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Grace pressed answer, and a deep, charming voice came through. “Hey, I’m Lewis Morton. I sent the car.”
Caught off guard, Grace paused. Lewis went on, “No need to stress about safety. The local police know the route. If the car goes off course, they can track it in real time. If you’re still worried, you can call them.”
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Grace replied, “I wasn’t…”
Lewis chuckled. “I get it. You’re traveling alone, so it’s natural to be cautious. I just don’t want my people feeling uneasy.”
Once Grace’s doubts were settled, he hung up.
She couldn’t stop thinking about his words: “I don’t want my people feeling uneasy.”
She wasn’t even at Velvet Eatery yet, but her new boss was already showing concern. Meanwhile, Antonio, the man she loved, had left her to take care of Janelle’s cat. The contrast stung Grace.
Theo Rhodes was a great driver, and the whole ride felt like a gentle cruise. Grace nodded off and woke up refreshed. She hadn’t slept that well in ages.
When they got to the hotel for the training, Theo helped Grace with her luggage and check–in.
By the time everything was done, it was past 11 PM.
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Grace realized she hadn’t had dinner and grabbed her phone to order. There was a message from Lewis half an hour ago: “Ordered you dinner.”
With mixed feelings, she thanked him and sent the money.
A few minutes later, Grace’s phone rang. Thinking it was Lewis, she answered and said, “It was delicious.”
“Why aren’t you back yet? Nellie’s waiting for you to change her dressing,” Antonio said, sounding confused.
After a brief silence, Grace replied, “I’m out of town for training. I won’t be back for a few days.”
Antonio froze at her words.
He glanced at his phone and saw the expired reminder: “Take Grace to her training.”
He winced and stammered, “I–I’ve been swamped with the new launch at Dessert Tryst. I’ll pick you up when your training is over.”
Driven by guilt, he video–called Grace to make sure her hotel was safe.
Seeing him all flustered, she felt a mix of emotions.
After the call ended, she couldn’t help but wonder if it was all just an act.
The next few days of training were packed, leaving her no time to overthink. She threw herself into every detail of pastry making and even picked up new tricks.
At first, Grace learned it to please Antonio, but now she found
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solace in it for herself.
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Besides picking up new pastry tricks, she wowed the high–end hotel chefs with her creative ideas. Some offered her high- paying jobs but she turned them down.
Antonio didn’t call her again, but Lewis made sure she got a bunch of local goodies every day. In just a few days, Grace put on a bit of weight.
The training not only got her an advanced certificate but also some solid industry connections. Lewis called and said Theo was waiting for her at the entrance.
Having bonded over food, Grace found herself looking forward to seeing Lewis. But when she reached the entrance, Antonio popped up.
He casually opened the window and signaled for her to hop in. Grace felt a bit disappointed but got in.
Antonio took off his sunglasses and glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “Still mad? It’s just a cat. Why the fuss?” he asked with a half–hearted smile.
Grace stayed quiet, so he tried harder. “How about dinner at that new Michelin three–star spot tonight? You’ll love it.”
She couldn’t believe her ears. Antonio had never taken her out for a meal alone before. She had complained before, but he always had excuses. Over time, she gave up.
His invitation came too late.
She turned to the window, letting the quiet settle around her.
Just then, Antonio’s phone rang through the Bluetooth, a
Chapter 3
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heart emoji flashing on the screen. He fumbled to disconnect the Bluetooth and lower the headset volume before
answering softly.
“Tino, I changed my flight. I’m on my way and will be there in an hour.” Janelle’s cheerful voice found its way into Grace’s ear, but she pretended not to hear.
After hanging up, Antonio shot Grace an apologetic look. “Something came up. I can only drop you off here.”
Chapter 4
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Chapter 4
