Chapter 103 - Accusations

The autumn breeze whispered through the bustling downtown streets, carrying the faint scent of roasted chestnuts and fallen leaves as Eliana pushed open the door to The Whispering Bean. The chime above the entrance tinkled like a hesitant greeting, drawing a few idle glances from patrons nursing their afternoon lattes. Outside, Henry's sleek black SUV idled at the curb, its engine a low hum beneath the city's symphony of honks and chatter. Henry remained behind the wheel, his warm eyes fixed on the café's window, a silent sentinel ready to intervene if things went south. He had insisted on driving her here, his love and protectiveness kicking in like an old habit, but Eliana had waved him off with a shaky smile. This was her mess to clean up—or shatter entirely.