Someone in the crowd started yelling, and just like that, every head turned in that direction. The energy shifted; people leaned in, craning their necks to see what


    was happening.


    Anastasia had been sitting still for what felt like forever, but now her eyes flicked up, catching themotion. She stood suddenly, hope ring up in her chest.


    But it was just another letdown.


    "That''s not Herman from Elysian Technologies. Don''t start rumors if you don''t even know him," someone grumbled.


    "Exactly! Don''t get us all worked up for nothing," another replied, sounding annoyed.


    "I''ve got money riding on Mr. Salstrom showing up," someone muttered nearby.


    A girl sped her hands together like she was wishing on a star. "Please, let Mr. Salstrome! His wife is amazing he can''t just leave her hanging, right?"


    "It''s been ages already. Maybe Herman''s noting after all?" someone else wondered aloud.


    "Anastasia''s gone all out-if he doesn''t show, everyone''s going to be talking about this for weeks," another voice said, not bothering to hide their amusement.


    But one girl piped up, spirited and brave, "Let themugh. Loving boldly is something to respect."


    These days, who really dares to love with their whole heart? Most people keep their feelings hidden, scared of being mocked or looked down on.


    Anastasia listened to the whispers swirling around her, a flicker of disappointment crossing her eyes. She didn''t care what anyone else thought. All that mattered was whether he''de back.


    The uproar had just been someone tripping and, to avoid a pile-up, making a fuss so people would step aside.


    Looking around at the thick, restless crowd, Anastasia spotted trouble brewing. She quickly asked the manager for a megaphone.


    The manager soon returned, handing it over with a look of genuine admiration. "Mrs. Salstrom, here you go. Good luck."


    Anastasia felt a wave of warmth from the stranger''s encouragement. She smiled, "Thank you."


    She climbed onto a chair, gripping the megaphone, and swept her gaze around the packed store. Standing tall in the center of it all, her clear voice rang out.


    "Thank you all so much for caring about me and my husband. I know most of you probably just saw the ad and got curious. Honestly, I never expected this kind of reaction. Im Anastasia, almost thirty, and this is the first time in my life I''ve had so many eyes on me-or done something this crazy."


    She paused, her expression open and sincere. "I''m sorry for the trouble and the crowd. I just want everyone to leave safely. If anyone got hurt, I''d never forgive myself. That would go against everything I''m doing here-trying to find my husband."


    No one left, but the crowd shifted, people giving each other more space. The tension eased, reced by a gentle sense of solidarity.


    Someone called out, "Mrs. Salstrom, what if Mr. Salstrom doesn''t show up?"


    "I heard he went missing in Springfield. How could he possibly be here in Riverdale?" another voice asked.


    Questions started flying from every direction.


    Anastasia answered patiently, "You probably all heard about the tunnel copse in


    Springfield a few months ago. My husband, Herman—the CEO of Elysian Technologies-was one of those who went missing. I couldn''t ept it. I just kept believing he was still out there somewhere..."


    Her voice caught. She took a


    steadying breath. "Yesterday, I finally


    got a lead he''s here, in Riverdale.


    couldn''t find him, so I decided to stand here, in the busiest ce could think of, hoping he''d see me. I believe he will. He once told me I was the most important person in his life."


    Katelyn and her friends watched, visibly moved by Anastasia''s courage and love.


    Someone else—probably a dreamy girl who still believed in fairy tales-shouted, "Mrs. Salstrom, do you really love him that much? I heard you guys basically eloped! How did you even meet?"


    Who wouldn''t be curious about a real-life Cindere story?


    Anastasia''s face softened as memories filled her mind. Both hands gripping the megaphone, she couldn''t help but smile.


    She took a long breath, her voice lighter now. Honestly, meeting Herman was a total ident. Don''tugh, but two years ago, my mom kept nagging me to go on blind dates. I finally gave in, went to this coffee shop, and sat down at the wrong table-right across from Herman. The first thing I asked him was, ''So, when do you n on getting married?'' He looked so confused-I''ll never forget his face..."