Chapter 1: Cake of Fate

Live your life to the fullest!

That’s my personal saying in life.

That's why I eat whatever I want, making me a little chubby. Who cares? Chubby now is the new sexy, right? And I've got plenty of admirers to confirm that. They describe me as perfect, with my gorgeous face, silky long hair, flawless porcelain skin, and alluring curvy figure. Even my best friend is envious of my captivating beauty.

But my adventures don't stop at my dinner plate and pretty face. I also travel wherever my heart desires, especially on my birthday.

Alone. Because traveling alone gives me a sense of peace. That’s how I enjoy life. Or I’d rather say, that’s how I make myself happy and forget all the dramas of my life.

That was after my dad passed away when I was 22.

Because when my dad was still alive, I only used to celebrate my birthday at home, with him, wearing a red dress, blowing out my birthday cake, and eating my favorite pasta that he cooked for me.

We were so happy back then even though I don’t have a mom. Right. I grew up without a mom. And I never asked who she was. I didn’t bother because Dad was enough, by my side.

But it’s very different now. I am living my life alone. That’s one of the reasons why I never celebrated my birthday at home again because it only makes me lonely.

“It’s nine in the evening,” my phone announced, pulling me from the daze. I blinked my eyes repeatedly to stop the tears that were about to fall.

Well, I’m always like this whenever I’m tipsy. I couldn’t help but think of my dad. And thinking of him made me feel sad. How I wish he was still here with me, celebrating my 27th birthday on a cruise ship.

Right. At this moment, I was in the middle of my three night cruise.

I looked around. And just in time, I saw the waiter coming with my favorite strawberry shortcake that I ordered earlier. Well, I was so lucky that night as I got the last piece of my favorite cake.

“Ms. Victoria, here’s your order,” the waiter stated as he gleefully placed my order on the table.

I smiled as I received my order and told the waiter, “Thank you.”

Then I stood up from my seat. I was about to leave when my phone suddenly rang.

Seeing who’s the caller, I hesitated for a moment if I would answer the call until my phone stopped ringing.

But after a while, my phone rang again.

Letting out a deep sigh, I pressed the answer button.

“Hello, Ms. Bracken,” I mumbled as I began to walk with the plate of cake in my other hand, going to the other side of the lido deck.

Ms. Bracken, or rather, Angela, is my identical twin. However, I didn't discover this fact until I turned 22, as we grew up separately.

I only learned about my twin's existence when my father introduced her to me a month after my 22nd birthday, merely a week before he passed away.

He told me everything about my mom and twin sister.

It happened that my mom and dad got separated when mom was still pregnant with me and my twin. Dad agreed to divorce on one condition - he would take with him one of the twins, and it happened to be me.

That’s the reason why Angela and I have different family names. I was using my dad’s surname while she used our mom’s maiden name.

I was greatly appalled when my dad confessed everything to me because, unlike Angela, that was the only time I heard about them.

And sadly, I never had the chance to meet my mom since she passed away two years before I met Angela.

“Hello, Ashley. Happy birthday! How was your celebration?” She greeted me on the other end of the line in a lively tone.

“Thanks. Happy birthday too, Ms. Bracken.” I replied indifferently without answering her question.

“Ash, I told you to just call me Angela or Anj,” She remarked with a sigh. Then she continued. “It’s been five years already but you’re still distant and cold to me. Why, Ash? Did you forget what you promised to Dad?” She asked, which made me stop my steps. I didn’t expect that she would bring up our father on this day, which weighed heavily on my heart.

Yes, it’s been five years already but I still couldn’t bring myself closer to her.  Aside from the fact that our personalities were completely opposite, I still couldn’t accept that I had a twin sister. Besides, she came into my life but I suddenly lost my dad.

If I had to choose, I would still choose my dad. I didn’t want to know about her and mom.

‘Or maybe you were only jealous that she grew up with your mom beside her.’ A voice whispered in my mind.

‘Is it?’ I questioned myself.

I just found tears falling down my cheeks. I thought I had already moved on from that shocking revelation in my life but why could I still feel the pain like a knife stabbing my heart?

And no matter how many times I took a deep breath, my tears just wouldn’t go away. Perhaps I was more emotional this time as I was slightly drunk.

Hence, I turned to the side deck, facing the ocean, to cover my pitiful look from people around me.

“Hello, Ashley? Are you still there?” I heard Angela’s worried voice.

Putting down the plate on the table near me, I cleared my throat before I spoke again, “I’ll - I’ll call you tomorrow, Ms. B- I mean, A-Angela.” Then I quickly hung up the call.

I stayed there gazing up at the millions of bright stars covering the dark sky.

“Dad…” I whispered, still looking at the stars.

I knew he was one of those stars, watching over me. And that thought gave me a little solace.

I didn’t know how long had passed but I stayed there until I felt better.

After some time, I turned and looked around until I found a great spot at the end of the deck where there were only a few people around.

I was on my way to the lounge chair when someone, wearing a black suit, unexpectedly showed up in front of me.

I was so shocked because I didn’t know where he came from.

And to save my birthday cake, I suddenly halted my steps. Unfortunately, I tripped over my right foot and lost my balance.

And as a quick reflex of my body, I automatically placed my hands on the chest of the man in front of me, forgetting about the cake on the plate I was holding.

Everything happened so fast. I just found my birthday cake crashed into the man’s chest while the plate broke into pieces as it fell down on the floor.

“Oh my gosh! Look what have you done!” I exclaimed in shock as I covered my mouth with my right hand. I was like a child, teary-eyed as I stared at my now-smashed birthday cake. Then I took a deep breath before I gazed up at the man’s face.

I found him looking down at me. But my cheeks instantly felt warm when I saw how stunning he was. I was lost for words for seconds as I scanned the beautiful creation in front of me.

His sexy brown eyes, prominent greek nose, and exquisite bow-shaped lips just looked like the hottest actor in a romance movie. Not to mention his chiseled jawline and masculine chest that added to his remarkable aura.

‘And so what? Take hold of yourself, Ashley.’ I mumbled in my mind as I immediately composed myself.

“Are you done praising me?” He asked as though he read what was on my mind.

“H-Huh? What are you talking about?” I irked as I looked down, hiding the admiration I felt earlier as I stared at his striking facial features.

‘I didn’t make it obvious, did I?’ I queried to myself.

“Well, thanks for the compliment and apology accepted.” The man stated haughtily with an annoying smirk.

“Are you kidding me? Look what have you done.” I groaned, pointing my hand to his chest down to the broken pieces of plate on the floor.

He knitted his brows as he repeated what I said, “Look what have you done. You ruined my suit,” he remarked coldly. Then he looked down at his dirty suit.

“You’re crazy,” I uttered in disappointment. I wanted to tell him it was his fault but I’d instead kept it to myself.

“Do I look like one?” He inquired, creasing his forehead.

Well, he didn’t look crazy and he didn’t look like an ordinary man either in his attire but he’s arrogant and annoying. Nevertheless, I didn’t want to ruin my night even more by a random stranger.

“Never mind,” I replied as I acted to leave. I just thought that I would just buy another cake instead of wasting my time here.

However, I heard him speak as I turned around.

“Never mind? After you covered my suit with your cake.” He asserted. His tone suggested impatience.

I halted my steps as I pursed my lips. ‘He’s really something, huh? Instead of acting like a gentleman, he’s acting like an immature and unreasonable kid over his dirty suit!’

I let out a deep sigh before I slowly faced him again. “Hey, look who’s talking? Who appeared so suddenly that shocked me and made me lose my balance? I thought of letting you slide even without apologizing for the sake of my birthday. But I think I changed my mind. I should charge you for the cost of the cake.” I countered bitterly.

“Aren’t you the one who should apologize?” He questioned grimly, staring straight into my eyes.

‘Ugh, did he think that I would be affected by his sexy brown eyes? Well, he’s right but I didn’t want to show it in front of his face.’

Crossing my arms, I smirked at his remarks as I retorted. “You’re really something, Mister.”

“So, what are we going to do now?” He queried in a rather irritated tone.

I sighed as I rolled my eyes.

“Alright. Let’s just make a deal. If you can give me a strawberry shortcake before this day ends, I’ll pay or wash your suit. I think it's fair enough.” I suggested as I glanced at the watch on my wrist.

‘You should thank me, I don’t have the energy to argue with you today.’ I grumbled in my mind.

But I saw his upper lip slightly curved after hearing my suggestion.

“Deal. Wait for me here,” he agreed instantly, gesturing his index finger down on the floor.

I didn’t know but I suddenly felt anxious. Why did he agree so easily? What if he would be able to find me a strawberry shortcake? Does it mean that I would wash his suit? If not, would I pay for it? Oh no!

‘Wait, Mister,” I stopped him, thinking that it would be better to end this argument right at this moment.

He threw me a questioning look, waiting for what I would say.

So, I continued. “Let’s settle this now,” I mumbled before I tiptoed and leaned forward. Then I gave him a brief peck on his lips.

I was so surprised at my action though. I didn’t know what provoked me to do that shameless thing. It’s either I was really attracted by his charm or because of the effect of alcohol on me.

‘Nope, I just really want to end it here,’ I disputed my own thoughts.

However, as soon as I withdrew my lips, he suddenly wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to his masculine body. Then he pressed his lips against mine, catching me off guard.

My eyes bulged while my heart raced, tasting my first-ever intimate kiss!

My mind protested but I liked the way he kissed me. It’s gentle and sweet, sending a jolt of excitement through my entire body.

Thus, instead of protesting, my arms automatically clasped around his neck as though they had their own mind.

‘So, this is what they called a passionate kiss.’ I uttered in my mind as I kissed him back with reciprocated desire, eagerly trying to meet with equal fervor.

My heartbeat quickened even more, the longer we kissed.

Time seemed to stand still as I lost myself to the sensation. I couldn’t think of anything else but the raw, passionate exchange unfolding before me, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions and sensations within me.

After a while, he stopped, leaving me breathless. Then he released me and held my chin.

Gazing down at me, he stated, “Sorry, darling. But you can't compensate me with that kind of kiss. Is that even a kiss?” Then he smirked at me before he added, “Wait for me here.” He ordered before he turned and quickly left.