Ella rubbed the back of her neck as she stepped out of the building, exhaustion pulling at her limbs after a long, stressful shift. The fluorescent lights inside had been harsh, the hours grueling, and the endless demands from impatient customers had drained what little energy she had left. Her feet ached, her head throbbed faintly, and all she wanted was a hot shower and some peace.
But instead, the city greeted her with a soft breeze and the low hum of traffic. The sun had just begun its descent, casting the sky in a palette of golden pink and burnt orange. The lights from passing cars flickered against the glass buildings, painting shifting shadows across the pavement. She exhaled, slowly—then froze.
She didn't expect him to be here.
