Mrs Gregory observed her daughter for a moment, her expression gentle. She didn’t comment on Elena’s glances—she understood perfectly well what it meant. She had seen her daughter carry the weight of many worries in the past months, but the mention of Mr. Andre Williams always brought a different kind of energy to her face. Not the fear of losing the bakery. Not the pain of betrayal from Gabriela. But something softer. Something hopeful.
“Elena,” her mother said softly, “eat well. Don’t let your mind wander too much.”
“I’m trying,” Elena replied, forcing a small smile.
She focused on her food, eating a little faster now, as though completing this small task might steady her thoughts. Outside, the night deepened, the faint sounds of distant vehicles passing the main road drifting through
