CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE - A Time to Move Forward

The bell above Montgomery's door chimed, drawing Ella's attention from the table she was setting. Her smile froze as she saw who had entered - a tall, elegantly dressed woman with perfectly coiffed blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. "Hello," the woman said, her voice smooth as silk. "I'm looking for Lucas Montgomery. Is he here?" Ella felt a knot form in her stomach. "He's in his office. May I ask who's calling?" The woman's red lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm Victoria Ashton, an old friend of Lucas's from New York. And you are?" Before Ella could respond, Lucas emerged from his office, stopping short at the sight of Victoria. "Vicky? What are you doing here?" Victoria turned, her face lighting up. "Lucas, darling! Surprise!" As Victoria embraced Lucas, Ella couldn't help but notice how perfectly they fit together, like two pieces of an expensive puzzle. She felt a twinge of insecurity, suddenly aware of her simple waitress uniform and messy ponyt