Chapter 21 Crossroads with the Past                          

Eleanor's morning was unfolding as usual, with the sun casting its golden hue over the city as she made her way to the restaurant where she worked. The air was crisp, filled with the promise of the day ahead. She had always loved mornings, the sense of a fresh start they brought. But today, her mind was clouded with thoughts about Lucas. As she climbed out of Uber, her thoughts were interrupted when she accidentally bumped into someone. It was David, the last person she wanted to encounter, especially now. David, with his perfectly styled hair and designer clothes, represented a mistaken chapter of her life. David looked her up and down, his gaze lingering a bit too long. "Wow, Eleanor, you have changed," he said, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and something else she couldn't quite place. Eleanor wanted nothing more than to walk away from this awkward encounter. She attempted to brush past him, but David was not done. He stepped in front of her, a smug look on his face. "You