Chapter 11
Eliza finally finished cleaning her shop. She put her hands on her hips and let out a deep breath.
It had been nearly two weeks since she left Liam.
She’d chosen a small city with fresh air and a slow pace–exactly what she needed.
As soon as she arrived, Eliza decisively rented a small space, just big enough for the coffee shop she’d always wanted to run.
With everything in order, she put away the cleaning supplies and locked up.
Looking at her reflection in the shop window, she broke into a wide smile.
How long had it been… since she’d smiled like this?
At the thought, a dull ache spread through her supposedly numb heart.
Liam, Maya, and their baby–they must be living happily now.
‘Liam…” she whispered, then quickly shook her head to clear his name from her mind.
She’d started a new life. How could she still be upset about the past?
Lost in thought, she felt something warm brush against her ankle.
‘Meow~”
A small orange cat rubbed against her leg, making a soft sound.
‘Hey there!” Eliza knelt down in delight, stroking its soft head.
The kitten rolled over, exposing its belly and meowing sweetly.
That cat really likes you.”
A clear, pleasant voice made Eliza turn her head. She hadn’t noticed someone standing nearby.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there,” she apologized, shifting to make room.
16:29
Mrs. Perfect No More: You Gave Her a Baby? I Gave You Divorce Papers
Chapter 11
The man smiled and crouched down beside her. The orange cat immediately nuzzled his palm,
clearly familiar with him.
“Is this your cat?” she asked.
“No.” His gentle smile captured Eliza’s attention.
He set down a bag labeled “Cat Food” and expertly rubbed the kitten’s belly.
“I found it around here not long ago. I just drop by and feed it when I’m in the area.”
“So it’s a stray?” Eliza met the man’s smile.
“Seems like it,” his voice was pleasant. “I’m sure it longs for a home too.”
Eliza watched him pet the cat, his long lashes casting faint shadows on his face, a hint of melancholy in his expression.
Something soft, buried deep in her heart, stirred slightly.
“Let’s go then,” Eliza said, confidently picking up the cat.
“Meow?” The kitten didn’t resist, just looked confused.
“What?” The man seemed caught off guard.
“Neu–ter–ing!” Eliza pronounced each syllable clearly, placing the cat on her shoulder with a brilliant
smile.
“Coming?” She was already searching for nearby vet clinics on her phone as she pulled the man to
his feet.
With the clinic located, Eliza started walking with the cat. The man stood dazed for a moment before
grabbing the cat food bag and hurrying after her.
He brushed his messy bangs aside and cleared his throat, extending his hand. “I’m Julian Rivers. Nice to meet you!”
Eliza stopped and shook his hand firmly.
“I’m Eliza Quinn. Just moved to this city. Pleased to meet you.”
16:29
Mrs. Perfect No More: You Gave Her a Baby? 1 Gave You Divorce Papers
8.3%
Chapter 11
The cat, mimicking her, placed its tiny paw on their joined hands and gave a soft “meow.”
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
The memories that had been clamoring in her mind gradually faded into the approaching evening with their laughter.
Julian walked beside her. “So that coffee shop is yours?”
Eliza nodded. “Tomorrow’s the grand opening. Looks like I’ll have a cat for company.”
The orange kitten meowed on cue, nuzzling her cheek.
“I’ll come too. I’ve had my eye on your coffee shop for a while.”
Julian chimed in, and she teased, “So, are you competing with the cat for my attention?”
While they talked, the vet clinic came into view.
16:29