For a moment, Elena froze. Miss Anne.
Her heart skipped. Of all the people, she was the last person Elena expected to see there. She almost screamed out of shock, but quickly held herself together and forced a calm smile. Wiping her flour-covered hands on her apron, she walked toward her and gave her a gentle hug.
“Miss Anne! What a surprise,” Elena said, trying to sound normal even though her chest tightened a bit.
“I know, dear,” she said with that same charming, practiced smile. “I just couldn’t resist visiting your little bakery.”
Her words lingered — 'your little bakery' — soft, yet it carried a tone Elena couldn’t quite place.
“What can I offer you?” Elena asked politely.
“I’d love to taste your donuts and milkshake,” she replied, her eyes scanning the place slowly, as though
