CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN - A United Front

The streets of Willow Creek were quiet as Lucas searched for Ella. He checked her apartment, the diner where she used to work, even the little bookstore she loved. Finally, on a hunch, he made his way to the park. There, illuminated by the soft glow of a streetlamp, he saw her. Ella sat on their bench, her arms wrapped around herself, looking small and vulnerable. Lucas approached slowly, his heart pounding. "Ella?" he called softly. She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. "Lucas? What are you doing here?" He sat down beside her, careful to leave some space between them. "I couldn't let things end like that. Ella, I'm so sorry. You were right, and I was an idiot." Ella's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Lucas took a deep breath. "I've been blind to what Victoria's been doing, to how her presence has been affecting you... affecting us. I let my history with her cloud my judgment, and I hurt you in the process." Ella's eyes searched his face. "Lucas, I-" "Please, let me