Lara woke to the sound of rain pattering against the bakery windows, the gray light of dawn seeping in. She stretched, her muscles aching from the previous day's work. Today was going to be a big day – the first day of baking for _Sweet Dreams_.
As she stood, a shiver ran down her spine. That feeling again – like she was being watched. Lara scanned the bakery, but there was no one there. Just the shadows, cast by the early morning light.
She shook her head, dismissing the paranoia. Alex Reed had gotten under her skin, that was all. She had bigger things to focus on – like making _Sweet Dreams_ a success.
Lara headed to the kitchen, the smell of fresh flour and sugar enveloping her. She breathed it in, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. This was her domain. Here, she was in control.
As she started prepping for the day's baking, her phone buzzed. A message from her best friend, Mia: "Hey, girl! Excited for tonight?"
Tonight? Lara's mind went blank for a moment before remembering – the soft launch of _Sweet Dreams_ was tonight. Invitations had gone out to friends, family, and local food bloggers. Lara had been so focused on the bakery itself she'd almost forgotten.
She typed back: "OMG, yes! Nervous af."
Mia replied instantly: "Don't be! You'll kill it. See you tonight!"
Lara smiled, feeling a flutter in her stomach. She was ready for this.
The day flew by in a blur of mixing, baking, and decorating. The bakery filled with the scent of croissants and cakes, making Lara's stomach rumble. She hadn't eaten all day, too focused on getting everything perfect.
As the sun began to set, Lara stepped back to admire her handiwork. The display cases were filled with treats – macrons, cupcakes, artisan breads. _Sweet Dreams_ looked like a real bakery.
The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the first guests. Lara's nerves kicked in, but she pushed them aside. She was ready.
The night was a whirlwind of chatter, laughter, and compliments. Lara's friends and family oohed and aahed over the treats, and the local food bloggers took notes and snapped photos.
But amidst the chaos, Lara's eyes kept drifting to the door, waiting for one person who hadn't shown up.
Alex Reed.
Why did she care? He was the last person she wanted to see.
But as the night wound down and the last guest left, Lara couldn't shake the feeling that Alex had been there, watching her, the whole time.
The bakery was quiet now, the only sound the hum of the refrigerators. Lara began cleaning up, lost in thought.
The door creaked open.
Lara's heart skipped. She turned, her eyes locking onto a figure in the shadows.
"Alex," she said, her voice firm.
But it wasn't Alex.
It was someone else, someone from her past.
"Hello, Lara," the figure said, stepping into the light.
Lara's eye widened in shock.