Chapter 45 An Unexpected Invitation

• The gentle sound of wind chimes swayed in the breeze outside Natalie’s shop as she carefully arranged the latest shipment of skincare products on the shelves. It was a quiet afternoon in the coastal town, with only the occasional passerby peeking into the shop. The summer sun cast a golden hue over everything, giving the entire place a warm and inviting glow.
• Natalie loved these quiet moments in her shop. They allowed her to focus on the little details that made Natalie Cosmetics special, from the carefully selected packaging to the handwritten thank-you notes she tucked into each customer’s bag. It was the kind of work that brought her peace, grounding her in the present.
• As she was placing a few new lotions on display, the bell above the door jingled, signaling that someone had entered. She looked up, expecting to see a customer, but instead, it was Alex, her ever-friendly neighbor, with his usual easygoing smile.