The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls and rich espresso clung to the air like a warm hug as the ribbon was cut with a soft snip.

Lucy Mitchel stood at the entrance of Nook, breathless but beaming.
The grand opening was officially underway — customers filled the cozy shop, laughter and the clinking of mugs blending into a perfect hum of life.

Harper fluttered around like a proud mother hen, handing out mini cupcakes to anyone standing still long enough.
“You did it, Luce,” Harper whispered, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “This place is magic.”

Lucy smiled, her chest swelling with pride and nerves. It wasn’t perfect yet — she still saw the places the paint wasn’t even and the pastries that could have risen higher — but somehow, it felt right.
It felt like home.

She was wiping her hands on a towel when the bell above the door chimed again, and there he was.

Miles Bennet.

Dressed in dark jeans and a fitted button-up, he looked frustratingly good.
Lucy’s heart gave an uninvited flutter, which she promptly ignored.

“Mitchel,” he greeted, flashing that easy grin that made her want to throw a muffin at his head.
Instead, she crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Bennet. You clean up nicely.”

His smile widened — mission accomplished. “I told you.”

Before she could retort, Graham appeared behind him, a quiet but grounding presence.
Lucy vaguely knew Graham — always serious, reserved — but at least he wasn’t Miles-level annoying.

Harper swooped in, offering them samples before Miles could corner Lucy for more banter.
Grateful for the interruption, Lucy retreated behind the counter, accepting hugs and congratulations from old friends and new customers.

---

Across the room, Miles watched her move — laughing, working, glowing in her element.
He nursed a coffee, leaning casually against the wall, his usual cocky smirk dimming into something almost thoughtful.

Graham nudged him.
“You look like you lost a bet,” he said dryly.

Miles chuckled under his breath. “Feels like I did.”

Graham shook his head. “You’re not fooling anyone, you know. Least of all her.”

Miles watched Lucy toss her head back laughing at something Harper said, her eyes bright and alive.
He knew he should keep his distance.
But somehow, he also knew it was already too late.

---

Later, when most of the guests had filtered out and only a few close friends remained, Lucy sat at a corner table, massaging her aching feet.

Miles dropped into the chair across from her, a latte in hand.

“Peace offering,” he said, pushing the cup toward her.

Lucy arched an eyebrow. “Is it poisoned?”

He chuckled. “If it was, I wouldn’t waste a good latte.”

Despite herself, she smiled and took a cautious sip.
It was perfect.

“You did good today,” Miles said quietly, without his usual teasing edge.

“Thanks,” Lucy said, surprised by the sincerity. She looked at him properly for a second, seeing not the rival who’d once knocked her dreams off track… but maybe just a man who understood exactly what it meant to build something from scratch.

Maybe, just maybe… enemies could be something else entirely.