Chapter 141

TESSA

It’s another bad day and it’s only 9 AM.

The office coffee machine decided to die on me—again—so now I’m stomping down the block in heels I already regret, searching for caffeine before I commit a workplace homicide. There’s nothing noble about survival; it’s just espresso with extra shots and maybe a croissant I’ll tell myself I deserve.

Of course, the café closest to the office has a line that wraps around like half of New York also woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I join it anyway, muttering curses under my breath and trying not to look like the unhinged intern who can’t function without her fix.

When I finally shuffle to the counter, the barista flashes me a smile far too chipper for someone surrounded by this much suffering. “What can I get started for you?”

“Large latte. Three shots. Make it life-or-death urgent,” I deadpan.

“Rough morning?” he asks, fingers flying over the register.

“Understatement of the century,” I reply,