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"Absolutely," he confirms, a proud smile spreading across his wrinkled face. "You have a gift for making people feel welcome and bringing joy to everyone who walks through that door. I can't think of anyone better suited to take over."
"Mr. Martin, I'm honored. I would love to!" I exclaim, my eyes sparkling with happiness as visions of my future as the owner of this magical place dance before me.
"Excellent," he says, clapping me on the back gently. "We'll start going over the details soon. You're going to do great things here, Emily."
I drift back to the counter in a daze. I couldn't stop smiling if I tried. I've always done the best job I could at this place, but as I glance around it now, I see everything with a whole new eye.
Myplace. My very own candy shop.
Could things get any better?
CHAPTER7
Max
I'm standingat the edge of Millfield Park, just barely hidden behind an oak tree. My heart pounds like a drum as I watch Emily walk down the cobblestone path toward her workplace. Her golden hair catches the morning sun, and the bounce in her step makes her look like she's dancing on air. She's so full of life, so vibrant. It's no wonder I can't get her out of my head.
I shake my head, but even as I chastise myself for this obsession, I can't bring myself to leave. I need to see her smile, hear her laugh. I need to know she's safe.
As Emily turns the corner, disappearing from sight, I follow at a safe distance. The colorful front of the candy shop comes into view. It's so bright and colorful—just like her.
No wonder George is going to make her the owner. She deserves it. There's no one better fit to run the place.
"Morning, Emily!" I hear Carter Evans call out. He's leaning against the shop's window, his eyes locked onto her with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Good morning, Carter! How are you today?" Emily's voice is warm and friendly.
"Fantastic, now that I've seen your beautiful face." Carter flashes a charming grin, and I clench my fists, jealousy coiling in my chest. Who does he think he is, talking to Emily like that?
"Thank you, Carter. You're always so kind." Emily smiles politely, but there's a tightness around her eyes that tells me she's not entirely comfortable with his words.
"Say, Emily, have you ever considered going out for dinner with me? I'd love to get to know you better." Carter's voice is smooth as silk, and the way he looks at her makes my skin crawl.
"Um, thank you for the offer, but I'm quite busy lately," she replies hesitantly. "Maybe another time."
"Of course, I understand." He doesn't sound disappointed, just...patient. As if he knows he'll get what he wants eventually.
I watch as Emily enters the candy shop, and Carter lingers outside for a moment more before walking away. My heart races, and I can't help but feel protective of her, even though I've never had the courage to approach her myself. What are Carter's intentions? If he truly has ulterior motives, I need to find out, no matter what it takes.
With newfound resolve, I keep watch from my hidden spot, eyes fixed on Emily through the candy shop window. I promise myself that I will protect her—that I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. And though I know it may be unhealthy, I cannot help but obsess over her every move, telling myself that it's for her own good.
* * *
The sun casts a warm glow on the candy shop windows, reflecting off the vibrant colors of the sweets inside. My heart races as I watch Emily through the glass, her blonde hair catching the light like a halo. She moves gracefully through the store, arranging a display of chocolates with care. Her laughter is a melody that could sweeten any sour day.
"Max, you're doing it again," I scold myself under my breath, forcing my gaze away from her. I know I shouldn't be here, watching her like this, but I can't help myself. Good thing I'm good enough at my job I can do it from home. Ever since I laid eyes on Emily, stalking her has been my job. I only ever went in to a physical office as a formality, but a nerd like me can program from anywhere.
As if on cue, Carter enters the shop, and my jaw clenches. He approaches Emily with an easy smile, his charm undeniable. But something about him sets off alarms in my mind and whispers of danger that I can't ignore.
"Hey there, beautiful," Carter greets her, winking as he leans against the counter. "Your smile always brightens up the room."
"Thanks, Carter," Emily replies, her cheeks flushing at the compliment. She tries to maintain her usual cheerfulness, but I can see the subtle shift in her body language, the way she's not entirely comfortable with his words.
With newfound resolve, I keep watch from my hidden spot, eyes fixed on Emily through the candy shop window.
Days pass, and I continue to watch Emily from afar. Carter stops by the candy shop more frequently, each interaction between them sending a surge of anxiety through me. It's a storm brewing on the horizon, dark clouds threatening to rain down upon Millfield at any moment.
One evening, as I follow Carter through the town, I hear him speaking on the phone, his voice dripping with malice. "No, Emily still doesn't suspect anything. She's too trusting for her own good. Once I have her under my control, she'll be the perfect pawn."
