Love Began at Starbucks

1
I snagged the citys most eligible billionaire heir with nothing but a seven-dollar latte.
That day, when a handsome guy walked into the coffee shop asking to borrow a drink just to take a photo, the entire room went silent.
I was the only one who handed mine over.
My best friend, Mia, was quick to grab my arm, whispering, "Don't do it. Guys probably a nutcase or a scammer."
I didn't think it was a big deal.
The guy shot me a look of genuine gratitude, took my cup, and started filming a video on his phone.
"4 PM. Afternoon tea time. Living the affluent life in this clean, high-society circle. A seven-dollar Starbucks lattean absolute daily necessity for someone of my stature."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the surrounding customers were stunned. A split second later, the shop erupted in laughter.
"No way," someone snickered. "Can't afford his own coffee, so he borrows someone else's to flex online? Thats a new low."
Mia threw her hands up helplessly. "See? told you not to lend it. Hes just using your drink to fake a lifestyle."
The guy finished filming, handed the coffee back to me, and spoke with a clean, sincere voice. "Thanks. You really saved me there."
The murmurs and mockery around us were getting louder. I felt a pang of sympathy and, on impulse, blurted out:
"I have a coupon. Do you want me to order one for you?" I paused, then added, "You look like you really want some coffee."
The guy stood tall, completely unbothered by the crowd. A smile played on his lips. "No time to drink it right now. How about we exchange contacts? Ill treat you next time, deal?"
I was about to pull up my QR code when Mia grabbed my hand again, anxious. "Don't add him. Use your head, Serena. Pretty faces are the best liars."
But this time, I ignored her. almost as if guided by a ghost, I scanned his code. "Okay. See you next time."
"See you."
He turned and walked away on long, model-esque legs. I watched his retreating figure, then took a sip of my coffee.
Mia was still complaining beside me. "You, seriously. You're too innocent. You're going to get played one day. You need to keep your guard up."
Mia didn't know.
That "scammer" was Lucas Sterling. The heir to the Sterling empire. The richest, most untouchable scion in the entire elite circle.

2
Inside a private hotel suite, Lucas Sterling tore off his jacket and tossed it onto the sofa, his face twisted in disgust.
"That Truth or Dare challenge was ridiculous. Who came up with 'borrow a stranger's drink to film a flex video'? It was humiliating."
The room erupted in laughter.
"Hey, you lost the game, Lucas! Sebastian had to go film a breakup video by the elevators earlier. We're all suffering here."
"Come on, let's see the video!"
The group huddled around the phone screen.
"I'm dying! Lucas, look at that smug expression. You look so punchable, it's incredible."
"Wait, who's the girl in the frame? She's actually really pretty."
Hearing this, the tips of Lucas's ears turned a faint shade of pink. His fingers absently traced the rim of his glass.
"Just a kind stranger. The whole coffee shop was staring, and she was the only one willing to lend me her drink."
The boys immediately started jeering. "Oho? Do I detect a little crush?"
Lucas rolled his eyes at them, glancing down at our chat interface. "Get lost. Stop talking nonsense."

3
Two days ago, I learned the truth about my birth. I was the fake heiress of the Joyner family.
They had found their biological daughter.
My adoptive parents gave me an ultimatum: leave with dignity, or be thrown out without it.
Today was the deadline.
I silently packed my suitcase. Dragging my heavy feet to the door, I found my path blocked by Chloe Joyner.
"Don't even think about taking anything that belongs to this family," she said, her face twisted with arrogance.
She kicked my suitcase over, sending it sprawling. She rummaged through it, snatching up the bracelets, necklaces, and jewelry the Joyners had given me over the years, piling them onto the floor.
Only my messy clothes remained.
"I don't want the clothes you've worn. Take those rags and get the hell out."
I looked toward the sofa. My parents sat there, watching everything unfold, making no move to stop her.
My brother, Xavier, who used to dote on me, sat with his laptop, typing away. He didn't even spare me a glance.
Humiliation burned in my chest. I silently repacked my clothes. I took one last look at them and said, enunciating every word:
"I will never, ever come back."
Even if they begged me on their knees one day, my heart would not soften.
I was temporarily crashing at Mias place. She was applying makeup in the mirror, comforting me between strokes of mascara.
"Oh, don't be so sad. Isn't it fun living with me? Just the two of us. As long as my parents aren't home, no one will bother us."
It wasn't a long-term solution. Mia accepted me, but her parents didn't welcome a fallen heiress.
Mia always said I was innocent, but in reality, she was the pure one.
I knew how to calculate better than anyone. A fire burned deep within me. I wanted everyone who hurt me to regret it.
Meeting Lucas Sterling at the coffee shop yesterday wasn't just an accident; it was an opportunity.
Lucas had just returned from studying abroad. His heart was still sincere; he hadn't been corrupted by the cynical playboy lifestyle of the local elite yet. Maybe he could help me achieve what I wanted. Or maybe, I could use him.
I thanked God for giving me a beautiful face. It might be the only card I had left to play.

4
On the third day, Lucas sent me a message.
Lucas: [Does that offer to let me treat you to coffee still stand? Im craving it now. You have to let me pay this time.]
I stared at the screen, the corners of my mouth lifting.
Serena: [Of course it stands. Same place. 4 PM. I'll wait for you.]
As soon as I walked into the coffee shop, I sensed something was off.
Too many people were stealing glances at me. Some held books upside down; others peered over newspapers; a few were blatantly peeking from behind potted plants.
Lucas was already waiting. When he saw me enter, he gave a deliberate cough. Immediately, the eavesdroppers straightened up, pretending to be busy.
Lucas's ears were red.
I understood instantly. These were his rich friends, here to watch the show.
I walked over calmly and sat opposite him. I had worn a white dress todaymodest in the front, but with a tasteful open back that hinted at allure.
"I haven't asked your name yet," I said softly.
Lucas seemed nervous. He cleared his throat. "Lu... Luke."
I extended my hand, smiling. "I'm Serena Joyner."
Lucas tried to maintain his cool-guy persona, but the flush spreading across his ears betrayed him.
Around us, his friends were grinning like idiots. I caught Lucas mouthing "Get lost" in their direction when he thought I wasn't looking.
It seemed that cup of coffee was a worthy investment. He was easier to approach than I had imagined.
After coffee, we parted ways. I stood at the bus stop, and faintly, I heard Lucas roaring in the distance:
"Who told you guys to follow me?! Who?! I wanted a private date, do you understand? Five or six third wheels... are you trying to keep me single forever?"
I waited for the bus. It took a long time.
I used to have a driver.
The disparity in life stung.
Right now, Chloe must be living the good life in my old home.
It started to rain. By the time I got back, I was soaked. Mia handed me a towel. "Where have you been running around all day? You're drenched."
She was so kind. So attentive.
My throat tightened, but I held back the tears.
I, Serena Joyner, had lived nineteen years, and in the end, all I had was one best friend, a pitiful bank balance, and a nineteen-year-old body.
Lucas began messaging me frequently. He shared the mundane trivia of his high-society life.
Lucas: [We have banquets every day. So boring. I miss drinking Starbucks with you. Can I invite you again?]
In the photos he sent, I saw Chloe. She was surrounded by my parents, holding a champagne flute, laughing brightly.
The gala was high-end. He didn't try to hide his wealth, but he sent a photo of his long legs stretched out.
Lucas: [Stood for so long. So tired.]
I played along. Serena: [Your legs are so long. I thought you looked tall that day. Are you over 6 feet?]
Lucas: [6'1". Barefoot.]
I could imagine him sitting on a sofa somewhere, smiling smugly at his phone.

5
Some people are truly easy to coax.
But some people don't need to do any coaxing to get everything I never had.
Like Chloe. She had a terrible temper and didn't hide it, yet she was spoiled rotten.
I was different.
My father had raised me with strict discipline.
Just as he was about to publicly introduce me to society, Chloe returned and seamlessly took my place.
I only found out a few days ago that my parents had known for a long time I wasn't their biological daughter.
No wonder when I got perfect scores or reached Level 10 in piano, despite my desperate efforts, they were never that happy.
My brother, who used to love me most, now only had eyes for Chloe.
I was the unwanted one.
Except for Mia, nobody wanted me.
So, I had to fight for myself.
Lucas: [Its a good thing I have you to talk to, otherwise this party would kill me.]
Serena: [What party? Can't you skip it?]
Lucas: [Its the inheritance ceremony for the daughter of the Joyner Group, Chloe Joyner. Mandatory attendance.]
Chloes inheritance ceremony? My phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor.
Nearly two decades of nurturing couldn't compare to blood. I knew that.
Lucas: [What happened? heard a loud bang.]
Serena: [Dropped my phone. It hurts a little. But why do you have to go? A generic guy like you getting invited to such a big event?]
Lucas is typing...
Lucas: [Hehe, I snuck in as a waiter. Do you want anything to eat? I can steal you a slice of cake.]
Serena: [You're amazing, sneaking in like that. Can you bring me a piece of strawberry cake? I'm craving it.]
Lucas: [No problem.]
We set a time to meet. I looked at my cracked screen, heart aching.
I couldn't just buy a new phone whenever I wanted anymore.
Life was tight. I had to speed up the plan.
I decided that during this meeting, I would hook Lucas for good. I went to the convenience store to buy a few things.
I never made it.
A familiar Porsche Cayenne pulled up in front of the store.
My brother, Xavier Joyner, stepped out. He opened the passenger door and helped out Chloe, who was dressed like a princess.
"Xavier, this place is so run-down and dirty. I don't want to be here."
Xavier gently held her hand, fixing her slightly messy, diamond-encrusted hair clip.
"We're just here to warn Mia Thorne not to meddle. Bear with it, Chloe."
Mia Thorne was my best friend. The girl who took me in.
My eyes turned red.
Warn her?
Because she gave me shelter?
Xavier... Brother... are you really going to be this cruel?
Why?! Because of Chloe?
The abandoned daughter is treated like grass to be trampled on. I believed it now.
I texted Mia:
Serena: [Tell my brother I died in a ditch somewhere. I won't come to you again. And I won't interfere with him and his precious sister.]
I crouched at the entrance of the alley.
I waited a long time until that familiar Cayenne drove away.
Mia's family was well-off, but they were constrained by the massive influence of the Joyner family.
When I walked into Mia's house to get my things, her father looked at me coldly. Her mother looked disgusted. Mia stood awkwardly in the middle.
"Serena, I..."
I forced a smile and grabbed my suitcase.
Before leaving, I bowed deeply to them.
"I am very sorry and very grateful. I won't disturb you again."

6
I was completely alone.
I squatted on the curb, my suitcase beside me, counting the teardrops smashing onto the clean concrete, blooming into dark water stains.
I checked my phone. 99+ unread messages.
I thought it would be Xavier regretting his actions, or Chloe mocking me.
Unexpectedly, it was Lucas.
I had almost forgotten about him.
Lucas: [Serena, I'm here. 30 minutes early.]
Lucas: [Holy crap, I just saw an ant choke on food, and two other ants patted its back. Nature is wild.]
Two hours later.
Lucas: [Are you here yet?]
Lucas: [Girls take time to do makeup, I know. Take your time.]
Lucas: [I dressed really handsome today. Hehe.]
Lucas: [Bought you ice cream. Waiting to eat it with you.]
Another hour later.
Lucas: [Where are you?]
Lucas: [Don't want to talk to me anymore?]
Lucas: [The ice cream melted. I ate it.]
Lucas: [Serena, next time I'll take you to Starbucks instead, okay?]
Several missed calls.
Lucas: [Where are you? Did something happen? I'm waiting right here. Reply with a 1.]
I messily wiped the tears from my face.
Serena: [Sorry, Luke. Something happened at home. I have to cancel.]
Serena: [Eat the cake for me.]
Serena: [Sorry for making you wait so long.]
I dragged my suitcase, walking aimlessly.
If I asked to stay at Lucas's place, he surely wouldn't refuse.
But...
I didn't want to.
Running to him now would make me cheap.
Being abandoned by parents, being driven to extinction by the brother who used to love me... it hurt too much.
Mia called me.
I composed myself and answered with a smile.
"I'm staying at a hotel, a nice suite. I'll worry about tomorrow when it comes. Well cross that bridge when we get to it, right?"
Mia was silent for a moment.
"Serena Joyner, you are sitting on the curb. I am watching you."
"My parents are uncontrollable, but I am me. I can help you."
I turned around.

7
Mia was staring at me.
She placed a key on top of my suitcase.
"My dad gave me this apartment key years ago. Serena, stand up."
Nineteen years old. A confusing, ignorant age. Yet Mia stood before me like an adult.
It made me feel suddenly heartbroken and brave.
"Thank you."
She helped me pull the suitcase. "Don't get polite with me."
On the way to the apartment, sitting in the car, I saw a figure sitting on a bench by the park. A small cake box rested on his long legs.
He was staring at his phone screen.
Unblinking.
Lucas.
The apartment Mias father rented long-term hadn't been cleaned in ages.
Mia stayed and helped me scrub the place for three hours.
She was a rich girl too.
Neither of us was good at this.
I wanted to hire a cleaner, but looking at my empty balance, I closed my phone.
Lucas stopped spamming messages, but the count was already high.
After cleaning, Mia left. "I have to go. Can't stay out overnight. Call me if you need anything."
"Okay."
I sat on the bed, hugging a pillow. I used to have strict curfews too. My parents never let me stay out.
But now, even if I invited eight men to this rental, my parents and brother wouldn't spare me a glance.
After all, Chloe was their real princess.
I started a video call with Lucas.
He practically bounced off his bed in excitement.
"I thought you hated me. Thought you were ignoring me."
"You said something happened at home? Do you need help?"
"Just ask. I can do anything."
"You lent me a coffee. I should repay you."
"I really thought you were ghosting me."
One second he was posting "Heartbroken" on his feed, the next he was sending "Absolutely Not" happy dog memes.
Only someone raised in a loving family and a loving environment could grow up like this.
Strangers. A vast difference in status. A person tells you something happened at home and doesn't reply for hours, then calls.
Any other rich heir would think this was a setup. A scheme.
Instead of saying: "Whatever help you need, I can give it."
I laid my head on the new $7 pillow. It was soft. No different from the 0-0,500 pillows at home that were replaced monthly.
I looked at Lucas's eyes. They had the purity and brightness of a recent college grad.
"Luke, why did you call me so many times?"
"Because I was worried about you."
I replied, "You're so warm-hearted. Are you this concerned about everyone?"
He got a bit flustered, even annoyed. "Only worried about you."
"Really?" I swung my legs playfully.
Lucas: "Because to me, you're different."
I looked into his eyes.
"Luke, I want to be your girlfriend. Will you allow it?"
Ten, nine, eight...
If he didn't agree, I would give up on the seduction plan.
Rich kids aren't stupid. In the end, I'd only play myself.
I'd be tossed on the ground like trash. "Serena Joyner? The arrogant ex-heiress? Just playing around."
"Miss Joyner, you're fun to play with."
Followed by laughter.
My pride wouldn't allow it.
Four, three... I was about to hang up.
He finally snapped out of his shock, stuttering, his ears turning instantly crimson.
"R-really? Can I?
"I do!! I mean, yes!!"
I smiled from the bottom of my heart, the exhaustion of the day finally washing over me.
"Go to sleep, Luke."

8
When I woke up the next day, I realized the video call had been running all night. It only cut off when my phone died.
Since Lucas accepted me, I had to re-enter his circle as his girlfriend.
The Joyner family was big.
But not bigger than the Sterlings.
He added me to his "Bros" group chat.
Lucas: [Ahem. Introducing... my girlfriend.]
Serena: [Hello everyone. I'm Serena Joyner.]
These were his friends from abroad, so none of them knew me.
But soon enough, they would know I was the fake heiress kicked out by the Joyners.
We went on a date.
I went on an empty stomach. My bank cards were frozen, digital payments locked. All I had was $300 in cash.
Chloe had left it for me.
She had smashed my piggy bank.
"Fifteen thousand dollars? Haha. Serena, did you think you could take this? This is mine."
She threw three hundred dollars at me. "Don't say we treated you poorly."
"This is what you deserve. You occupied my nest for so many years. Serena, you owe me."
My parents watched from the side.
No one stopped her.
Chloe threw my clothes and shoes out of the bedroom.
Then she took my jewelry, bags, and savings.
My brother, Xavier, patted her head.
"Leaving her three hundred proves that Chloe is truly kind and sensible."
That day, I rushed out of the house and found Mia. She took me for coffee to clear my mind.
Lucas stood at the door asking, "Can anyone lend me a coffee?"
I wanted to grab that chance. So I raised my hand.

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