CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY SIX - Behind Closed Doors

Meanwhile, Ella's sense of paranoia deepened. She began noticing small, unsettling details that she might have overlooked before. A car she didn't recognize parked across the street from their house. A fleeting shadow at the edge of her vision as she locked up Sweet Beginnings for the night. One evening, as she was watering the plants in their front yard, she caught a glimpse of movement in the bushes across the street. Her heart raced as she squinted into the growing darkness, trying to make out a shape or figure. "Hello?" she called out, her voice trembling slightly. "Is someone there?" There was no response, but Ella could have sworn she heard the soft rustle of leaves, as if someone was hurrying away. She rushed back into the house, her hands shaking as she locked the door behind her. "Lucas!" she called out, her voice tight with fear. "Lucas, I think there was someone outside!" Lucas came running from his study, worry etched on his face. "What happened? Are you okay?" As Ell