Chapter 11: A quiet escape

I woke up feeling surprisingly lighter that morning. Connor was downstairs, and his girlfriend was still around, wearing one of his shirts like she owned the place. She looked smug when our eyes met, but I didn’t give her the satisfaction of reacting.

I needed space, so I left.

Amanda’s restaurant wasn’t far from the store district, and the moment I stepped in, I was welcomed by the familiar aroma of baked bread and fresh coffee. It was warm and full of energy.

“Rose!” Amanda called from behind the counter, her dark curls bouncing as she waved. “You’re early! Don’t tell me you came to rescue me again.”

I laughed and walked over. “You always say that, but I like helping. Besides, I needed a distraction.”

Charlie, her husband, popped his head out from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. “She’s been talking about expanding again,” he said, half-teasing, half-proud.

Amanda shot him a playful glare. “Don’t expose me like that.” Then she turned to me, her expression softening. “But actually, I’ve been thinking about something, a second location, maybe in the uptown area. You know, near the boutiques and offices.”

My eyes lit up. “That’s brilliant. You’ll catch the morning rush crowd. Office workers, business clients, they’ll love something fresh like this.”

Amanda leaned on the counter, thoughtful. “Exactly! But the rent there is steep. I’ll need investors, maybe a partner who understands the business side better than I do.”

“Then maybe that’s me,” I said, half-joking but half-serious. “I’ve been thinking about doing something independent. I don’t want to depend on anyone.”

Her eyes sparkled. “You’re serious?”

“I am,” I said with a nod. “Between your restaurant experience and my business background, we could make it work. I’ll check the numbers, help you pitch to a few investors I know.”

Charlie chuckled from behind us. “You two sound dangerous already.”

I grinned. “That’s because we are.”

Amanda laughed, full and genuine, and it felt good to smile again. , We talked plans, design ideas, menu expansions, and customer flow like two dreamers ready to change our lives.

After an hour, Amanda wiped her hands and handed me a coffee. “You know what, Rose? You need this. You’ve been carrying too much. Let’s toast to freedom and good business.”

I clinked my cup against hers. “To freedom and business.”

When I mentioned I was heading to the Miller offices afterward, Amanda raised an eyebrow. “To see Sean?”

“Just to drop something off,” I said, smiling softly. “He’s been helping a lot lately, and I figured he could use a little appreciation.”

Amanda smirked. “A little appreciation, huh? You sure you’re not catching feelings for your brother-in-law?”

I rolled my eyes. “Don’t start. It’s gratitude, not romance.”

Charlie laughed from behind the counter. “Sure, gratitude that makes you blush.”

“Goodbye, you two,” I said, trying not to laugh as I grabbed the paper bag of pastries and left.

By the time I reached Sean’s office, I was feeling good, refreshed even. But the moment I opened the door, that feeling evaporated.

Inside, laughter filled the room, familiar, mocking laughter. Connor’s And a woman’s, smooth and smug.

I froze at the doorway. Jenny Connors girlfriend

She was perched beside Connor’s chair, wearing a tight white dress, her hair styled perfectly as if she came straight from a photoshoot. She looked up when she saw me, eyes glinting with that same arrogant smirk from before.

Connor didn’t even hide his disdain. “Well, look who decided to visit.”

“Connor,” Sean said from his desk, already sounding irritated.

I took a deep breath, forcing a polite tone. “Good afternoon, everyone. I just came to drop this off.” I placed the pastry box on the corner of Sean’s desk and straightened.

Connor tilted his head. “Always so polite, Rose. But maybe you should remember who you came into this house for before you start playing family with my brother.”

The jab was sharp, unnecessary. My throat tightened, but I refused to let it show.

“Excuse me?” I said quietly.

Jenny smirked and held his arm tighter, like she was claiming territory.

Sean rose from his chair, his expression dark. “Connor, that’s enough. You’re being disrespectful.”

Connor scoffed. “You’re always defending her. Why? You barely even know her.”

Sean stepped closer, his voice dropping low. “Because you’re acting like a child. She’s family now and whether you like it or not, she deserves respect.”

Connor’s jaw flexed, but for once, he didn’t argue. Jenny stood up, glancing between us with a sly smile. “Let’s go, baby. This is getting boring.”

Connor gave a final glare and followed her out. The door slammed behind them.

I exhaled shakily, staring at the closed door.

Sean’s voice softened. “You okay?”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it myself. “He really knows how to ruin a mood, doesn’t he?”

Sean smiled faintly. “He’s impossible. Don’t let him get to you.”

I handed him the coffee cup I’d brought. “Here. I got this for you. Amanda insisted it would cheer you up.”

He blinked, surprised. “You didn’t have to—”

“I wanted to,” I interrupted. “After… everything.”

Sean’s smile returned, softer this time. “Thank you, Rose.”

For a moment, there was silence between us, a peaceful kind.Then he stood. “Come on. You need a break too. Let’s go out, maybe to that café near the park? We can talk about your new business idea.”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. I’d like that.”

The café was quiet, tucked away behind tall oak trees and lined with bookshelves. It wasn’t the fanciest place, but it felt intimate .

Sean ordered for both of us, and as we ate, he asked questions about Amanda’s expansion idea, about our plans, about me.

“You sound passionate,” he said, eyes steady on mine. “It suits you, being in control of your own thing.”

“I guess I’m tired of feeling like I owe everyone something,” I admitted. “I just want something that’s mine.”

Sean leaned back, smiling. “You should chase that. You just need to stop doubting yourself.”

“Easy for you to say,” I teased lightly. “You’re already good at everything.”

He chuckled. “That’s not true. I just… learn to fake confidence.”

Our eyes met for a brief second — too long, too heavy and I quickly looked away, stirring my drink.

For the first time in weeks, I felt understood. Seen. But it terrified me just as much as it comforted me.

As Sean spoke, I caught a flicker of movement outside the café window. A figure, half-hidden by the glass. My heart sank.

Nancy.

She stood by a tree, sunglasses on, arms crossed, watching us. When she realized I’d seen her, she turned sharply, her lips pressed tight in fury before walking away.

Sean followed my gaze, his expression darkening. “Ignore her,” he said quietly. “She’s not worth your peace.”

I nodded, trying to shake the unease from my chest. “I’m just tired, Sean. I want all of this, the drama and the tension, to stop.”

“It will,” he said softly, his voice like a promise. “You have me now.”