CHAPTER 20: NEW FAVORITE PILLOWS 1

“DID you apply to our bakeshop back then?” James asked her, his voice tinged with disbelief, as if he couldn’t fathom the idea of her being part of his world before their current connection.

He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees, his curiosity piqued. The warmth of the afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Aria’s face, highlighting the sparkle in her eyes. She seemed momentarily lost in thought, perhaps recalling the dreams she had woven back then about working in a bustling bakery, surrounded by the sweet scent of freshly baked goods and the laughter of coworkers.

The young woman nodded, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “That was almost four years ago, sir. Jocel and I both got accepted. However, I was assigned to a branch that was far from home. The fare was expensive, and I would get too tired from commuting, so I decided not to continue,” she explained, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of regret.

As she spoke, James