Chapter 46

Arya. In the heartbeat of the city, Natalie's bakery stood as a comforting refuge. It was one of the buildings that stood untouched by the recent attack. The aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped the air, but my mind was far from the sweet scent. As I entered, the bell above the door chimed, and Natalie looked up from behind the counter. "Arya! What brings you here?" Natalie's warm smile met me, but I could sense her curiosity as I approached. I took a deep breath, the encounter with Lauren replaying in my mind like a relentless storm. "Natalie, we need to talk." I could sense the weight of the conversation as I initiated it, and Natalie's eyes narrowed with curiosity and concern. We sat across from each other in the cozy corner of her bakery, surrounded by the sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries and the warm ambience of the quaint but busy establishment. As I began recounting my encounter with Lauren, Natalie's attentive expression turned into a mix of disbelief and concern.