The Bride Widow
Chapter 120: Ch 120: The meeting - Part 1

Chapter 120: Ch 120: The meeting - Part 1

Note: I’m trying out a new writing style. Do not feel alarmed if you see it.

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The soft hum of chatter filled the cozy coffee shop as Anabella and Noah stepped inside. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around them, warm and inviting. Anabella relaxed for the first time that day. Maybe this could be a small escape—a moment of normalcy.

They joined the line, and Anabella glanced at the pastries displayed behind the glass counter. Her eyes landed on a cinnamon roll that looked impossibly perfect, golden and topped with just the right amount of icing.

When it was finally their turn, Anabella stepped forward with a polite smile.

"Hi, can I get a medium—"

Before she could finish, the omega barista, a tall, sharp-featured man with neatly styled hair, turned his head sharply and addressed the person behind her.

"Next!" he called out, completely ignoring her.

Anabella’s smile faltered. She opened her mouth again, thinking maybe he hadn’t seen her—but the barista continued taking orders from others as though she didn’t exist.

Her chest tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm. This wasn’t the first time she’d been dismissed like this. Being overlooked—especially by omegas—was something she had grown used to. She told herself it didn’t matter. It couldn’t matter.

Noah, however, didn’t seem to share her acceptance. His friendly, soft demeanor didn’t change, but there was something colder behind his smile now. He stepped forward with an air of ease, leaning slightly on the counter as though he belonged there.

"Excuse me," he said smoothly, his voice like honey yet holding an unmistakable edge. "I think you missed someone."

The omega barista’s head snapped up, his eyes widening when he met Noah’s gaze. Something flickered there—confusion, fear, and a hint of submission he couldn’t quite hide.

"I...uh...sorry, sir. I didn’t see—"

"No need to apologize," Noah interrupted, still smiling that soft, disarming smile. "Mistakes happen." His voice remained pleasant, but his dark eyes gleamed with something far less forgiving. "But...skipping people in line? That’s not a mistake. That’s a choice."

The barista swallowed hard, his face pale. "I didn’t mean—"

"Of course you didn’t." Noah’s voice remained gentle, almost soothing. "Why don’t you fix it now? I’m sure you can manage that."

The omega quickly nodded, fumbling with the register. "What...what can I get for you?"

Noah stepped back slightly, gesturing toward Anabella. "She was here first."

Anabella’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. She could feel the stares of the other customers pressing down on her.

"Noah," she whispered urgently, tugging at his sleeve. "It’s fine. Let’s just go."

He didn’t budge, his expression still perfectly composed. "It’s not fine."

The barista trembled under his gaze, looking like he wanted nothing more than to flee.

Anabella pulled Noah harder this time, her voice firmer. "Please."

Finally, he relented with a soft sigh, raising his hands as if surrendering. "Alright." He flashed the barista one last lingering look that promised he wasn’t really letting this go. "We’ll be on our way."

He let her lead him out of the coffee shop, his steps light and unbothered as though nothing had happened. But the tension in his shoulders betrayed him.

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Outside, the crisp autumn air bit at Anabella’s cheeks, grounding her. She exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the unease lingering in her chest.

They walked in silence for a while until Noah spoke, his voice soft yet tinged with frustration.

"You shouldn’t let people treat you like that."

Anabella glanced at him, surprised by the intensity in his tone. He wasn’t teasing or playful like usual—he was serious.

"I’m used to it," she admitted quietly. "It doesn’t bother me anymore."

"It should," Noah insisted, his brows knitting together in frustration. "You don’t deserve to be walked over."

She shook her head. "It’s easier this way. If I make a fuss...things get worse."

His jaw tightened, and for a moment, he looked like he was fighting some inner battle. "You think staying quiet will keep you safe?"

"Yes," she said simply. "It has...so far."

He stopped walking, forcing her to pause as well. His dark eyes searched hers, a mix of anger and something almost...protective.

"You shouldn’t have to live like this," he whispered, his voice strained. "You shouldn’t have to accept being invisible."

Anabella felt her throat tighten. No one had ever cared like this before—at least, not in a long time. It was disarming. Uncomfortable.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice trembling. "But this...this is better for me."

His expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly masked it with a faint smile. "You say that now."

Before she could respond, he gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch feather-light. "But one day...you’ll see what I see."

Anabella’s breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. There was something in his gaze—something intense, powerful, and...unshakable.

For the first time in a long while, she felt truly seen. And it terrified her.

But it also made her feel warm.

’He got mad for my sake. Something about this is so charming that I cannot even comment on it.’

Anabella felt tight-lipped but she let Noah have the benefit of the doubt for now.

"Now, let’s head out and meet Clair. She has been waiting for us for a long time. You know how she gets without her coffee. We don’t want to keep her waiting." Noah teased Anabella but he also felt tense.

There was much Anabella wanted to ask him, but she also felt like now was not the time.

She had a feeling Noah knew more about her situation than he was letting on, but Anabella did not have the courage to ask him about it.

"Let’s go," Anabella agreed with a smile on her face. "I am sure Clair would appreciate the drink we got her a lot. She does not like sweet things."

Noah’s face was a little rude, but he quickly masked his disappointment.

"She better. We went though a lot to get this coffee."