Layla's restaurant buzzed with life.
The clinking of cutlery, the low hum of conversations, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling dishes filled the air. Every table was occupied. Every waiter moved in practiced rhythm. This place—Layla's Corner—was no longer just a dream born in a small family café. It was becoming something big.
Layla stood behind the counter, her lips curved into a satisfied smile as she watched customers praise the food.
"You've really outdone yourself," one of the suppliers said as he handed her a receipt. "I've never seen growth like this in such a short time."
Layla laughed lightly. "Hard work pays off."
But even as she said the words, her eyes drifted toward the entrance.
Shane hadn't arrived yet.
She checked her phone for the third time in ten minutes. No missed calls. No messages. Just silence.
Shane had promised to come by after work. He always did—sometimes in grease-stained overalls, sometimes tired, but always with that same gentle smile that had carried her through years of struggle.
A part of her felt irritated.
Can't he ever be on time? she thought.
The door finally opened, and Shane stepped in, wiping his hands with a rag. His hair was slightly messy, his boots dusty from the workshop.
"Sorry I'm late," he said softly. "A customer's car broke down at the last minute."
Layla nodded, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"It's fine," she replied, though her tone was distant.
Shane noticed it immediately.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I'm just tired," Layla said. "There's a lot going on."
Shane glanced around the restaurant, pride shining in his eyes. "You did this," he said sincerely. "I knew you would."
Layla didn't answer right away.
Instead, she noticed the way some of her new clients—men in tailored suits and polished shoes—looked at Shane briefly before turning away. She noticed how out of place he suddenly seemed against the backdrop of success and elegance.
Something uncomfortable stirred inside her chest.
That night, after the restaurant closed, they walked home together in silence.
"Layla," Shane said finally, stopping under a streetlight. "Did I do something wrong?"
She hesitated.
"No," she said. "It's just… things are changing."
He smiled gently. "Change isn't bad. We'll adjust together."
Together.
The word echoed in her mind as she nodded.
But deep down, Layla felt something she had never felt before—a small crack forming in the foundation of the love that had once felt unbreakable.
And she didn't realize it yet, but that crack would soon grow wide enough to change everything.