CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY ONE - Disguised Intentions

Ella swept her long, dark hair into a messy bun as she glanced at the clock on the kitchen wall. "Lucas, honey! We need to leave in ten minutes if we want to beat the zoo crowds!" Lucas's voice echoed from upstairs. "Coming! Just trying to wrangle Sophie into her shoes!" A peal of giggles followed, and Ella couldn't help but smile. It had been a rough few months since the incident at Sweet Beginnings, but moments like these reminded her of what truly mattered. She busied herself packing snacks and water bottles into a bag when Lucas appeared in the doorway, their four-year-old daughter perched on his hip. "Mama, look!" Sophie exclaimed, pointing to her feet. "I got the bunny shoes!" Ella's eyes crinkled with amusement. "I see that, sweetheart. And they're on the right feet this time. Good job!" Lucas set Sophie down and wrapped an arm around Ella's waist, planting a quick kiss on her temple. "How are you feeling about this?" he asked softly. Ella leaned into him, drawing strengt