Selena pov*Two weeks later*Today was the day I had been dreaming of for years- the grand opening of my bakery shop. The anticipation of this day had filled me with an indescribable mix of nerves and excitement.I carefully pulled open the oven door, and a rush of warmth greeted me along with the tantalizing scent of the freshly baked pastries and cakes filling the air.Using an oven mitt, I carefully took out the trays containing the meat pie and sausage rolls along with the cakes consisting of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors placing them on the counter in the kitchen.The sight was mouthwatering, the golden brown crust of the meat pie and the sausage roll glistened with a hint of butter, while the cakes were perfectly risen and adorned looking all fluffy.Next, I turned my attention to the doughnuts and scotch eggs, frying them to a perfect golden brown. I added a finishing of whipped cream to the cake and a chocolate ganache on the donut making it look more enticing.On
Selena Pov"She'll regain consciousness any moment from now, let me know as soon as she wakes up", I heard a voice say.I slowly opened my eyes to find myself in a different environment. It took me a while to realize that I was lying on a hospital bed surrounded by the scent of antiseptic.I tried adjusting my eyes to the harsh fluorescent above casting a glow on my face. My eyes darted around the room, I noticed a nurse standing by my bedside and a doctor headed towards the door."Doctor! She's awake", the nurse called out to the doctor who was about to reach for the doorknob to make her way out of the room.The doctor halted and turned around making her way back towards my bedside with a smile across her as he approached me. She was dressed in a lab coat and a stethoscope dangling around her neck.I rubbed on my temple feeling a slight ache in my head as I struggled to recall how I ended up in the hospital. It slowly came back to me- I was about going home home with the Beta when I
Alpha Gabriel pov"So I think we should go with this plan. It's better than the previous plan and it's going to be more beneficial for the company", I explained pointing to the draft in the system. "Or do you have any objections to it?" I asked seeking for his input.I glanced up at Asher who was seated across from me with his legs crossed as usual, only to realize that he had been absent-minded all along throughout my explanation.His eyes were distant as he furrowed his eyebrows, it was obvious he was lost in his thoughts oblivious of his surroundings. I couldn't help but feel that something was troubling him. Lately, he seems to drift off more frequently."Asher! Asher! Asher!", I called out, jolting him out of his thoughts."Huh, you were saying something?", he asked."What's wrong with you man? Are you alright? Is there something you are not telling me?", I asked,sensing his unease."No, I'm fine. It's not serious", he replied but his facial expression betrayed his words."Why do
Selena PoV …It's been exactly a week since I started running my bakery business and ever since the business has been going smoothly. Not only have the sales been mind-blowing but the heartfelt reviews I keep getting from customers after patronizing me fill me with an indescribable joy and that alone makes me want to keep striving harder.Besides, I've been able to employ three people to help me out. Two were positioned at the front counter of the shop attending to customers and one who will be assisting me in baking. It feels so surreal to see my dream come to life and have a wonderful team supporting me.I sat on a stool near the kitchen counter, i scrolled through my phone, my fingers swiping and the screen as I waited for the meat pie and the sausage roll in the oven to finish baking while my assistant was busy frying the doughnuts.This was the third batch we were making for today as the customer's order kept increasing. My gaze shifts to the oven where the aroma of meat pies and
Selena povI had to leave the shop early at Scarlett's insistence that I needed to get some rest. Even though I was reluctant to leave, she assured me that she would take care of the shop and the girls and I knew I could trust her.As usual, I was stuck up in traffic, the ride that shouldn't take more than thirty minutes, took me over an hour. It was almost getting dark by the time I finally got home, feeling tired was an understatement, I was literally exhausted.I wanted nothing more than to go under the shower to wash off the day's stress have a good rest and maybe spend some quality time with my mother before going to bed.I've been avoiding her for over a week now because I didn't want her to notice any changes in me, I was still contemplating how to break the news to her.I opened the entrance door and walked into the living room, I saw my mom knitting as usual but not with the usual enthusiasm, she had this stern look written over her face.I could tell something was off about
Selena’s povI had woken up even before the alarm I had set rang, I lay on the bed turning and tossing around. I didn’t get enough sleep throughout the night. I was restless with thoughts that refused to settle knowing I had hurt my mom by keeping the news of my pregnancy from her.Glancing at the time on my phone, it was almost 7 am. My mom would have woken up and she would be out any moment from now. I had to make sure she forgives me before I leave for the shop today.Shifting from my prone position, I sat at the edge of the bed, my foot anxiously tapping on the floor waiting for my mom to come out.My eyes locked to the screen on my phone, I bite my fingers as I watch as each minute passes by. My heart raced as I recalled the anger I saw in her eyes sending chills down my spine. It was the first time I had seen my mom like that, unlike that of her usual jovial and lively demeanor, she was a different person entirely. I sincerely hope she forgives me, I couldn’t bear the thought
Two weeks laterSelena PovToday has been hectic yet a fulfilling one with customers streaming in and out of the shop. The online customers too weren't left out, they kept placing their orders and we made sure their orders got to them as soon as possible all thanks to the logistic company Evelyn recommended to me a few days ago.Their dispatch rider is so effective, reliable, and easy to work with, he makes sure to deliver the orders of each customer on time, unlike the previous one I worked with, he almost tarnished the image of my bakery- the feedback I got from my online customers were not pleasing to my hearing.It's either they complain that their order took too long to be delivered to them or it wasn't looking fresh as they expected it to be or by the time it got to them, the craving for it has disappeared.And his reasons are never valid each time I complain about the feedback I keep getting from my customers, it's either the bike broke down in the middle of the road, or someth
Selena's PovI stepped out of my bedroom looking all dressed and ready for today's task ahead in the bakery. I had woken quite early today even before the alarm could wake me up which is kinda of unusual, I decided to get ready for work rather than just lazing around on the bed waiting for the normal time to prepare myself for work.I heard a noise coming from the kitchen which meant my mom was up as always preparing breakfast for the both of us, she's the early bird between us.Just as I was about to make my way to the kitchen, my mom emerged from the kitchen holding a tray containing food which I have no idea what it was since it's covered.Surprise flickered across her eyes the moment she saw me, it was so obvious she wasn't expecting to see me ready for work this early."Good morning Mom", I greeted, moving closer to her."Morning darling, how was your night? Hope you slept well. And how is my little one doing?", her smile radiated warmth, she never ceases to inquire about my preg
Selena povMonths later…..I stood in front of the mirror in my room, gazing at my reflection staring back at me. My eyes widened as I took in the sight of my baby bump, now prominently rounded and swollen.I couldn't believe how much my body had changed in just a few months.The thin black line on my belly, once barely visible, now seemed to be staring back at me, a constant reminder of the tiny human growing inside me. My feet, once slender and delicate, were now swollen and aching, I've gained so much weight and above all the weird cravings. Like I could crave for the unimaginable.As I gazed at my reflection, I felt a sudden flutter in my abdomen. My baby was kicking again, and I couldn't help but smile. It was as if he was trying to communicate with me, to tell me something only I could understand.Did I just say He? I chuckled to myself, realizing I had just referred to my baby as "he". It still felt surreal, knowing I was having a boy.My mom's predictions had finally come to
Alphas Pov…I walked into my office, my assistant Matilda following closely behind, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long since the previous day's event.I had questions running through my mind that needed answers and Asher was the only one who could provide them.I haven't seen Asher since the contest, we both came in our separate cars. As soon as I left the hall, I headed back to the office while he met with one of our clients.My mind kept wandering back to Selena, from what I can remember, she was a maid in my mansion, how did she end up being a baker with exceptional skill if I wasn't going to lie?I had never thought I'd see her in the contest, talk more of her emerging as the winner. But what baffled me was how she was able to achieve all this within a short period.The last time I saw her was when I had her thrown out of my company when she tried to extort money from me in the guise of helping her sick mother.How low could she stoop? I thought to mysel
Selena PovI headed back to the room where the four other contestants were, my heart heavy with frustration and anger. All I wanted to do was hand my baker's clothes back to the ladies at the front desk and leave this place.I couldn't bear the thought of facing the Alpha, let alone being in the same room with him for hours. As I entered the room, Brenda's eyes lit up with excitement."You're back! What took you so long?", she asked.I forced a smile, trying to brush off my emotions. "Nothing, just a running stomach, but I'm fine now", I lied.Brenda's eyes narrowed, her brows furrowed with worry. "Are you sure you're fine? Do you need me to call the doctor?", she asked, her voice soft with concern.I shook my head, reassuring her. "No, I don't. I'm fine", I said, trying to sound convincing."Alright, if you say so" she paused. "We'll be in a few minutes, it's almost time." She whispered.I nodded, my mind racing with thoughts of how to leave this place. There's no way I'm going in th
Selena POV"Mom, I'm done. I'm leaving already", I called out as soon as I was done with my breakfast and headed to the living room.Today was the day- the finale of the Baking contest! The contest is finally coming to an end. Geez I couldn't believe how far I'd come.It's been a rollercoaster sort of emotion for me, it hasn't been so easy but determination and the support of amazing people who believe in me made it all possible. Initially, I was so skeptical about the whole contest but look at me now among the top five finalists!I glanced at my watch, it was just a few minutes past 7 am, there's still time but I prefer leaving home and getting there early just in case, you never can predict the traffic.I turned to face the kitchen, wondering what my mom could still be doing in the kitchen. "Mom, I'm getting late," I called out again."I'm coming, give me a sec.", I heard her say from the kitchen. It didn't take long before she emerged with a glass of fresh milk. Ugh! How I hate fre
Selena POV….I heard the footsteps getting closer and closer, each step echoing through the silent shop. My heart raced with anticipation, my mind wondering who it could be and what they wanted.I stood frozen, my eyes fixed on the doorway, waiting to see who would appear.That's when I saw a feminine figure dressed in all black, with a face mask obscuring her features. My heart skipped a beat as I realized she was trying to destroy my shop.She was smashing display cases and overturning tables and chairs, her movements swift and deliberate.My first instinct was to protect my business, and I charged at her without thinking. But she was too strong, and in a quick reflex, she pushed me to the ground with ease.I hit my head against the wall as I fell flat on my stomach and I yelled out in pain. As I lay there, I could feel blood oozing out of my forehead, trickling down to my lips.The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. But it was what
Selena POVDays later….I can't believe it! I'm still screaming with excitement! Me, Selena, made it to the top five! It feels so surreal like a dream come true. The last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs.But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world and to think that I never had the intention of participating in this contest. All thanks to Asher and the girls for encouraging me to participate, I owe them this one.As we were given a two-day break before the grand finale, I decided to surprise the girls at the bakery. I hadn't set foot in the bakery since then the contest began, it's been from the contest to home and I missed the familiar sights and smells of my bakery.Although Scarlett has been giving constant feedback of the bakery-from the sales, the never-ending orders, and the number of batches of pastries they make per day ever since I got into the contest and to tell you what, it's been mind-blowing.As I pushed open the door, a warm
Selena pov…I stepped into the contest hall, where a handful of contestants were already mingling in small groups, their hushed conversations and nervous laughter filling the air.Since I wasn't acquainted with anyone, I kept to myself. The judges' table was empty, and the host was nowhere to be seen yet. I took a deep breath, my heart racing with anticipation.I had made it past the first round, but I knew the competition would only get tougher from here, who knows what today's task would be.Just as I pondered what today's challenge would be, the door swung open and Benard strode in, his infectious energy and charisma commanding our attention. The remaining contestants filed in behind him, making their way towards their respective baking stations.It didn't take long before the judges arrived and took their seats. As soon as it clocked 9 am, Bernard walked to the middle of the stage, his voice echoing through the hall, announcing the day's challenge."Welcome to another round of the
Selena's POVContest Day……I stood outside the venue of the contest. It was being held in one of the grand ballrooms of the luxurious five-star hotel. Evelyn wasn't exaggerating when she called it the biggest contest ever, the lavish setting is screaming luxury.My heart racing fast like a mixer on high speed. Today was the first day of the baking contest I had been anticipating for days.And I was finally here, about to face the judges, the viewers and my fellow contestants.I was so nervous, my palms were already sweating, and my mind was a jumble of recipes, techniques, and what-ifs. I didn't know what to expect or what the outcome would be. What if I don't make it past the first day?My mind was a whirlwind of different thoughts, imagining different scenarios in my head of me being evicted on the first day. Or should I just back off?"Don't you dare think of backing off! You're here already Selena. And how many times do I have to tell you to stop being pessimistic", Ember's voice
Selena povThe anticipation had kept me awake all night, my mind buzzing with excitement. I arrived at the shop early the next day. I had lost count of the number of times I read the email just to be sure it wasn't an illusion.I wasn't able to get through to Asher throughout yesterday, I called him but he didn't pick up, perhaps he was busy. I decided to call him later today.Entering the shop, I spotted Norah setting up the display area, completely engrossed in what she was doing, unaware of my presence. A mischievous idea crept into my mind, and I couldn't resist the urge to give her a playful scare to get her reaction.With a suppressed giggle, I stealthily approached her, intending to catch her off guard making sure she didn't notice my presence. Just as I was about to execute my plan, she suddenly turned around, letting out a surprise yelp at the sight of me."Geez, Selena you scared me", she said, patting her chest gently."Really, sorry Norah, didn't mean to startle you", I ch