Chapter 59 - Stacy's POVThe smell of sugar and yeast was my world now. Warm, safe, mine. My little pastry shop, 'Ellie's Oven,' sat on a quiet street corner in a neighborhood where people smiled and said hello. For three months, I'd been here. Three months of waking before dawn to knead dough, of watching the sun paint the front window golden as the first customers came in.The bell over the door chimed. Mrs. Henderson, my sweet, curious neighbor."Ellie, dear! The cranberry scones today are wonderful. Simply wonderful."I wiped my hands on my flour-covered apron, forcing a smile. "Thank you. I added a touch of orange zest.""You're a treasure," she said, leaning on the counter. Her eyes, always so curious, softened. "We all say it. A young woman like you, running this all alone... it's so brave. Your husband... he would be so proud."There it was. The question wrapped in sympathy. I'd prepared for it.My throat tightened, but the lie came out smooth, practiced. "Thank you. He... pas
Last Updated : 2026-01-03 Read more