Chapter 17

A week later, Elaria secured the storefront. Given the ideal location and good price, she signed a five-year lease and handed over a set of checks to the landlord. With the current economy, a five-year deal was rare-no wonder the landlord was all smiles. He had somewhere to be and left early. Elaria stayed behind to finish her coffee, a habit she'd kept for years. Suddenly, a sweet voice piped up next to her. "Elaria!" She paused, a bit surprised- It was Selene Collins, Liam' little sister. Selene was still in college, and they rarely interacted, but today she was unusually enthusiastic. She bounced over, clinging to Elaria's arm like they were old friends, chatting away with a bright smile. The girl was bubbly and adorable. Even someone as reserved as Elaria found it hard not to be fond of her. She motioned for the waiter and ordered two desserts for the girl. Soon, the treats arrived. Selene happily devoured them. Midway through the second one, she suddenly remembered why she'd come.