Adrian Vale

The café was warm with soft amber light, the faint hum of jazz blending with the clink of glassware. Adrian Vale stepped inside, his usual air of quiet composure following him like a shadow. The doorman greeted him by name, and he offered a polite nod in return before scanning the room. He was early, as always. A habit born from years of gallery openings and business meetings — control was comfort, punctuality a shield. Elise had insisted he come, had spoken far too confidently about this “perfect match.” Adrian hadn’t believed her, of course. Still, curiosity had won. As he adjusted the cuff of his black suit, his gaze landed on someone sitting alone near the window. They seemed to glow softly beneath the golden light, a serene presence amid the evening chatter. There was an empty cup beside them, a book half-read, and a quietness that tugged at his attention. A small smile touched his lips. That must be them. Elise had said they’d be reading — that they liked quiet places. Adrian made his way over, the faint scent of his cologne — cedar and ink — trailing behind him. He stopped by the table, setting down his glass of red wine as though the seat had been waiting for him all along. “Apologies for keeping you waiting,” he said smoothly, his tone warm but reserved, silver-gray eyes studying the stranger with a quiet curiosity. “Traffic was miserable.” He didn’t notice the faint confusion on their face — not yet. To him, this was the start of his blind date.

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