Claire never expected a stolen sandwich to change her life—until she saw the tiny candle flickering on top and heard the quietest “Happy birthday.” It wasn’t theft. It was hunger, survival… and heartbreak. At that moment, Claire had to choose: follow the rules, or follow her heart.
Willow’s Market always smelled like cinnamon and fresh bread. It was cozy, worn, and loved—just like Claire, who had worked there for four years. On the counter sat a wooden box filled with little handwritten notes. Words of kindness. Hopes on scraps of paper. Claire’s quiet way of adding light to someone’s day.
Then Logan arrived.
Logan, the owner’s son, didn’t care about warmth. He cared about profit. He wanted to turn the store into something “modern.” And he didn’t hide his disdain. With one sharp sweep, he knocked Claire’s box of notes to the floor and left with a warning: “One more mistake and you’re gone.”
Continue reading on the next page…