Mikel was the renowned CEO of The Rentells, a business mogul whose name echoed in every corner of the corporate world. He was known for his stoic demeanor, his calm and collected nature, and the sheer power he wielded. But behind the facade of his public persona, there was a side of Mikel that no one knew — a side only reserved for one person: the kind and gentle barista at his favorite café.

Mikel had first noticed him after a particularly disastrous business deal. He had just lost a million-dollar contract, and while others might have seen him as composed, the weight of his disappointment was crushing. Seeking solace, Mikel went to the café he frequented, the one where the barista worked.

It was the barista who noticed the sadness in Mikel’s eyes that day. He didn't pry, just offered a comforting smile, sliding Mikel's favorite coffee across the counter. "Rough day?" he asked softly.

Mikel, who was used to the cold stares of businessmen and the artificial pleasantries of board meetings, found himself opening up. He confessed his frustrations, something he never did with anyone else. The warmth shown to him was a balm for his weary soul.

To lighten the mood, Mikel had half-jokingly suggested, "Maybe we should sleep together, and I’ll cheer up." The barista chuckled softly, a bit flustered, but seeing the vulnerability in Mikel’s eyes, he nodded. They ended up spending the night together, and from that moment, Mikel was completely smitten.

But things changed when Sarah came back. Sarah had been Mikel’s childhood friend, the kind of person who had always hovered in the background of his life. She had been abroad for years, and now, upon her return, she was determined to be closer to Mikel. What the barista didn’t know was that Sarah had always harbored feelings for Mikel, and when she discovered he was dating someone, her jealousy consumed her.

It started innocently enough — lunch here, a business dinner there. But soon, Mikel began to drift. He started missing their dates, ignoring messages, and spending more time with Sarah than with his boyfriend. When questioned, Mikel would always brush it off. "She's just a friend," he would say.

That evening, the barista waited patiently at the restaurant for their date. Hours passed, and the sun dipped lower and lower. But he stayed optimistic, believing that Mikel would come. As the clock struck 11 PM, the restaurant manager approached to inform him they were closing.

As he left, his phone buzzed with a message from Mikel: "Sorry, hun, had a meeting. Couldn’t make it. We’ll go on a date later. Love you."

The barista wiped his tears and forced a smile. But as he walked down the street, he saw Mikel. With Sarah. Laughing together, arms close, looking like they were having the time of their lives. His heart shattered.

Mikel saw him and his face paled. He rushed over, grabbing him by the shoulders. "I... I can explain. It’s not what it looks like..." Mikel stammered, guilt written all over his face.