ars

contradicting the storm clouds that gathered outside the window. She

arriet was in the next room, playing happily with her dolls, a

eidi hesitated, her voice thick with emoti

legs suddenly weak. "Oh, no," she whispered, her chest tightening. Her

empathy shining through the line. "The fu

asn't just about mourning her mother; returning to the city meant risking everything

concern lacing her words.

replied, determination settling in her che

f you need anything." Heidi signed off, leav

an the anxiety that threatened to consume her. The tiny house was filled with echoes of laughte

he doorway, her big blue eyes

ry chose her words carefully, not wanting to frighte

solemnly. "Are we stayi

a smile, ruffling Harriet's curl

ated with enthusiasm, bol

y. She forced herself to focus on the love surrounding them rather than the uneasy feeling of returning to the city where Har

nwilling to let fear control her actions any longer. She would protect Harrie

ed dinner. "I saw a job posting for a receptionist at a

uickening at the prospect of a new beginning.

are you holding up? H

r my daughter Harriet. She's fine, playing in her room. You know I c

?" Heidi aske

Harriet, I wanna make sure n

ve you thought Harriet would have a better

had to say. "I appreciate your help, Heidi. Send

job. You deserve the best," Hei

ng was sure: she wouldn't let anything stand in her way, not even the specter of her past l

e day ahead. Her fingers clutched her purse straps, feeling the soft leather that was now frayed from years of use. She needed thi

arriet's small voice bro

offered a brave smile. "Yes, sweetie.

otel?" Harriet asked, her b

daughter's hair affectionately. "Let's get you to Mrs

allory felt a surge of determination. She woul

ucked away from city life, hoping to avoid ever being found by Harris. After a month of vacation in St. David, she found out she was pregnant and decided to st

knew she needed a higher-paying job. And despite the risks, she

bye from her doorstep. Mallory smiled gratefully, watching as H

urmured before con

y. With each step, she felt her heart race faster from excitement and fear. As she pushed open the hotel's h

ice asked, pulling her atten

ening her posture. "I'm here for an in

t replied as she consulted her schedule. "You're right on tim

far cry from the small-town hotels she was used to, but she reminded herself that she was a dedicated and hardworking employee – quali

called out, extending her hand. "I'm Samant

aking Samantha's hand firmly before

estured toward a chair across fro

Samantha with her extensive experience and skills. But even

Mallory's musings. She looked up to see her da

hug, the lingering fear was momentarily forgotten.

clapping her hands. "I

tion renewed. She's trying to leave her past behind a

s. Was it possible Harris had already found