Chapter 24

** Crossroads**

The summer sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over Seabreeze as the town bustled with the energy of tourists and locals alike. Claire and Ethan’s expanded business was thriving, and the second location had quickly become a favorite spot for those seeking unique, handcrafted items that celebrated the artistry of the coastal region. The response had been overwhelmingly positive, and Claire and Ethan felt as though they were riding a wave of success that they never could have imagined when they first set out on this journey.

But with that success came new pressures—pressures that Claire hadn’t fully anticipated. Managing two locations, balancing time with their children, and maintaining their connection as a couple began to weigh on them in ways they hadn’t expected. The days were long, and even as they celebrated the milestones of their business, Claire couldn’t shake the feeling that something was slipping through the cracks.

One afternoon, as Claire sat in