At the beautiful, sunlit cafe outing place—a peaceful retreat designed for relaxation, rest, and simple fun—the outdoor patio features fine wooden tables and chairs. Clever architectural design extends the rooftop just far enough to shelter the outdoor seats, keeping guests dry and comfortable in case of a sudden rain shower.
Seated at one of the tables is Lucas. He is sipping a cool, refreshing drink, his eyes fixed on his phone, though he is quietly expecting someone special to arrive.
Soon enough, Jane arrives. With her brown hair, working glasses, and moderate height, she possesses a soulful, gentle beauty, framed by a scattering of pretty freckles across her face. Carrying her bag, she walks over, sits down at a nearby chair, and takes out her phone to message someone.
Across the patio, Lucas's blue eyes light up with happiness the moment he sees her. He had come to this cafe today specifically hoping to see her.
Jane is busy messaging her friend, Mariana, updating her about her day. She feels like having a milkshake and is genuinely happy to be here; this is her absolute favorite spot to take a break from work. She often drops by after her shift ends. Glancing down at the menu on the table, she debates her order, leaning toward a milkshake and probably a slice of sponge chocolate cake.
Lucas watches her every move, taking in every detail. Her hair is rich brown, her eyes a warm light brown, reflecting a gentleness in her soul and a quiet reserve in her spirit. She wears a simple peach top paired with dark blue pants. His gaze trails over her naturally balanced frame—neither too thin nor carrying extra weight—down to her hands, her wrists, her legs, and her flat, blue shoes.
Her eyes remain glued to her screen as she types away. Even though Lucas is watching her, his demeanor is entirely non-intrusive and respectful; nothing in his posture or gaze makes Jane feel uncomfortable. In fact, Jane is completely unaware that he is even there, let alone that someone is taking such a deep interest in her.
As a waiter approaches her table, Lucas smiles, thrilled that she showed up. He had known she would be here because she always comes on these days. He had done a fair bit of digging into her life—learning what she likes, the places she frequents, her preferences, and her dislikes. He knew the rhythm of her life: she lives in a rented apartment close to her workplace to maintain her independence, though her parents' home is elsewhere. On Thursdays, she goes back to stay with them through the weekend before returning to her apartment. He knew she visits this cafe three times a week, loves action movies, enjoys playing video games, and cherishes her favorite meals.
He smiles, secretly happy that he knows all of this. She must be talking to her friend right now. Not that he was a freak spying on her private life—no, he didn't see himself that way. He was simply intensely curious, which was why he knew so much about her, and why he believed he had fallen in love with her and wanted to talk to her.
He watches as the waiter places a freshly made milkshake and plate of sponge chocolate cake on the table. Jane smiles at it—a simple expression of pure joy that Lucas loves seeing. She takes a sip through her straw. He wants to walk over and talk to her, but seeing that she is enjoying a quiet, private moment messaging someone with a smile, he holds back. Jane smiles brightly at something funny Mariana has just texted her, instinctively covering her mouth with her hand because she still has food inside. Lucas finds the gesture endearingly self-conscious, noting how most people wouldn't bother to cover their mouths when laughing with food.
Lucas smiles to himself and decides: I'll watch her today, and talk to her next time. He feels confident that if he approached her, she would be friendly, as she clearly wasn't a disrespectful person. He is simply happy just to see her, admiring her humble, modest, and quiet personality. Deep within his soul, he feels certain that she is a genuinely good person—his true soul companion.
Later that day, back at her apartment, Jane sits working on her laptop. She gets a message from Lauren, realizing she is almost finished with her work before she can finally go to bed and unwind.
Meanwhile, at the office, Jordin Marson is seated in his large executive chair, talking to his assistant about his upcoming travel plans. His flight ticket is already booked, and he is set to leave for the airport today.
His heart weighs heavily as he thinks of Elsa. He desperately wants to see her before he travels, but a profound wave of guilt holds him back. He still couldn't bring himself to face her after his embarrassing, foolish, and shameful deeds. Even though Elsa had willingly slept with him, he knew she had been just as naive and stupid to continue the affair—especially for money.
That afternoon, Jordin leaves the company. A driver takes him and his assistant to the airport for his business trip. As they ride, Jordin sits in deep contemplation, resolving within himself that the very moment he returns, he is going to visit Elsa, make things right, and finally clear his conscience.