CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT - The Future in Focus

The next morning, Ella packed a small bag and left a note for Lucas at the restaurant. She explained that she was taking a few days off and going to stay with her best friend, Sarah, in the neighboring town. She promised to be in touch but asked for space to think things through. As she drove the familiar route to Sarah's house, Ella's mind raced with thoughts and doubts. Had she overreacted? Was she letting her insecurities get the best of her? Or were her fears justified? Sarah greeted her with open arms and a sympathetic smile. "Oh, honey," she said, pulling Ella into a hug. "Let's get you inside. I've got wine and ice cream, and you're going to tell me everything." Over the next few days, Ella poured her heart out to Sarah. She talked about her fears of not being good enough for Lucas, of feeling out of place in his world. She confessed her worries that Victoria's reappearance was a sign that Lucas might realize he wanted his old life back. Sarah listened patiently, offering co