NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: We're gonna have a coffee shop
Although the temperature was mild that day, the weather was perfect—sunny with a clear blue sky that banished the haze of recent days. Noah slipped into a gray sweater and topped it with a black horn jacket, the kind that was both windproof and warm.
As he arrived at the coffee shop, a friendly face greeted him. "You're here! I'm Jay," he said with a smile. "Would you like something to drink?"
"A latte, please," Noah replied, taking in the familiar surroundings of the shop.
Jay moved swiftly behind the counter, demonstrating a confidence in his craft that Noah admired. Before long, he returned with a steaming cup of latte, the aroma rich and inviting.
"I saw the information you posted. The transfer fee is 1.2 million, right?" Noah asked, sipping his drink.
"Exactly," Jay replied. "The shop has a prime location, and we have a steady flow of customers. Our pricing here is higher than in other places because of that."
Noah nodded, pursing his lips slightly. "I'm not trying to complain about the price. Based on your turnover, this fee is actually quite conservative. If you raised it, I doubt I'd be the only interested buyer."
He felt a rush of excitement at the prospect of securing a bargain. Jay handed him the transfer agreement, and Noah scrutinized the document carefully. He was always meticulous when it came to contracts.
"No problem," he finally said, signing his name on the last page. The agreement was straightforward, and he felt a thrill of accomplishment as he placed his initials on the two copies—one for each party.
"I just contacted the landlord for you," Jay said, looking excited. "You'll need to sign a new housing contract soon."
Noah took another sip of his latte, savoring the balance of coffee and milk. He couldn't shake the feeling that it would be a shame to see such craftsmanship go to waste.
"Hello."
The voice came from behind him, and Noah turned to see none other than his former boss, Ethan.
"Boss, I didn't expect this coffee shop would be your business," Noah said, a mix of surprise and intrigue washing over him.
Ethan's slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, his expression calm. "Hmm. I heard you want to open a coffee shop?"
Noah felt an unexpected wave of discomfort. He touched his nose, trying to regain his composure. "Yes, I'm more interested in coffee now. What's the monthly rent here?"
Ethan's gaze flickered momentarily. "I could waive the rent, but I'd like to invest in the shop. I assume you don't have a partner at this point?"
"You want to invest?" Noah's voice rose slightly, the gravity of the offer sinking in. "But aren't you worried about losing money?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "A successful businessman doesn't invest in ventures without potential returns."
Noah remembered the reputation that preceded Ethan. He was a legend in the investment world—his sharp intuition and drive had made him a sought-after figure in business circles. Being recognized by him was both a comfort and an intimidation for Noah.
"Of course, how much do you want for this share?" Noah asked, his heart racing at the thought of a partnership.
Ethan took a sip of his coffee, eyeing Noah over the rim of the cup. "For a partner, you don't need to be so formal. Just use me as you see fit. I'd like 40%. That seems appropriate, don't you think? Are you planning to stay here permanently? You're not a local, are you?"
Noah nodded, feeling more grounded. "I love London. I want to live here permanently."
Ethan's expression shifted slightly, a hint of approval in his demeanor. "Then let's exchange contact information. I'll have my secretary draft a new contract."
"Sure." Noah quickly opened the QR code on his phone, his heart racing at the speed of their conversation.
"I have a meeting, so I'll take my leave now," Ethan said, standing up and glancing at the verification information on his phone. As he walked away, a small smile crept onto his face, one that he quickly masked as he exited the café.
In the office, Ethan's expression returned to its usual stoic demeanor, but the mood had shifted. Rumors began to swirl among his colleagues about his unexpected engagement, speculation fueled by the sight of his unusual smile.
Sam, his assistant and longtime friend, burst into the office, a teasing grin on his face. "Mr. Harrison, are you finally ready to make a move?"
"Move?" Ethan replied, trying to maintain his composure.
Sam leaned against the door frame, arms crossed. "Come on, I've known you liked Noah for ages."
Ethan's expression remained unreadable, but Sam could see the flicker of acknowledgment. "He's an omega," Ethan stated matter-of-factly. "25 years old, birthday December 10th. Graduated from North City University with a finance degree. He used to work in North…"
"Wait, wait, wait! You've memorized his entire profile?" Sam exclaimed, incredulously cutting him off. "Where's his contact info?"
Ethan shifted his gaze, his calm facade not quite hiding the hint of embarrassment. "His phone number is 1593…"
"And you don't even have his Messenger?" Sam held his forehead in disbelief. "How can you expect to keep in touch without that?"
"Because he's married," Ethan replied, the words flat yet loaded with meaning.
"Wait, you fell in love with a married omega? Seriously?" Sam's jaw dropped, unable to comprehend the twist in the narrative.
Ethan's stoicism was palpable, yet the revelation hung in the air. It seemed a cruel twist of fate that the man he admired from afar was already bound to someone else.
As the weight of Ethan's unfulfilled feelings settled in, a flurry of thoughts raced through Sam's mind. How could someone like Ethan, so successful and charming, end up in such a complicated situation?
"Guess we'll have to find a way to fix this," Sam said, a determined glint in his eye. "But first, you need to get to know him better."
Ethan simply nodded, a silent agreement passing between them, though the path ahead was uncertain. In that moment, a new chapter began, filled with hope, potential, and the complexities of love.