Dan turned her around to face him, and she was speechless. She knew that she had to face him one day, but never has she ever thought that the day will come so soon. If anyone can call six years soon.

Ella looks at him in his eyes hesitantly and there were tons of emotions flashed. It stunned her. Her thoughts blocked her mind. It was as if time had stopped and it was just him and her.

“Dan” she whispered again. She won’t be surprised if he didn’t hear her.

He looks the same as before. Just matured a bit.

Dan still could not believe that his Shortcake was standing in front of him. It’s been six years since he has seen her. He has so many questions to ask her, which only she can respond to. When he looked at her in her eyes, he saw guilt. Today also he can read her with ease. But what is she guilty about?

“I see you have met the manager of this cafe, Mr. Daniel Martin.” he heard Mr. Dena Thompson’s voice.

“Yes, Mr. Daniel Martin. She is the manager of ‘The Brunch’.” he replied.

“Ella?” Tim said. Dan could see that even his best friend didn’t expect to see Ella here.

“Uh hey, Tim.” She tried to smile and waved a little.

He immediately went ahead and hugged her tightly.

“Well, I see you guys know each other.” Mr. Thompson stated.

“Now that would be an understatement, Mr. Thompson. We were really good friends in our school days. In fact, best friends.” Tim replied.

“Well, then I won’t hesitate twice to sign these deals if it appealed to me. And please call me Dean,” he said.

“Of course,” Tim said.

“Oh shoot! I am late. I hope I didn’t miss much.” a girl with red hair spoke.

“Of course, not, kid. Well, this is my daughter Rosey.” Dean explained.

“Dad,” she whined. “I am also a co-worker here and assist my best friend Ella with her work. So, don’t associate me as your daughter in the cafe.” She stuck her tongue out. But Dean ruffled her hair playfully.

Finally, Dan saw a beautiful smile forming on the face of Ella and some mixed emotions in her eyes. He really wanted to hug her, talk to her, demand an explanation from her, and a lot more, but he refrained from doing so.

After that, they all sat and discussed the deal. Dan and Tim explained to them their entire plan. They told them how they can expand it. Beside this cafe, there is a small old empty cottage that could collapse anytime. So, they can increase the land of this cafe and add a few more interiors which can definitely gain publicity and profit. At present this place only had a small library, but they can also build a music room, cybercafé, and a small stage. Though it will be quite a work, but it will be worth it in the end.

Lots of young teens are fond of music so they can work and practice here. The room would, of course, have soundproof walls so other customers won’t be disturbed. The band or musicians can also perform on the stage, which will be built in the primary area. He also gave the idea of having Friday night as a stage night where people can perform and showcase their talent or one day in a week, they can conduct karaoke night when young and old people can enjoy themselves.

The cybercafé is also a promising idea, as many people have difficulty working from home, but they can utilize their time here.

“What do you think, Dean?” He asked him

“It’s really interesting and promising,” he replied thoughtfully.

“Dad, I think it will be great for the cafe, don’t you think Ella?” Rosey ignored Tim completely.

“Ya Rosey, it’s a great idea.” Shortca... he meant, Ella replied, but still, she was hesitant.

“Then it’s a deal, Daniel. I want you to contact Ella and Rosey about the whole interior thing. Ella and Rosey, you both are in charge of this new plan.”

Well, Dan thinks fate has given him and Ella’s relationship one more chance.

Oh, boy! It will take almost a year or more to complete this new plan. How the hell Ella is supposed to deal with it? Spending time with Dan for one entire year. She can’t even back out because this cafe means a lot to her. She cannot run away from this place. The people here are someone whom she can call hers. Dean has been a father figure to her, more than her very own father. Tinsley, his wife is like her own mother she never had and Rosey is her best friend and sister.

She needs to deal with this. She can’t run away again. Ella needs to face her past. She just hopes, in the end, she still has her daughter Lily with her. Her only reason to live. And hopefully, this unfortunate situation won’t affect her and her daughter emotionally.