2

Avery Thompson

Three Years Later.

Sophia, a colleague here at work, walked in my office and handed me a note, her face adorned with a small smile. I smiled back, as she passed the note to me.

"Thank you," I responded, returning her smile.

It still astounds me that he continues to write to me. He is such a modest man.

"Congratulations once again. I'm certain your benefactor will be delighted and proud of you," I smiled at her once more before she walk away.

The semester has come to it's end, and I am now a graduate of Cambridge University with a degree in business administration. It only took me two years to complete everything, and I am immensely proud of myself.

With a wide grin still on my face, I carefully opened the envelope to read the letter.

Ms. Avery,

You have finally reached your last semester. You have no idea how proud I am of you. Congratulations!

                                                                                          ~ W. BJ

His signature never fails to captivate me whenever I lay my eyes on it. He is truly a perfect gentleman.

The fact that I still do not know what he looks like continues to trouble me, but I believe that someday, I will finally get to see him. He has done so many good things for me, and I am determined to repay his in kindness.

I was taken aback when I learned that he was going to sponsor me. I had no idea who he was, but the school department informed me that he was also sponsoring other students besides myself. He is truly a generous man. I can't help but wonder how much money he has to sponsor all of us.

He served as a source of inspiration for me to complete my MSc in business administration. I aspired to be like him, possessing his kind-heartedness and using my power to help others. As I gazed at the beautifully written words on the paper, memories of the past flooded my mind. It was during the early stages of my MSc program when I moved from New York to England following my divorce from Benjamin. Despite the initial difficulties, this marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

During that period, I felt like a lost soul, as if everything had lost its meaning. This feeling intensified when I discovered that I was carrying his child. However, he treated me like garbage and throw me out of his life completely. Despite this, he fulfilled his promise of providing money for my mother's treatment and transferred an additional $two million to my account. Although I initially wanted to reject the money, I realized that I needed it to survive, support my mother after her surgery, and cover my living expenses. Returning the money was not an option, so I made the difficult decision to accept it and leave. Unfortunately, this meant leaving Stanley behind, but I had no other choice. I couldn't stay, and it was impossible for me to take her with me.

When my mother recovered, she was extremely upset upon learning about the entire situation. She had the intention to confront him, but I intervened and stopped her. He is no longer deserving of her attention. He discarded me for his mistress, and it should remain that way.

A year later, I made the decision to further my education. Simultaneously, I secured a part-time job at a renowned bakery in England. It is one of the most popular bakery shops in the area. Since I have baking skills, I chose to work there instead of simply attending school. However, the school department informed me that I was among the chosen students to receive a scholarship. The identity of my benefactor remains unknown, as they prefer to keep it confidential, but I am aware of the immense gratitude I owe them.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard a familiar and cheerful voice whispering in my ear. "A letter from an admirer?"

I looked up and saw his attractive face.

It was Charles.

"Hey!" I greeted him with a smile. "Actually, it's a note from my sponsor."

"I was just teasing, my love," he said, causing me to glare at him.

"Alright, fine. I was only joking," he chuckled, raising his hand in the air and rephrasing his words.

Charles, he is a kind and wealthy man in England, he's not only good-looking, caring, and playful, but also incredibly romantic. We first met when I started my university classes and quickly became friends. Although he has asked me out numerous times, I asked for some time to consider his proposal. He is also aware of my past because I have confided in him.

"Congratulations, my love. I can't believe you are now a holder of a Master's degree. Can you believe it? I mean, back then, you were just in your first year, and you-"

"Enough of the sermon, Charles," I interrupted, playfully hitting his arm, and he grinned.

"So, would you like to have lunch with me? Let's celebrate this achievement together," he suggested.

"Of course, I would love that."

"Great!" he winked at me as I grabbed my bag, and we left the building.

•

The next morning

It is another beautiful morning. It was a week today when my boss, Mrs. Clara, told me about hosting a significant event today. She runs a large orphanage that we visit every two weeks on weekends when I am not in school. My role usually involves baking cakes for the children, which we bring to them.

Today, I am expected to bake cakes for everyone because a very important sponsor of the orphanage, who also fell in love with my cupcakes during their last visit, will be present.

Unfortunately, I was not there at that time as I was attending classes. I have decided to work hard, especially since I will be assisting with the preparations.

"You know, Avery, I will be really happy if you meet the person who has been supporting us. The person I mentioned earlier, you will be pleased to meet him today."

Him?

A man?

"Um... Mrs. Clara, I understand if someone likes my cake, but is it necessary to meet with him?"

She looked at me and smiled before saying, "It's time for you to meet someone special. You have been so focused on work and studies that you haven't given anyone a chance. Plus, it's not like you have a boyfriend, right? Or, do you?"

"Mrs. Clara!!! I can't believe we're really having this conversation" I said, rolling my eyes at her.

"I apologize, my dear. The truth is, the very first time I laid my eyes on him, I don't know why but immediately, I was reminded of you. When he said he loves your cupcake and wanted to meet the baker, I had a feeling it was a sign"

"A sign of what?"

"God's way of working, dear."

I looked at her, confused. I can't fully understand her, and I also didn't know why my heart was suddenly racing than it's usual. It had been a long time since I felt this way. This strange feeling - I just don't understand it.

After that, neither of us spoke to each other. We got into her car, and her driver took us straight to the venue.

•

"Most of the guests have arrived and everything is already prepared.

I overheard Mary, a co-worker calling for me from behind as she entered the kitchen.

"Mrs. Clara is looking for you," she said.

"Thank you. I'll go to her soon," I replied with a smile, and she left.

Once again, my heart raced at the mention of the guests. I couldn't understand what was wrong with me.

I finally went outside and saw Mrs. Clara engaged in conversation with some important people. As soon as she spotted me, she motioned for me to approach.

I joined them and greeted everyone. Surprisingly, they all responded kindly, despite their higher status. Before I could speak to Mrs. Clara, I heard someone clearing their throat from behind.

"Oh, Mr. Benjamin Williams, I'm happy you're here. This is the baker you've been wanting to meet."

BENJAMIN WILLIAMS?!!!

My heart skipped immediately. I slowly turned around and there he was, standing in front of me, with a dark expression all over his face. I locked eyes with his familiar blue gaze. Just like before, it was the kind of look that could make you feel trapped in a dangerous situation.

No, no, no! This... This can't be happening!!