The kids and Alpha Dominic...

Astrid's POV:

Though I wished to go back to my mother, I had to start a new life. So I nervously entered the crowded bakery with its bustling customers.

Mrs. Willow greeted me warmly, then said, “Here, let me explain everything to you.” She told me all about the bakery and types of cakes they baked in detail. After imparting a good deal of training and information, she let me work on my first order of the day. Though I made my first cake with some difficulty, I felt proud after completing it. It gave me the sense that I could do anything from then on and that I had no longer needed to be afraid of anyone in my life.

Mrs. Willow inspected my cake, finding no fault with it, and that boosted my confidence even further. As she packed it up, she told me she’d pay me weekly.

Me? Getting paid weekly? I marveled at the thought, especially since I could spend all I earned on myself without having to worry about anyone else.

I continued baking, humming along while I did so. As I put whipped