Roxana's return to the shop brought happiness she hadn't realized she had been missing.
Home had been unbearable. The constant arguments, her father's drinking, and the tension between her parents had made every day feel like a punishment. Being back at work gave her an excuse to escape it all.
And, of course, there was Ambrose.
She couldn't help smiling whenever she saw him.
She had secretly hoped he would visit her while she was away, but he never did. That had hurt more than she wanted to admit.
Still, now that she was back, everything felt right again.
The days returned to their usual routine-arranging groceries, preparing deliveries, carrying crates, and, naturally, sharing the occasional piece of gossip.
One afternoon, Roxana stood watching Ambrose work. He was busy at his usual station, completely unaware of the way she kept stealing glances at him. She had spent long enough admiring him from a distance.
Today, she would finally do something.
Especially after noticing how easily he spoke to other girls.
Jealousy tightened in her chest.
During a quiet moment, Roxana found a small piece of paper and carefully wrote:
****** Hello, Ambrose.
I really, really like you. I just wish you would look at me the way I look at you. I can't say these things aloud, but there's something I want you to know...
******* I love you.
Her hands trembled as she read it again. It was embarrassing, terrifying, even.
But she had already written it.
She folded the note carefully and slipped it into her pocket.
Later, when she and Alora were preparing a delivery, Roxana noticed the sack meant for Ambrose. While Alora's attention was elsewhere, she quietly slipped the letter inside.
Her heart pounded. He'll know now, when Alora left with the groceries, Roxana waited.
She watched Ambrose, and she expected him to come looking for her.
He didn't.
Instead, he continued working as though nothing had happened.
Roxana's excitement slowly disappeared.
By the end of the day, he still hadn't said anything. Maybe he hadn't read it.
Or maybe...
He doesn't like me.
She lowered her eyes and quietly returned home, days passed, still nothing.
Then came the day Ambrose arrived at the shop, and Roxana's heart immediately lifted, but he walked straight toward Alora.
Again.
She watched them speak quietly before Alora smiled at something he said.
Roxana frowned. It was becoming a pattern.
Ambrose always seemed to have a reason to speak with Alora. One afternoon, curiosity finally got the better of her.
She followed them during their break, keeping far enough away that they wouldn't notice, from a distance, she could see them talking, but she couldn't hear what they were saying.
Then Ambrose reached for Alora's hand.
Roxana froze.
Alora immediately pulled her hand away, but the damage had already been done.
Then Alora stumbled, Ambrose caught her before she could fall. They both laughed. Something inside Roxana tightened.
"Why would Ambrose do that?" she whispered bitterly.
She hurried after them, but her foot caught against a stone.
"Ow!"
By the time she looked up, they were gone, and she returned to the shop alone.
When Alora and Ambrose eventually returned, they were still laughing.
The moment they noticed Roxana, however, they suddenly became quiet.
That only made things worse.
When it was time to leave, Roxana walked away without waiting for Alora.
"Roxana!" Alora called.
She didn't stop.
Days continued like that, Roxana became convinced that Alora knew exactly how she felt about Ambrose.
And yet...
She believed Alora was taking him from her.
The thought slowly turned her hurt into resentment, and then she remembered someone.
Herbert.
The blacksmith's shop stood only a short distance from the grocery store. Unlike the clean, orderly grocery shop, the place was dark and almost suffocating.
Heat poured from the open furnace at the back, turning the air thick and heavy. The smell of burning coal and heated metal filled the room. Hammers struck against anvils in rhythmic bursts, sending sharp clangs through the workshop. Tools hung from wooden walls, while half-finished horseshoes, knives, hinges, and metal fittings were scattered across several benches.
Behind the main forge stood Herbert, a man in his fifties with greying hair, rough hands, and teeth darkened from years of poor habits.
He was known around the district for his shameless flirting, particularly with younger women.
He had pursued Alora several times before.
She had despised every moment of it.
Nathan had eventually banned him from entering the grocery shop, but that had never stopped Herbert from trying whenever he happened to see her outside.
Roxana stepped inside.
"Good afternoon, Herbert."
Herbert looked up and immediately smiled. "Well, good afternoon, beautiful." He gave her a suggestive grin.
Roxana's expression hardened, "Don't."
Herbert chuckled. "You came all the way here, and you're already giving me an attitude?"
"I didn't come here to listen to you flirt."
"Then what do you want?"
Roxana sat on a nearby stool, "I heard you were lonely."
Herbert raised an eyebrow, "And?"
"I thought I could help."
His expression changed, "Are you offering yourself?"
Roxana stared at him in disgust, "No. I'm offering you Alora."
Herbert's smile disappeared, "Alora?"
"You like her, don't you?"
He leaned against the workbench, "I did. Then she humiliated me."
"She rejected you."
"Exactly."
Roxana leaned forward, "But what if you had another chance?"
Herbert studied her suspiciously, "If she wanted me, why are you the one standing here?"
"Because she's shy."
Roxana forced a smile, "And because I can help you."
Herbert remained silent for a moment. Then, a slow smile spread across his face.
"Alright."
"But don't approach her yet," Roxana warned. "I'll tell you when."
Herbert nodded, "Fine."
Roxana stood, "Good."
She walked out of the blacksmith's shop with a satisfied smile.
For the first time in days, she felt like she had regained control. When she returned to the grocery shop, Alora was talking to Ambrose again. They immediately stopped when Roxana approached.
She said nothing.
She simply picked up the nearest sack and continued working. A small smile touched her lips.
Enjoy it while you can.
She glanced at Alora, you may think you're winning...
Her smile deepened, but I'll show you what happens when you take something that isn't yours.