Claudia Ross parked the car in a temporary spot by the roadside, then walked with Mark Reed to a nearby café.
Back when the café had first opened, Claudia and Mark had taken little Anne there a few times for desserts. The owner still remembered them and brought them lemon water, greeting them warmly.
"Long time no see! Haven't seen you two out with the kid lately—been busy?"
Claudia forced a faint smile and didn't explain, simply nodding, "Yeah, very busy."
"I thought so. Usually, I only see your husband coming and going by himself. We've added some new items to the menu—want to give them a try?"
The owner handed over a small booklet and began introducing their new offerings to Claudia.
Claudia had originally just wanted a cup of coffee, but unable to refuse the owner's enthusiasm, she ordered both coffee and a mango mousse cake.
Mark, as usual, stuck to his preference: a cup of red tea.
