Four Months Later
Four months had passed since Shawn’s death, and though the ache in Avery’s chest hadn’t faded, she was beginning to find her footing again. Life moved forward, even when she didn’t want it to, and she had made the decision to move with it.
Her mornings were busy with meetings at Kane Enterprises, steering the company back on track after her extended absence. Her days were packed with negotiations, strategy sessions, and decisions that demanded her full focus. But her evenings? They were hers to reclaim.
That evening, after wrapping up another grueling day at work, Avery slipped on her coat and stepped out of the office. The crisp autumn air greeted her, carrying with it the faint scent of rain. She decided to take the long way home, weaving through the bustling streets until she found herself in front of her favorite coffee shop.
The bell above the door jingled as Avery entered, the warm scent of roasted coffee beans wrapping around her like a comforting hug. The shop was cozy and inviting, with soft lighting and the hum of quiet conversations. She approached the counter, ordering her usual—an oat milk latte with a hint of vanilla.
The barista handed her the drink with a kind smile. “It’s good to see you back, Ms. Deveraux. It’s been a while.”
Avery returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Thank you. It’s good to be back.”
She took her latte and found a quiet table by the window. The streets outside glistened from the earlier rain, and she watched as people hurried by, umbrellas in hand. For the first time that day, she allowed herself to relax, the warm cup in her hands grounding her.
“Avery…”