Sophia
The morning light spilled like honey across the streets as Max’s car pulled up in front of the restaurant.
The air smelled faintly of roasted coffee beans drifting from Sonya’s new shop across the road, but I forced myself to keep my gaze away.
I wasn’t ready for her piercing eyes, her venomous smile.
Not now.
Max slowed the car to a stop, his usual quiet confidence filling the air around him. My heart thrummed unsteadily as I stared out the window.
The familiar building stood before me, the restaurant that had become both my place of survival and, in a strange way, my shield from the chaos of my life.
I clutched the strap of my bag and inhaled deeply before stepping out of the car.
To my surprise, Mrs. Ross was already there.
The woman stood near the front entrance, a
