Chapter 60:Nothing Left but GratitudeDiana’s POVThe grand opening came to a soft, quiet end.The last guests walked out through the wide glass doors, some still holding cupcakes, others chatting softly about how beautiful everything was. Many of them hugged me or shook my hand. Some promised to return with friends and family. Others said they couldn’t wait to place their next order.Even though my feet hurt and my back ached, I smiled at each one. I was tired, but it was the good kind of tired…the kind you feel after something worth it.When the final guest stepped outside, I turned around and took a long, deep breath.We had done it. I had done it.The bakery was nearly empty now, except for a few of my team members who were cleaning up and laughing about how busy the day had been. I walked slowly to the main counter and looked down at the empty trays.Everything was sold out.Every single thing.The Cake was gone. The fish pie? Gone. Even the last batch of meat pies had disappeare
Chapter 59: The Moment AfterDiana’s POVThe moment our eyes met, the world stopped.The voices faded. The clapping blurred. The music no longer existed in my ear. My heart thudded so loud I could barely hear anything else. It was him. It was really him. Mr. Bright…the kind, silent man who had been faithfully supporting my bakery all these years. The one I used to imagine meeting someday, shaking his hand and saying, “Thank you for believing in me when you didn’t have to.”I felt a rush of emotions. I couldn't believe that the CEO of Bright Hotels and Suites,the same person who had been patronizing my bakery for two years.happens to be Chris “The man who once brought laughter into my life… and left behind a silence I had tried so hard to forget.”Chris, on the other hand, looked equally shocked, his eyes fixed on my face. The room fell silent, and all that mattered was the connection between the two people.My breath caught in my throat. My legs wouldn’t move. My hands trembled at m
Chapter 58: The Grand Opening. Diana’s POVThe sky was still dark when I slipped out of bed. My heart raced before dawn…nervous and excited. I tiptoed past where my Mom was lying, grateful she arrived yesterday evening. She had traveled all night to be here. I paused by the window and watched the pale glow of sunrise spread across the sky. I closed my eyes, whispered a quick prayer that everything would go smoothly, and then ran back downstairs where my mom was sleeping.“Mom?” I called softly. No answer. I found her still deeply asleep. I left her because she traveled all the way from home to meet up yesterday night She arrived late. I think she is still stressed out.Before I could know what was happening I saw Star burst into the room, his curly hair. “Mama! He called and hugged me. I scooped him up and hugged him tight. “Yes, baby.” I took him into the bathing room and bathed him and helped him I picked out a tiny dress in soft blue with a white collar…that matched my uniform…
Chapter 57: The Fall and the RiseMercy’s POVAt 9:00a.m., I was finishing my lipstick, expecting just another workday. I wore a bright red shade to look strong and confident. I planned to walk around a little in the office and remind everyone that I still mattered. Before I heard a knock on my office door.But the moment I opened the door, I saw one of the HR managers standing there with a serious look and a brown envelope in her hand.“Miss Mercy Anderson,” the woman said, “can we talk privately for a moment?”My heart dropped.She walked into my office. The HR woman placed the envelope on the table and looked me in the eye.“This is a notice of reassignment,” she said. “Starting today, you’ve been moved to another lower Department as a junior staff. And your salary is reduced as well, and you’re no longer part of the executive team.”I froze.“What?” she said, trying to stay calm.“This decision came from the CEO himself,” the woman continued. “It’s not a punishment, but it’s final
Chapter 56: Drawing the LineMercy’s POvI hadn’t left my apartment in two days. Not for groceries. Not for air. Not even to answer the door when the delivery guy knocked with a meal I forgot I ordered.The curtains remained drawn, blocking out the sunlight I usually adored. My kitchen was full of half-drunk coffee mugs, untouched yogurt cups, and unwashed plates. The strong scent of lavender candles couldn’t mask the sour sting of despair in the air.I was sick…. physically, emotionally, and somewhere in between.Ever since that humiliating night outside Xander’s apartment, my body had felt heavy, my chest, heavier. It wasn’t just a rejection. It was the kind that rewrote the meaning of self-worth.“You should never come here again.”His voice had been sharp. No hesitation. No softness.Those six words kept echoing in my mind like a broken record. Over and over. Each time more painful than the last.I told the management that I had a fever. Claimed it was the flu. And because of my pr
Chapter 55:the invitation card Chris’s POVI walked into the office later that day, still feeling the weight of the traffic. Sam was already by my office door, clipboard in one hand and a small, cream-colored envelope in the other.“Good day, sir,” he greeted, handing over the envelope. “This came in this afternoon.”I glanced down at the envelope. My name was written neatly in careful script. The texture of the paper was quality. I opened it slowly, revealing a gold-trimmed invitation card and a handwritten note tucked inside.My eyes skimmed over the note.“Dear Sir,Thank you for being a loyal customer to my Bakery business over the past two years. Your consistent orders helped us through the tough times and growth seasons. This weekend, we’re opening our first big branch, and I will love to honored and invite you to our Event . It would mean a lot to us.”Then I looked up at Sam. “Is this the same woman that waited for me for how many hours?”Sam nodded, his face calm. “Yes,