The Fifth Flame
Kidnapped as a toddler, 17-year-old Lia has spent her life in a hidden orphanage, unaware of the wealthy family desperately searching for her. Despite the harshness, she finds family in the other orphans. When fire destroys their only home, the truth about the orphanage's illegal existence comes to light, leading to a DNA test that could finally reunite Lia with the brothers who never stopped believing she was alive.
The soft clink of cups and the warm scent of brewed coffee filled the café as I wiped down the counter, my apron tied tightly around my waist. Nicole, our café owner and the closest thing I have to family, called out from behind the espresso machine, "Lia, table twelve just came in. Go take their order, will you?"
"Got it!" I replied, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I picked up the notepad and made my way across the cozy café.
