Ella barely got any sleep.
She had tossed and turned all night, her mind replaying Nicholas Carter's words like a broken record. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw that smirk of his, the way he had looked so amused by the chaos he had just dropped into her lap.
When her alarm went off, she groaned, forcing herself out of bed.
She couldn't afford to miss work.
She couldn't afford anything.
Dragging herself through her morning routine, she pushed thoughts of Nicholas aside. She had more pressing concerns—like making it through another exhausting shift and figuring out how to quietly annul this ridiculous marriage before Ryan or anyone else found out.
By the time she reached the café, the morning rush was already in full swing.
Mia greeted her with a raised brow, clearly still curious about yesterday's incident. "You good?"
Ella forced a smile. "Yeah. Just tired."
Mia didn't look convinced but let it go.
Ella threw herself into work, keeping her hands and mind busy, hoping that if she focused hard enough, she could pretend nothing had changed.
It worked. For a while.
Until he walked in.
Nicholas Carter.
Dressed in a tailored black coat, casual yet effortlessly expensive, he stood out like a sore thumb among the café's usual customers. His presence alone drew attention—several women turned their heads, whispering to each other. Even Mia's eyes widened slightly before she shot Ella a look that screamed, What the hell is going on?
Ella stiffened, grip tightening on the coffee cup she was preparing.
Of course, he came back.
Why wouldn't he? He was enjoying this.
Nicholas walked straight to the counter, hands in his pockets, eyes gleaming with mischief as he met her glare. "Good morning, wife."
Ella saw red.
She slammed the coffee cup down harder than necessary. "Don't call me that."
His lips twitched, clearly entertained. "Why not? It's legally accurate."
She inhaled sharply, forcing herself to remain professional. "Are you here for coffee, sir? Because if not, I have work to do."
Mia, who had been eavesdropping way too obviously, made a choking sound behind her.
Nicholas chuckled. "I'll take a black coffee."
"Fine." Ella turned her back on him, pretending to focus on the coffee machine.
He was testing her. Pushing her buttons just to see how she'd react. And damn it, it was working.
She could feel his gaze on her, studying her, waiting.
She poured the coffee, slammed a lid on it, and shoved it across the counter. "Five dollars."
Nicholas pulled out his wallet, taking his time as if he had all the leisure in the world. He handed her a twenty instead.
"Keep the change," he said smoothly.
She snatched the bill, not thanking him. "Great. Have a nice day."
But he didn't move.
He took a slow sip of his coffee, watching her with that same frustrating amusement. "I was thinking we should have dinner."
Ella nearly dropped the cash register drawer. "Excuse me?"
"Dinner. You know, that thing married couples do."
She clenched her jaw. "We are not a couple."
"Strange. The legal documents say otherwise."
Ella bristled.
Mia, who was very invested in this drama, was openly staring now. Other customers were looking too, whispering. Ella's fingers curled into fists.
She leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I don't know what you're playing at, but I want nothing to do with this. Or you. So take your coffee, leave, and don't come back."
Nicholas smirked. "You sure about that?"
"Positive."
He took another slow sip, as if contemplating something. Then, he leaned in slightly, voice dropping just for her to hear.
"Annulments take time," he murmured. "And effort. And you don't seem like someone with much free time, Ella."
Her stomach dropped.
His eyes flickered down to her worn-out uniform, the exhaustion on her face. He knew.
He knew she was barely holding everything together.
Her blood boiled.
She was about to snap back when Nicholas suddenly straightened, flashing her an infuriatingly charming smile. "Alright, I'll leave."
Ella blinked. "What?"
He winked. "For now."
And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving her gripping the counter so tightly her knuckles ached.
Mia let out a low whistle. "Girl… what the hell was that?"
Ella exhaled shakily. "A nightmare."
And she had a sinking feeling it was just beginning.