Soft patterns were created on Tessa's kitchen's aged wooden floor by the morning sun filtering through the lace curtains. Tessa could hardly breathe as she gazed at the envelope in her shaking hands, although it was a tranquil scene, the kind that should have provided a moment of peace. In the corner, the bank's emblem loomed menacingly, and the words "FINAL NOTICE" were boldly printed in red font, seemingly screaming at her.
The paper shuddered between her fingers as she tore it open, her heart pounding. The letter was brutally straightforward:
"Ms. Moonridge, please
This is to let you know that after several warnings, the remaining amount on your mortgage has not been paid. The foreclosure process is scheduled to start today. The property will be repossessed if the remaining amount is not paid in full within fourteen days.
Regards "East Ridge Financial"
A knot formed in her throat as she clenched the letter in her fist. She was losing her home, the place her parents had worked so hard to build with love. It felt like losing them again at the prospect of losing it. Tears threatened to fall, but she rooted herself by pressing her palms against the counter's edge.
She was surrounded by a worn and nostalgic kitchen. Her mother had painted the cabinets a bright yellow, but they were now faded and chipped. The ancient clock over the stove continued to tick slowly, serving as a harsh reminder that time was passing without regard for her difficulties.
She was startled out of her reverie by the buzzing of her phone on the table. She gave the screen a quick look. Ashford Landon. For a moment, consolation came at the sight of his name. Wiping her tears, she responded.
The familiar, warm voice of Landon said, "Hey, Tess," with a hint of worry. "How are you doing?"
She lied, her voice faltering, "Yeah." "I'm all right."
She could practically hear him frowning during the pause. "You're an awful liar. What is happening?
After a moment of hesitation, Tessa's eyes returned to the crumpled letter on the counter. She hadn't even told Landon how horrible things had gotten. But now that the walls were closing in, she could feel everything bearing down on her.
With a forced giggle, she responded, "It's nothing." "Just... working on the shop."
"I've known you long enough to know when you're not telling me the truth, Tess," he whispered softly. Speak with me.
She lost her resolve. Her fingers gripped the phone like a lifeline as she collapsed into a chair. "The house," she said in a whisper. "I... I'm going to go crazy. The bank has begun the foreclosure process. I'm not sure what to do.
She could just hear Landon absorbing the information as he fell silent for a time. "How much do you need?" he finally inquired.
With a broken voice, she said, "Too much." "Landon, there is no chance. I can't possibly come up with that much money in two weeks.
"Don't say that," he firmly said. "We'll find a solution."
Even though he couldn't see her, she shook her head as her eyes filled with tears once more. "I have been making an effort. I've tried everything, even calling everyone. Nothing further needs to be done.
"There's always something," he stated with a determined tone. "Tess, you're not alone. Keep it in mind.
Despite she desire to believe him, the weight of the letter on her lap contradicted her. She sat in quiet as the call came to an end, the truth of her predicament hitting her like a stone.
Landon arrived to the flower shop later that afternoon with a resolute expression. The bell over the door jingled quietly as he entered. With her cheeks flushed from arranging a particularly obstinate bouquet, Tessa glanced up from the counter.
She tried to be lighthearted when she said, "You didn't have to come all the way here."
His voice was firm as he said, "I wanted to." His sharp blue eyes were examining her as he leaned on the counter. "We must speak."
She started to say, "Landon," but he stopped her with a hand gesture.
"Tess, don't make excuses. I'm aware of your difficulties, and I won't watch you lose your house.
With a sigh, she put the bouquet down. "It's not that easy. It's only a Band-Aid, even if I accept your assistance. What will occur the following month? or the subsequent month?"
"When we get there, we'll deal with that," he stated firmly. "Keeping you in that house is the top priority right now. Tess, I have some savings. Allow me to assist you.
Her chest grew constricted. The idea of stealing money from him made her stomach turn, even though the proposition was alluring. Although Landon had always supported her, this felt excessive.
"I can't," she muttered. "You can't do that," I said.
"Why not?" he inquired in a tone that bordered on annoyance. "Out of pride? It's not just about you, Tess. The legacy of your family includes that house. Is it truly your intention to let it go without a fight?
"It's not pride," she stated, raising her voice a little. "It's true. I don't want you to get involved in my mess. You've already done so much for me.
His voice grew softer as he continued, "And I'll keep doing it." "Tess, because I love you." You won't have to face this alone, I promise.
She averted her gaze as tears clouded her vision. It was nearly impossible to handle the weight of his words and his steadfast support. "Landon..."
"Just give it some thought," he murmured, extending his hand to give her a light squeeze. "You don't need to make a decision just yet. But, Tess, I'm here. I'm there for everything you need.
Lucas's approach was signaled by the gentle chime of the bell over the shop door. He entered, his polished shoes and fitted gray suit standing out against Tessa's flower shop's rustic appeal. The lovely scent of fresh flowers filled the air, providing a calming respite from the turmoil that had just taken over his life. As he looked around the store, his amber eyes saw Tessa bent over the counter, deep in concentration.
As she carefully assembled a bouquet of pink roses and baby's breath, her forehead was wrinkled in concentration. Lucas noticed the tightness in her posture, even as her fingers moved with practiced accuracy. Something invisible weighed heavily on her, and he felt a pull he couldn't quite put his finger on.
Lucas broke the silence with a strong voice, "Good afternoon."
Startled, Tessa looked up. When she spotted him, her cheeks blushed slightly. She straightened swiftly and murmured, "Oh, Lucas." Hello. I didn't anticipate you.
With a slight smile on his lips, he added, "I thought I'd stop by." I came to the realization that I would need some floral arrangements for a forthcoming occasion. I believed I had arrived at the greatest.
She tucked a stray hair behind her ear as her flush intensified. "Well, you've arrived at the ideal location. What sort of preparations do you want to make?
Lucas moved in closer, his keen eyes noticing the little dark bags beneath her eyes and the slight shuddering of her hands as she picked up a notepad. "Something sophisticated," he said with ease. "Not overly ostentatious. I have faith in your judgment.
She scribbled notes while nodding. "What time is the event?"
"Next Friday," he said, closely observing her. "Do you believe that can be accomplished?"
She responded, "Of course," but her voice lacked the assurance it usually possessed. She put down the notepad and gave him a slight smile as she looked up. "I'll ensure it's flawless."
"I'm positive," Lucas stated in a kind voice. After they were silent for a bit, he leaned gently on the counter. "Tessa, how are you doing?"
The question took her by surprise, and she blinked. She blurted out, "I—I'm fine," but her gaze strayed from his.
"Are you?" he gently pressed. "You look... worn out."
Tessa paused, her fingers twitching at the notepad's edge. At last, she said, "It's just been a long week." "I can handle anything."
Lucas didn't press any harder, but his eyes softened. Rather, he scanned the store, his gaze resting on the withering petals of an abandoned bouquet by the window. "You can always ask if you need anything," he remarked. "Even the strongest people need a little assistance sometimes."
His comments caused her throat to tighten, and she looked down to cover up the moment of vulnerability that flashed across her face. "Thanks, Lucas," she muttered. "Thank you for that."
He lingered a little longer, his presence bringing the shop's silence to a halt. Then he nodded courteously and turned to go. However, he stopped as he got to the door and looked back over his shoulder. "Tessa, look after yourself."
Even after the door had closed behind him, she could still feel the impact of what he had said as she watched him leave.
As Tessa closed the flower store, the twilight sky was tinted with lavender and amber. Her mind was hazy with concerns about the shop, the house, and the constant weight of the unknown as the day had stretched on. The chilly fall air pricked her skin as she stepped onto the quiet street, pulling her coat firmly about her.
Other than the rare person rushing home, the streets were largely deserted. As Tessa walked toward her car, which was parked a few blocks away, her footfall reverberated gently across the pavement. She continued to look down, absorbed in her thoughts, until a sudden shiver of discomfort forced her to halt.
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked over her shoulder. She couldn't get rid of the feeling that she was being watched, even though the street was still and the shadows were deep and long. Her gaze searched the shadows for something—or someone—but there was nothing to be seen in the doorways and alleys.
She turned and walked on, her pace increasing as she shook her head. However, the sensation remained, like invisible eyes bearing down on her back. She gripped her purse tighter, her heart pounding as her mind evoked visions of dark shapes lurking just out of sight.
A figure emerged from the shadows cast by a building's awning on the other side of the street. Their eyes never left Tessa despite their relaxed posture, which nearly blended into the low light. Their faces were blank as they watched her rush to her car. There was a slight flicker of something in their eyes, maybe amusement, maybe malice.
Tessa arrived at her car and struggled with her keys as her uneasiness increased. As soon as the doors closed, she locked them and got into the driver's seat. Her breath came in short spurts as her hands tightened their grasp on the driving wheel. In an attempt to slow her heartbeat, she made herself take a deep breath.
It's all in your head," she said to herself. "You're worn out. That's all.
However, she couldn't get rid of the sensation that she wasn't alone when she turned onto the road. Observing her taillights disappear into the distance, the man emerged from the shadows. With a slight, sly smirk on their lips, they cocked their head and vanished into the darkness.