of understanding.
Then Sophie grinned.
"You're gone for him, huh?"
I smiled, lover-girl smile and all. "Yeah. I think I am."
The soft hum of chatter surrounded us, but we were lost in our little bubble, sipping iced coffee and catching up on everything.
"Oh, this is serious," Sophie said, eyes wide with amusement. "You've entered the lover girl zone. I love it for you."
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at it, expecting Joe's name, but my breath caught instead.
Adrian (Ex):Ella, please pick up. I miss you.
Sophie noticed the sudden shift in my expression. "Who is it?"
I exhaled. "My ex."
"Oh no." Sophie narrowed her eyes. "What does he want?"
I reluctantly answered the call, putting the phone to my ear.
"Ella," Damola's voice came through low and smooth, familiar in a way that made my shoulders tense.
"It's been a while. I… I've missed you."
My fingers curled around the glass. "I told you I've moved on."
"I know," he said quickly. "I know you did. "But just listen to me, please. I was stupid to let you go.
I didn't see what I had. But I see it now, Ella. I still love you."
My throat tightened. "Adrian, you only see it now that I've found someone who respects me. Someone who makes me feel seen, heard… safe."
"I can do that too," he said, almost desperate. "Give me a chance to show you."
I closed my eyes, heartbeat steady. "It's too late for that."
Before he could respond, I ended the call.
Sophie watched me with arms folded. "Let me guess. He says he still loves you."
I nodded, sliding my phone across the table. "Can you believe that?"
"Yes," Sophie said flatly. "Because they always come back when they see you're doing better.
When your skin's glowing, your smile's real, and you're genuinely happy."
"I'm not even tempted," I said with a small shrug. "Not after everything he did. The lies, the emotional games… I'm not going back there."
Sophie reached across the table, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Good. Because girl, you've come too far.
I saw the way you lit up talking about Joe. That smile? That's a lover girl's smile. You don't owe your past anything but peace and closure."
I smiled softly. "Don't worry, I'm not looking back. Joe might not be perfect, but he's real. He sees me."
Sophie leaned back with a satisfied grin. "And he makes you smile like that. I approve."
We clinked our glasses together, iced coffee sloshing a little at the rim.
"To new beginnings," Sophie said.
"To never settle again," I added.
And somewhere deep inside, I felt it was a quiet, powerful shift. Not just from Adrian, but from who I used to be.
I wasn't just someone healing anymore. I was someone choosing better. Step by step.