Chapter 110: New Boundaries

The coffee shop was abuzz with the low hum of conversation and a hiss, while espresso machines whirred in the background. Olivia's fingers tapped an anxious rhythm on the ceramic mug before her; her gaze surfed back and forth between the door and the clock on the wall. She was early, as usual—a habit born from years of meticulous planning and a deep-seated fear of disappointing others. The bell above the door jingled, and Nathan stepped inside. His eyes skimmed the room, coming to rest on Olivia before betraying his relief with a tinge of apprehension. He walked over to her table, shrugging off his jacket as he sat down. "Hey," he said, his voice soft and uncertain. "Hi, Nathan," Olivia responded, having to force a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Thanks for meeting me." The air between them felt charged with all that wasn't being said. It had been weeks since the last messy tangle of emotions and misunderstandings had left them raw and reeling. Nathan coughed. "So, um, how have