Chapter 136

Cassandra's POV

I got down from my Uber, the sound of the car door clicking shut echoing faintly behind me. I paid the driver through the app, slipping my phone back into my purse as the vehicle pulled away into traffic. A gust of warm evening air brushed against my face, carrying the faint scent of roasted coffee beans from the café ahead.

For a moment, I just stood there on the sidewalk, staring at the building in front of me. The café looked far too rich for my standards — sleek glass walls, polished wooden panels, and golden lettering that screamed luxury. Even the people stepping in and out looked like they belonged to a different world — suits, pearls, perfume worth more than my entire paycheck.

On my own, I could never afford to come here. I would’ve felt completely out of place if I were just wandering in by myself. But I wasn’t coming here alone today. Sofia had invited me yesterday, and against my usual judgment, I’d agreed.