7: Running Out of Time

Ellie’s POV

I rushed to the door, my pulse hammering in my ears. Riley was right behind me, both of us tense, expecting the worst. My fingers trembled as I reached for the handle, my breath caught in my throat. When I finally pulled it open, I braced myself—only to find my father standing there.

He looked… different. Sober. Tired. Guilt clung to him like a second skin, dark circles under his eyes making him look older than I remembered.

“Girls,” he said hoarsely, his voice rough with emotion. “I’m so sorry. For everything.”

I stared at him, unsure whether to feel relief, anger, or something in between. Beside me, Riley crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “Sorry doesn’t fix anything, Dad,” she said, her voice cold, sharp.

His shoulders sagged. “I know,” he admitted. “But I want to try. Please, let me make this right—for your mom, for both of you.”

The silence stretched between us, thick with old wounds and unspoken words. My gut twisted as I searched his face for sincerity, for some proof that this time was different.

Finally, I let out a slow breath. “Come in,” I muttered, stepping aside.

He hesitated, as if expecting me to slam the door in his face, then walked inside. The moment felt surreal—years of absence, broken promises, and now this?

Before I could process it all, my phone buzzed on the counter. I glanced at the screen. A message from the hospital:

Your mom’s awake. She’s asking for you.

Relief crashed over me. But before I could even take a full breath, another notification popped up:

Interview scheduled for next week.

Two completely different problems, colliding at once.

---

Later that day, Riley and I visited Mom at the hospital. She looked so fragile, but when she saw us, her lips curved into a weak smile.

“There are my girls,” she whispered, reaching out for our hands.

I squeezed her fingers gently. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that you’re here.” Her voice was soft, but there was warmth in it. “And your father… he came by earlier. He says he wants to help take care of me.”

Riley let out a dry laugh. “Yeah, we’ll see how long that lasts.”

Mom sighed. “People can change, sweetheart. Sometimes they just need a reason to.”

I wanted to believe that. I really did. But I wasn’t sure I could afford to.

---

The morning of my interview, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my blazer for what felt like the hundredth time. My stomach twisted with nerves. This job was more than just a fresh start—it was survival.

My phone rang, pulling me from my thoughts. Liam.

“How’s it going?” he asked, his deep voice warm, reassuring.

“Nervous,” I admitted. “What if I mess this up? What if—”

“You won’t,” he interrupted, firm. “You’re stronger than you think, Ellie. Just breathe.”

I exhaled, forcing a small smile. “Thanks. I needed that.”

There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his voice hesitant. “And… about moving once you get the job. Are you sure this is what you want?”

I swallowed hard, staring at my reflection. “It’s not about what I want,” I said quietly. “It’s about keeping everyone safe—including you.”

The line went silent for a long moment. Then, finally, he murmured, “Just promise me you’ll be careful. Victor’s still out there.”

“I promise,” I whispered. And I meant it.

---

The interview went better than I expected. Adrien Laurent, the café’s owner, was smooth, charming—almost too much so. From the moment he greeted me, something about him felt… off.

“So, Ellie,” Adrien said, leaning back in his chair with a lazy smile. “What makes you the perfect fit for Café Luxe?”

I straightened in my seat. “I’ve worked in hospitality for years. I understand customer service, attention to detail, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.”

Adrien chuckled, tapping a pen against the desk. “Impressive. Very polished. But tell me something personal. What drives you?”

His gaze pinned me in place, like he was trying to see inside me. The question caught me off guard.

“My family,” I finally said. “They mean everything to me. Whatever I do, it’s for them.”

Adrien’s smile widened, but there was something unsettling about it. “Family loyalty. Admirable quality.” He stood, extending a hand. “Welcome aboard, Ellie. You start Monday.”

Relief flooded me as I shook his hand. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”

“I’m sure you won’t,” he murmured, his grip lingering just a second too long.

---

The next few days passed in a blur of preparations. Mom was discharged from the hospital, and we finalized plans to move to the city outside Prague. Riley offered to take charge of caring for her, letting me focus on my job.

Sophie came over that evening, plopping onto my couch with a groan. “Ugh, I hate being unemployed. Feels like my whole life is falling apart.”

“It’s not forever,” I reassured her. “You’ll find something amazing. Maybe even in the city.”

She arched a brow. “Are you trying to recruit me? Because if it means free coffee every day, I might actually consider it.”

I laughed, nudging her. “Seriously, though. You’re welcome anytime. We could use more familiar faces.”

Sophie smirked. “Speaking of familiar faces… How’s Liam handling the move? Still brooding and mysterious?”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s fine.”

“Oh, supportive fine?” She waggled her eyebrows. “Sounds like someone’s got a thing for Mr. Dark-and-Dangerous.”

Before I could protest, a knock at the door saved me. When I opened it, Liam stood there, looking as devastatingly handsome as ever.

“Hey,” I breathed, unable to hide my smile.

“Hey, babe,” he murmured, stepping inside. His eyes flicked toward Sophie before settling back on me. “Can we talk?”

I nodded, leading him into the kitchen. The second we were alone, he reached for me, his touch warm, grounding. “I meant what I said—you don’t have to do this alone. I’ll come see you whenever you need me.”

My chest tightened. “Promise?”

“Always.” His voice was a vow, solid and unwavering.

The kiss that followed was slow, deep, filled with unspoken words. I melted into him, wishing I could hold onto this moment forever.

But reality was closing in. And I was running out of time.

---

On my first day at Café Luxe, Adrien greeted me with his usual smooth charm, but there was something new in his eyes—something hungry.

Then, casually, he said, “We should celebrate your first week here. Join me for dinner tonight?”

I hesitated. Every instinct screamed at me to decline, but I couldn’t risk offending him. Not yet.

“Uh… sure,” I said, forcing a smile.

As he walked away, a chill ran down my spine.

I had a feeling I’d just stepped into something far more dangerous than a simple job.