Where it all began
Chapter 1The sound of birds singing outside her bedroom window was the first thing Lila Harper heard that morning.She woke up, staring at the white ceiling above her. For the first time in years, there was no alarm to rush her out of bed, no lecture to prepare for, no assignment waiting on her desk.High school was over.She smiled to herself.Nineteen years old.A graduate.The future stretched before her like an empty road, waiting for her first step."Lila!" her mother's voice floated upstairs. "Breakfast is ready!""I'm coming!"She stretched before slipping out of bed and pulling the curtains open. Warm sunlight spilled into her room, revealing the graduation photograph sitting neatly on her desk.She picked it up.The smile in the picture looked effortless.Back then, everything had felt possible.University.A career.Travelling.Maybe even opening the little café she had dreamed about since she was sixteen.She placed the frame back on the desk and hurried downstairs.The smell of pancakes greeted her before she reached the dining room."Morning, sleepyhead," her father teased, folding his newspaper."I've been awake for ages."Her younger brother, Ethan, laughed. "You've been saying that since forever."Lila picked up a cushion from the sofa and lightly threw it at him.He caught it easily."You missed.""I wasn't trying.""Sure."Their mother placed a plate of pancakes in front of Lila before taking her seat."I still can't believe my little girl has graduated.""Dad cried at the ceremony," Ethan said with a grin."I did not.""You wiped your eyes.""There was dust.""In an air-conditioned hall?"The room burst into laughter.Lila looked around the table, wishing mornings like this could last forever.Her father cleared his throat."So..."She already knew what was coming."What are your plans now?""I don't know.""Lila.""I'm serious."Her mother smiled gently."There's nothing wrong with not having everything figured out.""But don't waste time either," her father added. "Life moves quickly.""I've been thinking about applying for a job first," Lila admitted.Her parents exchanged a glance."A job?" her mother asked."I want to earn my own money before university starts."Her father nodded slowly."I like that.""You do?""I raised a daughter who wants to work for her future instead of waiting for someone else to build it."His words made Lila smile.After breakfast, she washed the dishes while humming quietly.Her phone buzzed on the kitchen counter.Natasha Calling..."Hello?""Please tell me you're not still cleaning."Lila laughed."I am.""You're impossible.""What happened?""I found three places hiring. A bookstore, a café, and a clothing store.""Already?""We're adults now."Lila groaned dramatically."Don't remind me."Natasha laughed."Come with me today.""What time?""Eleven.""I'll ask my mum.""You still ask permission?""I live under her roof.""Fair enough."After ending the call, Lila stepped outside to tell her mother."You should go," her mother said."Really?""Of course.""What if I don't get the job?"Her mother brushed a strand of hair behind Lila's ear."Then you apply somewhere else.""And if no one hires me?""Then we'll keep trying."Lila hugged her tightly."What would I do without you?""You'll never have to find out."An hour later, dressed in a simple blue blouse and black jeans, Lila stood in front of the hallway mirror."You look beautiful," her mother said."Mum...""I'm serious."Her father grabbed his car keys."I'll drop you.""You don't have to.""I know."He smiled."But I want to."As Lila climbed into the passenger seat, she looked out of the window, watching the familiar streets pass by.Everything looked the same.Yet somehow...Everything felt different.She had no idea that before the day was over, she would meet a man whose smile would make her believe in forever...And whose love would one day leave her fighting to remember who she used to be.
