Three days had passed since Luca Moretti first walked into Élégance Perfumerie. And somehow, he had found a reason to come back every single day. Maya Bennett was beginning to think it wasn't just about the perfume anymore. The bell above the boutique door chimed, and without looking up, she smiled. "Welcome to Élégance-" She stopped when she saw him. Luca stood in the doorway with a sheepish grin, one hand tucked into the pocket of his hoodie. "Don't tell me," Maya said, crossing her arms playfully. "You need another perfume already?" He laughed. "I've officially run out of excuses." "So you admit you've been making them up?" "Maybe." She shook her head, trying to hide her smile. "I was starting to wonder if you secretly owned a perfume museum." Luca chuckled. "Not quite." He walked over to the counter, resting his elbows against it. "I actually came to ask you something." Maya looked at him curiously. "What is it?" "Would you... like to get a coffee with me after your shift?" For a moment, the shop seemed unusually quiet. Maya blinked, surprised by the question. "You want to have coffee... with me?" "I do." She searched his face, wondering if he was joking. He wasn't. "I know my life isn't exactly ordinary," Luca said softly. "But every time I come here, I feel like I can just be myself. I'd like to get to know you outside of this shop... if you're okay with that." A small smile spread across Maya's face. "I finish at six." Luca returned the smile, relief washing over him. "I'll be here at six." Neither of them noticed the woman outside the shop, lowering her camera after taking a picture through the front window. By tomorrow morning, the photo would be everywhere.

Two Different Worlds