Morning sunlight poured through the windows of Ivy's café. The place was lively. Customers chatted softly, coffee machines hissed, and the smell of fresh pastries filled the air. To everyone around, it looked like a peaceful little café in Manhattan. And behind the counter stood Ivy, looking exactly like she always did. Calm. Normal. Completely harmless. If only they knew. The bell above the door chimed. Ivy didn't bother looking up.
"Welcome—" Then she heard the voice.
"Morning, angel."
She froze. Slowly looking up. Standing at the entrance with that same arrogant calm expression was Alexander Morozov. Ivy stared at him.
"You've got to be kidding me." Alexander walked in like he had been coming there for years. Victor followed behind him, looking extremely confused. Alexander sat at the corner table. The same one. Ivy walked over.
"What do you want?" she asked flatly. Alexander rested his chin on his hand.
"You look grumpy today, sweetheart."
Ivy's eye twitched slightly.
"We have customers."
"Yes." he replied
"And you're still annoying." she said
Alexander smiled.
"I came for coffee."
"You could've gone anywhere else."
"But your coffee tastes better." he stated
Victor coughed awkwardly. Alexander glanced at him.
"What?" Victor whispered quietly, "You're flirting with the café owner." Alexander smirked.
"I'm supporting a local business."
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Ivy slammed a cup of black coffee onto the table. "Here." Alexander took a sip. Then leaned back.
"Still the best coffee in Manhattan." Ivy crossed her arms.
"Drink it and leave."
"But I just got here." A nearby customer glanced over. Alexander noticed and smiled innocently.
"So aggressive," he said loudly.
"You used to be nicer to me, angel."
Ivy glared at him.
"I have never been nice to you."
Victor was now watching the interaction very carefully. His eyes moved between Ivy and Alexander. Something about this felt strange. Too familiar. Too personal. Alexander casually tapped the table.
"You know," he said.
"I met someone recently who fights exactly like you."
Ivy didn't react. She simply wiped the counter.
"Lots of people know how to fight."
"Not like this one."
Alexander leaned forward slightly.
"Fast. Precise. Very good at kicking."
Victor's eyes widened slightly.
Ivy finally looked at him.
"Oh?"
Alexander nodded slowly.
"Yeah."
"Very dangerous girl. Sounds charming." lvy stated
Alexander smiled.
"She is."
Their eyes locked for a moment. The tension between them was obvious. Even Victor could feel it now. After a moment, Alexander stood up. He placed money on the table.Then leaned slightly closer to Ivy.
"See you tonight, sweetheart."
Ivy frowned.
"Tonight?"
Alexander smirked.
"You didn't think our partnership was over, did you?"
Victor blinked.
"Wait—"
But Alexander was already walking toward the door. Victor quickly followed him outside. The moment they stepped out, Victor turned to him.
"Boss."
"Yes?"
Victor looked back at the café window where Ivy stood inside. Then back at Alexander.
"You know her." Alexander slid his hands into his coat pockets. "Maybe." Victor's eyes narrowed.
"…She's the assassin, isn't she?"
Alexander didn't answer immediately. Instead, a slow smile appeared on his face.
"Not confirmed yet."
Victor sighed.
"You're enjoying this."
Alexander looked up at the café window again. Where Ivy was watching them.
"Very much."
Inside the café, Ivy muttered under her breath.
"He's impossible."
But despite that… A small part of her couldn't ignore the strange excitement building around this dangerous game. Because the closer Alexander got to the truth… The more dangerous things would become. For both of them.