His Heart Knew Before He Did novel Chapter 1

"Xavier Vance," the man's voice was a magnetic rumble. "Thirty-one, boxing coach."

Twenty-eight-year-old Lydia Lockwood never imagined she would end up destitute enough to return to her small hometown for a blind date.

The matchmaker had said he was a great catch—an out-of-towner, orphaned, with a healthy grandmother.

He owned a three-story house in town, a fully paid-off apartment in the county, and a car worth tens of thousands of dollars.

He also ran a boxing gym in Larkspur County with a decent income.

Everyone called him Coach Vance.

Right now, this highly recommended coach sat across from her, his tall and broad frame taking up significant space.

Dressed in all black, he exuded a wild, rebellious aura with sharp features and a clean buzz cut—a classic, handsome face.

Yet, he wore an expression as stoic as stone, radiating a heavy, cold intensity that was impossible to ignore.

He was tough and unyielding, handsome but rugged.

He didn't look very approachable.

Lydia responded out of politeness, "Lydia, twenty-eight. I work as a translator."

Xavier looked at the woman before him. She had a luminous complexion, and though her lips curved in a smile, her eyes were distinctly cold and distant.

Her aura was elegant yet deeply aloof.

As he observed her, his gaze locked onto the tiny beauty mark at the corner of her eye, a hint of intrigue rippling through his stare.

After the introductions, silence fell.

It was Lydia's first blind date, and she wasn't good at handling these situations. Coupled with Xavier's icy demeanor, she had no interest in making small talk.

So, she picked up her glass and took a tactical sip of water.

Even after she finished her drink, Xavier remained leaning back in his chair, staring at her blankly like a sloth.

Her nerves frayed, but she spoke calmly.

"Coach Vance, I heard you're quite a catch. Why are you on a blind date?"

Xavier lowered his eyelids, a profound depth swirling in his gaze.

After a long moment, he said, "Alright."

Lydia watched him grab his jacket and stride away, her eyes involuntarily following his movements.

He was tall and broad, with wide shoulders and a narrow waist. His muscular definition was exceptional, exuding sheer power.

Even in a massive city, a physique and face like that would be considered top-tier.

Too bad his personality left a lot to be desired.

Ultimately, she brushed off the matchmaker with a simple "I don't like flippant men," ending the disastrous date.

The January wind was bitterly cold, and the trees lining the town's streets were strung with festive lights.

The heavy atmosphere of the approaching holidays washed over her, feeling both familiar and foreign.

Come to think of it, between college and working, she hadn't been back in eight years.