CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE - The Enigmatic Gifts

Ella pushed open the door to Sweet Beginnings, the little bell above tinkling merrily. Her three-year-old daughter, Sophia, clung to her hand, wide-eyed and eager. "Good morning, everyone!" Ella called out, her voice carrying over the bustle of the bakery. The aroma of freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls enveloped them as they stepped inside. Sophia's nose twitched, and she tugged on her mother's hand. "Mommy, can I have a cookie?" she asked, her blue eyes - so much like Lucas's - shining with hope. Ella laughed, scooping up her daughter. "Not before breakfast, sweetie. But maybe later if you're good." She made her way through the crowded bakery, greeting her employees with warm smiles and quick words of encouragement. The morning rush was in full swing, with customers lining up for their daily fixes of coffee and pastries. "Morning, Mrs. Montgomery," called out Jenny, one of the younger waitresses, as she balanced a tray of steaming mugs. "Busy already!" "I can see that," El