CHAPTER FOURTEEN - Rivalries and Alliances

The day dragged on, each minute feeling like an hour. Lucas went through the motions, plastering on a smile for the customers, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't stop thinking about Ella - her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes lit up when she talked about food. He realized with a jolt that he missed her, not just as an employee, but as a friend, as... something more. As the last customer left that evening, Lucas made a decision. He couldn't let his fears dictate his actions anymore. He had to make things right. "Sarah," he called out, grabbing his jacket. "Can you close up tonight? There's something I need to do." Sarah nodded, a knowing look in her eyes. "Of course, Mr. Montgomery. Good luck." Lucas drove across town to Willow Creek Diner, where he knew Ella had worked before joining Montgomery's. His heart raced as he parked, spotting her through the window. She was at the counter, pouring coffee for an elderly couple, her smile warm but not quite reaching her eyes. Taking