[Matilda]As Leo pulled the car to a smooth stop, I found myself staring out the window momentarily speechlessThe building before us was breathtaking, a sleek modern structure with tall glass windows that gleamed under the light. The kind of place that makes you straighten your posture just by looking at it"Leo, are you sure we're in the right place?" I couldn't help but ask as my eyes scanned the whole building. "This looks like a damn five-star event," Leo chuckled before unbuckling his seatbelt. "That's because it is, only the best of the best are allowed to participate here, and guess what? That includes you,"I swallowed, nerves crawling up my spineLeo stepped out of the car and walked over to the passenger seat pulling the door open. "Come on Tesoro, time to show them what you've got," Leo smiled extending his hands toward meI took a deep breath and took his hand, slowly stepping out of the car. My heels clicked softly against the pavement. The crisp evening air did little
[Matilda]The waiting felt endless. A quiet hum of anticipation filled the backstage area as I stood there, clutching my apron. I watched as some participants shifted on their feet, and others quietly psyched themselves up. My fingers grazed over the embroidered letters of my name on the apron trying to calm the nerves crawling up my spineOne by one, the others were led out. Disappearing through the door. The air felt thick, the pressure pressing hard against my chest. Almost every one of them wore a professional look, their faces carefully composed"It's time," Daisy murmured behind me pulling me out of my thoughts. I nodded, swallowing hard as I followed behind herShe led the way as we walked right into where I presumed should be the stageThe moment I stepped inside, my breath hitchedThe stage was massive, my eyes scanned the seven grand polished stations that stood under the gleaming lights, each equipped with every tool every pastry chef could dream of. The grandeur of the eve
[Kaden]I wasn't supposed to hereThe moment I walked into the viewing, I knew this wasn't much of my scene - but Ryan had purposely dragged me into it on the account that his friend who was the host of the event had invited himBut what I didn't expect to see was the woman standing right on stage, with an apron firmly tied around her, with the hairnet holding her hairI had a smirk on my face earlier when my lawyer told me that he had forwarded the email to her. And if I was to picture how she would be by now, it was that she would likely have a scowl on her face and an unbelievable look or much more a terrifying one, knowing that I was going to take my kids soonBut what I wasn't expecting was to see her right on stage, among one of the best pastry chefs in NYC competing. Matilda a pastry chef?Her name alone tasted bitter in my tongue, as I tilted my neck to look at Ryan who had his eyes glued on his phone. I leaned back in my chair, elbow resting against the armrest as my finger t
[Matilda]The sharp beep of the timer cut through the hushed murmur of the room signaling the end. My hand stilled, my grip tightening around the edge of the counter as I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. For a moment I just stood still, my breath rising and falling, the adrenaline still coursing through my veinsI took a deep breath and finally took a step back just like every other person had doneI straightened, my gaze flickering to the three plated desserts before me that I had carefully practiced beforehand hoping that I got every ingredient in the right quantity The energy in the room suddenly shifted, three people who I had presumed to be the food critics rose from their seats. Their notepad in hand as they began making their way in our directionI could feel my pulse in my throat as my eyes subconsciously landed back on my stationEverything was in order, right?One of them a man with silver-streaked hair and sharp discerning eyes paused in front of the firs
[Matilda]"Congratulations once again," Daisy said as she side-hugged me. My lips stretched into a big smile. She was such a sweet person."Thank you so much," I said softly, picking up my bag once I was done getting myself together."We'll contact you, just like they said if the need arises," she added, and I nodded, offering her a warm smile.I made my way out through the back door we had used earlier, responding to a few fellow chefs who congratulated me along the way. My cheeks were already aching from smiling so much, but I didn’t mind.As I pushed the door open, I wasn’t surprised to see the first person standing right in front of it. My lips curled into a big smile, and without a word, I walked straight into his open arms."Congratulations," Leo murmured, his arms tightening around me."Thank you.""I knew you’d make me proud. You should have seen their faces when they walked up to your station," Leo pulled back, his eyes locking onto mine, pride written all over his face."You
[Kaden] I tilted my neck to the side and the first person my eyes met was Tilda as she walked in, her fingers locked with that bastard. My jaw clenched hard, taking my eyes off her, I turned back to the stage even though nothing was making sense in whatever they were saying up there My fingers dug into my palm as that one image that always clawed to my mind whenever I looked at that Leo guy, came rushing back The bastard on top of her, balls deep banging her... Fuck "I'm out of here!" I growled out and Ryan shot me a look "Are you going to congratulate her?" The fucker beside me, uttered, biting back a chuckle. I don't fucking blame him, do I? Before he could say another word I was already on my feet making my way out. I walked down the hall and instead of heading toward the exit, I walked down the hallway by the left heading to the restroom "What exactly does she even see in that bastard," I growled out, my finger raking through my hair as I increased my pace walking through t
[Matilda]"Get the fuck out of my way nuisance," I snapped at the bastard in front of me that wore a smirk on his face. He chuckled, raising his hand as he stepped out of the door. I pushed the door open, raising my eyes to step out only for me to stop in my tracks at the sight before meLeoThe fuck? How?"Leo... Leo?" My heart skipped as I called out his name. His eyes weren't on me Instead he had his eyes fixed behind me watching and just then Kaden walked right out nudging me and I watched Leo's eyes widen"The fuck?" Leo growled out, his eyes snapping from me to Kaden who decided to fucking stop beside me instead of getting the fuck outI watched Leo's eyes darken, his jaw clenching hard as he locked his gaze on Kaden's. The same look he gave him the very first day he saw him at the event"Tesoro, what did I just hear right now?" Leo's voice was laced with anger. I didn't need anyone to tell me he had heard every one of our conversation"Leo...I...is not what you think?" I bit do
[Matilda]"I said you should get the fuck out of my car you liar" Leo growled out making me flinch. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes and before I could say a word tears rolled down my cheeks. Leo's eyes immediately turned towards me, I watched as his eyes softened but were quickly masked up immediately"Matilda kindly step down," He grumbled yet again, I stiffened back my tears reaching out to his hands"I won't leave," My lips quivered as I took a slow deep breath. "Just hear me out please I didn't mean to lie to you, I wanted to tell you I fucking swear and that was the reason I've been trying to see you and I...,""If you could understand that none of these things you're saying are making its way to my ears then I would rather you save your time and step down," Leo snapped, flinging my hands off and the next minute he was pulling the car door open and stepping outI watched as he rounded the car. My heart skipped as Leo reached the passenger seat and pulled it open"I need
[Matilda]"What did he mean by seeing you in court, why is he taking you to court?" Leo asked and I took a deep breath trying to calm the way my heart thumped hard in my chest by recalling that statement from LeoI stared up at Leo biting down on my lower lip"He wants the full custody of the kids,""That fucking bastard," Leo growled out, his jaw clenching as he lowered his gazeHe stared up. "Was he aware that you were pregnant?" Leo asked and I shook my head, taking another sip from my wine"I didn't tell him about it,""Why?" Leo asked and I knew that there was no other way around this, I had to tell him everything, the one memory I hated to recall for the past six yearsI stared up at Leo and then lowered my gaze, swallowing the sudden lump that made its way to my throat"If you don't want to talk about it Tesoro, it's fine, you can...,""No I want to," I mumbled fidgeting with my hands. "Our marriage did not start on a good note, I would say he was forced to marry me by his fath
[Matilda]"Please just hear me out Leo," I said softly. The men who had walked out with him made their way leaving and LeoI made to speak but he cut me off"Matilda, I don't want to hear anything from you, is that fucking too much for you to register into your head," Leo snapped. I bit down on my lip, staring at Leo like I was suddenly looking at a different person entirelyI locked my gaze on him, I opened my mouth to speak but shut it back. I wanted to speak with him, I wanted to make him understand, but standing right in front of him, with the way his eyes darkened, I suddenly felt speechless"Since you have nothing reasonable to say then I will take it that I should leave," He flashed me a smile that did nothing to hide the anger In his eyesI bit down on my lip, watching as he made to take a step out"If you leave right now, then I'll take it that you do hate me and love seeing me like this," My voice wavered as fresh tears poured down my eyesLeo stood frozen in the spot, his b
[Matilda]I walked down the stairs, my heart skipping with each step I took down. It was barely 9 am but I was already dressed up to leave! Not to my store or any other place but to meet Leo! I couldn't get a wink of sleep last night. The anger In Leo's voice and face couldn't get out of my mind no matter how hard I tried"Mummy, are you going out?" My eyes shifted to my kids who were seated with their teacher in the living room. I walked towards them placing a soft kiss on their foreheads, before bidding them goodbye"I'm leaving," I said to their Nanny, and she gave me a firm nod. A look of worry flickering in her eyes, she made to speak but I flashed her a smile before turning and making my way outI glanced at my phone for the umpteenth time since last night to know if Leo had at least replied to my message but it was still exactly like that! And the worst part is that he read every message I sent and still didn't utter a word. I tried explaining to him that I didn't mean to lie t
[Kaden]"When did you start smoking, Cherry, and who was that?" My voice was low as I asked. I wasn't shocked seeing Cherry smoking because lately, it has felt like I didn't know my wife anymoreShe opened her mouth to speak but shut it back"I don't know what you're talking about," She said, dropping the cigarettes on the floor using her leg to put off the cigarettesI just wasn't in the mood for this anymore, I was beginning to regret coming here to get her in the first place"We're going home, haven't you stayed enough?" I asked, my arms crossed over my chestHer eyes lingered on mine, biting down on her lower lip. "You...I...I mean, no I'm not coming home," Her voice was low, her eyes still not leaving mine, locking her gaze on mine"You are because I'm not leaving here without you," I brushed past her making my way into the room. My eyes moved over to the table, a glass with two bottles of wine and almost three packets of cigarettesI plopped down on the bed, dragging the bottle
[Kaden]"Is that the Leo guy, that handsome tall dude?" Ryan asked as we walked out of the hall towards the lotI glared at him and I knew he caught it as a sign to shut up"If you have nothing to say just shut the fuck up," I gritted out, making my way to my carSo She also didn't tell her little lover about me? I raked my hand through my hair as I pulled my car open and slipped in taking a slow deep breathMonster? The dude's voice echoed all over my head. If I was doubting whether I had crossed paths with him, then his attitude tonight confirmed it allTilda didn't tell him about me! Which meant he had no reason to hate or call me such names. I saw the look in his eyes when he gritted out my name like I had hurt his ego or probably done some hurtful things to himWell, I've done some hurtful things to so many people but I was very sure I don't lay my hands on people who aren't traitors! But Leo, how the fuck can I still not picture where I've seen that dude?"Are you going to star
[Matilda]"I said you should get the fuck out of my car you liar" Leo growled out making me flinch. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes and before I could say a word tears rolled down my cheeks. Leo's eyes immediately turned towards me, I watched as his eyes softened but were quickly masked up immediately"Matilda kindly step down," He grumbled yet again, I stiffened back my tears reaching out to his hands"I won't leave," My lips quivered as I took a slow deep breath. "Just hear me out please I didn't mean to lie to you, I wanted to tell you I fucking swear and that was the reason I've been trying to see you and I...,""If you could understand that none of these things you're saying are making its way to my ears then I would rather you save your time and step down," Leo snapped, flinging my hands off and the next minute he was pulling the car door open and stepping outI watched as he rounded the car. My heart skipped as Leo reached the passenger seat and pulled it open"I need
[Matilda]"Get the fuck out of my way nuisance," I snapped at the bastard in front of me that wore a smirk on his face. He chuckled, raising his hand as he stepped out of the door. I pushed the door open, raising my eyes to step out only for me to stop in my tracks at the sight before meLeoThe fuck? How?"Leo... Leo?" My heart skipped as I called out his name. His eyes weren't on me Instead he had his eyes fixed behind me watching and just then Kaden walked right out nudging me and I watched Leo's eyes widen"The fuck?" Leo growled out, his eyes snapping from me to Kaden who decided to fucking stop beside me instead of getting the fuck outI watched Leo's eyes darken, his jaw clenching hard as he locked his gaze on Kaden's. The same look he gave him the very first day he saw him at the event"Tesoro, what did I just hear right now?" Leo's voice was laced with anger. I didn't need anyone to tell me he had heard every one of our conversation"Leo...I...is not what you think?" I bit do
[Kaden] I tilted my neck to the side and the first person my eyes met was Tilda as she walked in, her fingers locked with that bastard. My jaw clenched hard, taking my eyes off her, I turned back to the stage even though nothing was making sense in whatever they were saying up there My fingers dug into my palm as that one image that always clawed to my mind whenever I looked at that Leo guy, came rushing back The bastard on top of her, balls deep banging her... Fuck "I'm out of here!" I growled out and Ryan shot me a look "Are you going to congratulate her?" The fucker beside me, uttered, biting back a chuckle. I don't fucking blame him, do I? Before he could say another word I was already on my feet making my way out. I walked down the hall and instead of heading toward the exit, I walked down the hallway by the left heading to the restroom "What exactly does she even see in that bastard," I growled out, my finger raking through my hair as I increased my pace walking through t
[Matilda]"Congratulations once again," Daisy said as she side-hugged me. My lips stretched into a big smile. She was such a sweet person."Thank you so much," I said softly, picking up my bag once I was done getting myself together."We'll contact you, just like they said if the need arises," she added, and I nodded, offering her a warm smile.I made my way out through the back door we had used earlier, responding to a few fellow chefs who congratulated me along the way. My cheeks were already aching from smiling so much, but I didn’t mind.As I pushed the door open, I wasn’t surprised to see the first person standing right in front of it. My lips curled into a big smile, and without a word, I walked straight into his open arms."Congratulations," Leo murmured, his arms tightening around me."Thank you.""I knew you’d make me proud. You should have seen their faces when they walked up to your station," Leo pulled back, his eyes locking onto mine, pride written all over his face."You