Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77

Elena: POV

I followed Marie’s knowing look toward the back corner of the café, my curiosity piqued despite everything.

Through the maze of cat trees and scratching posts, I spotted him.

Ethan sat cross-legged on the floor, his back against the wall, dangling & bright orange feather toy just out of Milo’s reach. The cat crouched low, tail twitching, eyes locked on the feather with laser focus.

Ethan would let it drift closer-close enough to tease-then pull it away at the last second, drawing out a frustrated chirp from Milo.

Then, in a burst of movement, Milo pounced. He caught the feather between his paws, rolling onto his back in triumph while Ethan laughed a warm, genuine sound that seemed to fill the whole café.

“Got it, buddy,” Ethan murmured, letting Milo “win” the battle.

He scratched behind the cat’s ears as Milo kicked at the feather with his back legs, utterly content.

Something in my chest tightened watching them. The gentleness. The patience. The way Ethan seemed perfectly happy to play with Milo.

His head suddenly whipped around. Those orange eyes found mine immediately.

“Ethan,” I said, my voice coming out softer than I intended. “It’s you.”

He looked up, surprise flickering across his face before it melted into something warmer. “Elena.” He scrambled to his feet, brushing cat hair off his dark jeans. “Hey. Long time no see.”

“Yeah.” I moved closer, suddenly hyperaware of how I must look-no makeup, hair in a messy ponytail, wearing Sophia’s old Columbia hoodie and yoga pants.

But he didn’t seem to notice-or care. His smile was the same as always. Easy. Kind.

“Eventually.” Ethan’s expression softened. “Took about five weeks. One day, he just walked up, sniffed my hand, and let me scratch his head. After that, it got easier.

That made my throat tight.

‘I think he’s been hurt before, Ethan said quietly, watching Milo’s contented face. “He’s so high-strung, so defensive. Like he’s scared that if he lets someone in, they’ll just…” He paused, searching for words. “They’ll just disappoint him. Abandon him. You know?”

Oh, I know.

“He’s actually really sweet,” I managed, my voice thick. “Once you get past all the walls.”

Ethan’s eyes met mine, and something in his expression shifted.”Yeah. He is.”

Silence stretched between us, comfortable but weighted.