The coffee shop was warm, filled with the low hum of conversation and the smell of freshly ground beans. Newell sat by the window, his black double-breasted trench coat fitting him perfectly. Thanks to some high-tech disguise, his once-youthful face now looked like that of a seventy-year-old man. He’d kept up the act ever since he first met Charlotte. It was easier that way. She’d never seen the real him.
“Newell, your milk tea’s ready,” his assistant said, stepping up to the table.
“Thanks,” Newell replied, glancing at his watch. He tapped his fingers against the table, waiting. “Bring over a slice of the low-sugar chiffon cake too. She likes that.”
“Yes, sir!”
The assistant hesitated, sneaking a look at Newell. He couldn’t help but wonder. How much did Newell like this girl to remember all her little favorites? If he cared so much, why not just show her his real face? No girl would fall for an old man, would she? The whole thing was a mystery.
A few minutes later, the gentle clink of a plate signaled the arrival of the cake. Right then, the sound of an engine shutting off drifted in from outside.
Charlotte pulled up on a flashy red motorcycle, planting her boots firmly on the ground. She took off her helmet with a confident flick, letting her thick black hair tumble down, catching the breeze. There was something cold and untouchable about her, a steely chill that seemed to keep everyone at a distance.
Newell’s lips curled into a faint smile as he watched her. His voice was low and rough. “Looks like she only drops her guard when she’s with Anthony.”
Charlotte parked her bike, slung her backpack over one shoulder, and strode into the café.
“Nine, long time no see,” Cedric greeted, bowing his head.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns