CHAPTER 62

Jessica entered the coffee shop, her heart pounding in her chest as she scanned the room. It was a quiet, dimly lit place, with just a few patrons scattered around, sipping coffee or typing away on laptops. The smell of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, mingling with the faint sound of soft jazz playing in the background. She spotted Philip sitting in a corner booth, his head bowed as he stared intently at his phone.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Jessica walked over to him, her footsteps barely making a sound on the polished wooden floor. When she reached the table, Philip looked up, his expression softening as their eyes met. But there was also something else there—worry, fear, maybe even a touch of desperation.

"Jessica," he said, standing up to greet her. "I'm glad you came."

"Philip," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady as she took a seat across from him. "I almost didn't."

Philip nodded, sitting back down. "I understand. Things have been… complicated."

Jes