Ana's POV
I couldn't mask the exhaustion weighing me down.
A pained look crossed Morris's face as he extended his hand, fingertips grazing my cheek with gentle strokes. That tender touch wasn't enough—he had to ruffle my hair playfully too.
"Managing a business mirrors life itself—nothing's ever completely smooth," he murmured.
Morris didn't say, "I'm here," but I knew from his actions that he intended to be my refuge. His quiet support also felt like a reminder that I needed to understand the path forward would be challenging, filled with countless uncertainties awaiting me.
I understood I needed to steel myself mentally for the endless obstacles heading my way.
Morris's reassuring words calmed me. Drawing a deep breath, I centered myself and dove back into the work.
When the day ended, our store was live again with a fresh women's clothing line launched.
Madeline and I had strategized this entire rollout beforehand.
