Chapter 82

*isabel* Julia peeked into the changing room then, asking Cora to see her in her office. Cora groaned lowly, letting Julia know she would be out in a second. She tied her apron and darted out the door, leaving me alone in the stillness. For a moment, I just sat there, clutching the apron in my hands like it was the only thing holding me together. The ache in my chest was unbearable, but I shoved it down, the same way I always did. I wiped my hands on the fabric, squared my shoulders, and secured my apron around my waist. My heart might be breaking, but no one had to know. With a deep breath, I stepped out into the bustling kitchen, burying my pain beneath the only thing I could actually control.