CHAPTER THIRTEEN - Confessions and Compromises

As Ella left the office that night, she felt a mix of emotions. Hope for the future of the restaurant warred with the lingering confusion about her feelings for Lucas. She knew they had a long road ahead, both professionally and personally. But as she glanced back at the restaurant, seeing Lucas still bent over his desk, working late into the night, she couldn't help but feel that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. The next morning, Ella arrived at the restaurant earlier than usual, her mind buzzing with ideas. She was surprised to find Lucas already there, nursing a cup of coffee at the bar. "Couldn't sleep either?" she asked, setting down her bag. Lucas looked up, a tired smile on his face. "Too much on my mind. But I think I've got some solid ideas for how we can turn things around." Ella nodded, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Me too. I was thinking about what you said yesterday, about going back to basics. What if we hosted a 'Taste of Willow Cree