Chapter Five

Della smiled back at Michael, surprised but pleased to see the kind stranger again. "It's nice to see you too. What a small world!"

"Indeed it is," Michael replied. "I didn't expect to run into you at my grandmother's cafe."

Mrs. Thompson looked between Michael and Della with a warm smile. "Oh, so you two have already met? How wonderful!"

Della explained how they had briefly crossed paths the previous day at the gas station when her car had broken down. Michael had been kind enough to help her get a tow truck arranged.

"My grandson has a good heart," Mrs. Thompson said proudly. "I'm glad he was there to lend a hand when you needed it."

"He was a lifesaver," Della agreed. "And now your kindness in offering me a job and place to stay...I can't thank you both enough."

Michael raised his eyebrows in surprise at his grandmother. "You've hired Della and offered her the flat upstairs? Grandmother, you didn't need to go to such troubles."

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Thompson wagged her finger. "This young lady needed our help, and we have plenty of room. She'll be a wonderful addition to the cafe staff."

Della felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. In a day, her life had completely turned around, all thanks to the generosity of virtual strangers. She vowed to herself to work hard and be deserving of their trust.

"I'll do my best not to disappoint you," she promised Mrs. Thompson and Michael. "This place already feels like home."

Della followed Mrs Thompson up the narrow staircase to the living quarters above the café. The older woman moved slowly but surely, pointing out details along the way.

"This was my childhood home, you know. I have so many fond memories here," Mrs. Thompson said wistfully. She ran a hand along the intricately carved bannister. "My father made this himself when the house was first built."

Della traced the elegant wood grains with her fingertips, imagining the years of life that had unfolded between these walls—an unexpected sense of peace and belonging washed over her.

At the top of the stairs, Mrs Thompson opened the door to reveal a cosy apartment flat. "This will be your new home for as long as you need, dear."

Della stepped inside, taking in the bright, airy space with its polished hardwood floors and large windows. Sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the charming furnishings. She spotted personal touches like framed family photos, embroidered pillows, and the sweet scent of fresh wildflowers in a delicate vase.

"It's just perfect," Della murmured in awe. After weeks of living out of her car, this tidy flat felt like a dream.

A gentle knock on the open door made her turn. Michael leaned against the frame with an easy smile. "Need any help getting settled?"

Della felt her cheeks warm at his kindness. "I don't have much, but an extra set of hands would be appreciated."

As Michael hefted her small duffel bag easily, Della couldn't help feeling like her heavy burdens were also being lifted.

Here's more of the chapter continuing Della's story:

Michael set down Della's duffel bag and looked around the flat approvingly. "This little place is great. You'll have plenty of privacy and peace up here after working in the hustle and bustle of the café."

"It's more than I could have hoped for," Della said gratefully. She moved to the window, peering out at the tree-lined street below. A family strolled by, kids chasing each other and laughing. The simple domestic scene struck a bittersweet chord in Della's heart.

As if sensing her wistful mood, Michael spoke up. "I didn't get a chance to ask before - what brought you to this area? Just passing through?"

Della worried her lower lip, debating how much to divulge. Taking a steadying breath, she decided honesty was best. "To be honest, I...I was running away from a bad situation. My ex and I were high school sweethearts, but things went wrong. He became controlling, abusive even." She twisted the simple silver band on her finger. "I finally found the courage to leave when he chose someone else.”

Michael's expression turned solemn. "I'm so sorry you went through that. No one deserves to be treated that way."

"Thank you." Della blinked back the sting of tears. "I've been driving aimlessly for weeks, living out of my car. When it broke down yesterday, I thought it was the end of the road. But then you showed up and led me here..." She gave a watery smile. "Maybe it was fate."

Impulsively, Michael reached over and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "You've had to be so brave, but you're safe now. This cafe is a haven for so many - my grandmother has an incredible way of taking in strays like us and making them feel at home."

Della looked around the cosy flat again, feeling hope and possibility. This was her chance at a new life, a fresh beginning. With the kindness of these newfound friends at her side, she felt she could face anything.

"I can't wait to start over," she said softly.

Over the next few days, Della quickly settled into her new life at the cosy café. Mrs. Thompson was a patient but firm teacher, showing her the ins and outs of running the small business.

"The most important thing is treating every customer like a friend," the older woman insisted as she demonstrated how to brew the perfect cup of coffee. "They'll leave feeling cared for, and that keeps them coming back."

Della watched in admiration as Mrs Thompson warmly greeted each patron by name, always taking a moment to ask about their families or remember their favourite order. It was clear the café was so much more than just a restaurant - it was a community hub.

Michael pitched in wherever needed, his easygoing nature and quick wit putting even the shyest customers at ease. Della couldn't help stealing glances at him as he deftly manoeuvred around the tight space, looking equally handsome, taking orders or wiping down tables.

"I see how you look at my grandson," Mrs. Thompson murmured conspiratorially one afternoon with a wink. "He's a good one, that Michael."

Della felt her cheeks warm but didn't deny the spark of attraction she felt. There was simply something about Michael's kindness and strength that drew her in. But she didn't dare let herself dream of anything more - not yet when she was still piecing her life back together.

Instead, she threw herself into mastering the rhythms of the café. Slowly, her natural warmth and caring shone through as she bantered with customers and made children laugh with her silly jokes. Regulars began requesting her sunny sections by name.

"This one's a keeper," Della overheard Mrs. Thompson telling Michael with a proud smile one evening after an exceptionally bustling dinner rush. "I'm so glad the universe brought her to us when she needed it most."

As she wiped down the last tabletop, Della felt a deep sense of peace and appreciation. Against all odds, she had found her way to this special place - and found herself again in the process. No matter the future, she will be forever grateful for the second chance to rebuild her life.

She smiled as she thought of how pathetic Xavier would look to the pack. She knew that omega Anna was nothing special, and soon Xavier would realise that. But it was too late because Della knew she would never return to a life where she was pushed aside for someone else!