Chapter 5: The Café Encounter

　　"Where are you from? Why didn't you come home yesterday?" Lisa, Gavin's wife, inquired with concern. 　　"It's none of your business," Gavin replied dismissively. 　　"I am your wife, and I have the right to know where my husband spent the night," Lisa asserted, her tone slightly elevated. 　　Ignoring Lisa's question, Gavin walked towards his bedroom. However, Lisa followed him, entering his personal space. 　　"Gavin, answer my question!" Lisa demanded, her voice raising slightly. 　　"Can't you just leave me alone?" Gavin snapped. 　　"Fine, I'll leave you alone, but answer my question first," Lisa persisted. 　　"Remember, you're nobody in this house. I'm in control, so I advise you to be obedient," Lisa added assertively. 　　"Arrghh..." Gavin let out a frustrated groan. 　　"I'm not your robot to be controlled and obey your every command. I'm a man, not your slave. I could divorce you right now," Gavin said in a raised voice as he approached Lisa. 　　"Are you sure? Remember that I hold your big secret. If you dare to divorce me, you'll be ruined," Lisa threatened with a sinister smile. 　　With that, Gavin stormed out of the house. He hopped into his car, turned on the engine, and drove off quickly. Feeling the need for some solace, he stopped at a nearby minimarket to grab some bread and drinks. Returning to his car, he savored the food he had bought. Amidst all the tension, he checked his phone and noticed a message from Sally, sent an hour ago. Gavin responded, asking to meet today. 　　Without waiting for Sally's approval, he changed course toward their favorite meeting spot at a cozy café. Unfortunately, Sally's new client had already scheduled a meeting yesterday. Sally, preoccupied on her way to meet the client, couldn't see Gavin's message. 　　The moment Sally stepped into the quaint cafe, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her senses, captivating her with its calming allure. The soft whispers of chatter and the clinking of cups create a delightful symphony, filling the air with friendship. The cafe is decorated with rustic wooden furniture and comfortable overstuffed chairs that invite customers to linger and enjoy the moment. 　　Her eyes scanned the room, and there, at a corner table, sat a woman matching the description given on the phone. The woman had an air of elegance about her, and her short, messy brown hair framed a face that exuded confidence and composure. She wore a stylish white blouse that seemed to reflect her own elegance. 　　Sally approached the table with a friendly smile, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity. As she approached, the woman looked up from her coffee cup, her eyes meeting Sally's in a brief, firm relationship. "Hello, are you Mrs. Melisa?" Sally asked, already feeling the intense energy radiating from the woman. 　　"Yes, I am," the woman replied with a firm nod, her voice carrying a hint of sophistication. "Oh, you must be Sally, right? Hello, I'm Melisa. Please have a sit," Melisa answered, pointing to the empty chair in front of her. 　　Their conversation started with friendly introductions, and as the minutes ticked by, Melissa started to get in on the purpose of her meeting with Sally. She didn't want to waste her time. 　　"Before we start Sally, may I ask if you are married? I mean have you ever been in a long-term relationship?" Melisa asked, her tone slightly sceptical. 　　Sally, understanding the importance of trust, replied honestly, "I'm not married yet, but I've worked with numerous clients facing marital challenges. Almost all of my clients have dealt with various issues within their marriages." 　　Melisa managed a weak smile, the weight of her doubts still lingering. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet me, Sally. It's just that I'm not sure if you'll understand what I'm going through. I mean, you haven't been married yourself, so..." 　　Sally nodded, her expression understanding. "I understand your concern, Melisa. You're right that I haven't experienced marriage personally. However, my dedication to my work as a counsellor allows me to empathize and understand the struggles of couples like you and your husband." 　　"But how can you truly comprehend the complexities of marriage without having lived it?" Melisa asked, her voice tinged with vulnerability. 　　Sally paused for a moment, her gaze steady. "It's true that personal experiences can offer unique insights, but as a counsellor, my training and expertise equip me to approach each client with an open mind and a heart that's ready to listen. I have helped many couples navigate through their marital challenges, and my goal is to create a safe and supportive space for you to express your feelings and concerns." 　　Melisa studied Sally's genuine sincerity, her doubts slowly being replaced with a glimmer of hope. "I suppose it's just hard to trust someone with such intimate issues when they haven't lived it themselves," she admitted. 　　"I completely understand," Sally replied gently. "It's natural to want someone who has walked in your shoes. But remember that the essence of counselling lies in offering support, guidance, and understanding. My role is not to replace personal experiences but to provide professional assistance in fostering communication, trust, and healing." 　　Melisa pondered Sally's words for a moment, her heart torn between skepticism and the desire for change in her marriage. "Okay, I'll give it a try. But please, be patient with me if I'm hesitant to open up at first." 　　Sally smiled warmly, appreciating Melisa's willingness to give counselling a chance. "Of course, take all the time you need. Our sessions are about building a trusting relationship, and I'm here to listen and help you navigate your feelings and concerns." 　　As their conversation continued, the café seemed to fade away, leaving only the intimacy of a connection between counsellor and client. Sally opened up about her passion for helping others and her commitment to her clients, assuring Melisa that she would approach their sessions with empathy and a genuine desire to make a difference. 　　Melisa found herself captivated by Sally's earnestness, feeling a spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, Sally could offer the guidance she needed to mend her troubled marriage.