All Started With A Forced Marriage

Chapter 3:

As I stepped into my café, I was immediately greeted by the warm and familiar atmosphere. The rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee lingered in the air, soothing my soul in a way that only this place could. The small wooden tables, the soft leather chairs, and the gentle lighting always made me feel like this wasn’t just a workplace, but my second home.

Before I could even cross the threshold, Sammy’s voice rang out from behind the counter. "Good morning, Hazel!" Sammy’s voice was always full of energy, making the entire space feel more alive.

I smiled, nodded back in greeting, and headed straight to the kitchen. This was my favorite spot in the café, where I could unleash my creativity with cakes and drinks. As soon as I walked in, I reached for the apron hanging on the hook and tied it around my waist with practiced ease. I felt a bit excited, knowing today wasn’t just any ordinary day—I had a special plan for Holden.

"Sammy!" I called out in a tone that was both serious and cheerful. "Did you get everything I asked for?"

Sammy came into the kitchen with a mischievous grin on his face. "Of course, Hazel. I’d never let you down." He handed me a large bag full of the ingredients I’d asked for yesterday—flour, sugar, fresh milk, and various cake decorations. I took the bag, a sense of excitement rising within me as I thought about the secret gift I was going to make for Holden.

"Good, I want to bake Holden’s birthday cake myself today," I said, glancing over the ingredients. "It’s going to be a big surprise for him."

Sammy raised an eyebrow, his eyes lighting up with playful curiosity. "Oh, so Hazel is going to turn into a ‘super chef’ for love, huh? This cake is sure to be sweeter than anything we’ve ever made."

I laughed and shook my head. "You can tease all you want. But remember, don’t tell anyone! This is a secret."

My eyes gleamed with joy and happiness as I thought of Holden. Baking wasn’t something I did often, but today was special. I wanted to do something with my own hands to show him how much I loved him. Holden deserved all the wonderful things, and I knew he’d love this surprise.

I turned to Sammy and gave him one last instruction: "Make sure the other staff manage the café today. I’ll be leaving early to prepare for tonight."

Sammy gave me a mock salute, grinning widely. "Yes, ma’am! Don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything. Have a romantic evening!"

I couldn’t help but smile at Sammy’s playful humor. After leaving everything in good hands, I turned my attention back to my task—making Holden’s birthday cake.

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Baking the cake felt like I was doing something incredibly important. I carefully measured out the ingredients, listening to the steady clink of the kitchen tools as I mixed flour, milk, and eggs. Each step brought me closer to my goal.

The small café kitchen came alive as I slid the batter into the oven. The sweet smell of vanilla and milk began to fill the air, and I felt content. I glanced at the clock on the wall, calculating the time to make sure I’d finish before it was too late to head home.

Once the cake was baking, I started preparing the decorations. I chose bright, cheerful colors to fit the birthday celebration. Smooth white frosting swirled beautifully over the top of the cake, and I carefully placed fresh strawberries and dark chocolate shavings at the corners for a touch of elegance.

When the cake was finally done, I took a step back to admire my work. It wasn’t perfect by technical standards, but I knew the love I’d poured into it made it special. I imagined Holden’s face when he saw the cake, and my heart warmed. This wasn’t just a cake; it was a gift from my heart to him.

Sammy walked in and whistled when he saw the cake. "Wow, I think you missed your calling as a full-time baker. That looks amazing!"

I smiled and nodded. "I hope Holden likes it. And remember, don’t tell anyone."

Sammy gave me a thumbs-up, grinning widely. "Don’t worry. This secret is safe with me."

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When everything was ready, I carefully packed the cake into a box and slipped in a few small birthday cards I had written earlier. I looked at the box once more before gently picking it up, ready to leave the café.

I turned to Sammy, thanking him for his help and reminding him to keep an eye on the café. "I’ll be leaving a bit early today. You and the others take care of things, and no funny business."

Sammy laughed, giving another mock salute. "Trust us! Have a great evening, and don’t forget to tell us how Holden reacts to the cake!"

I smiled, feeling excitement bubbling inside me. Today was going to be special, and I couldn’t wait for the moment when Holden saw the gift I’d made for him. We’d shared so many wonderful memories, but each time felt like something new and memorable.

With the cake box in hand, I stepped out of the café, my heart full of joy and love for Holden, the man I knew I’d love forever.

I headed toward my private office. It was a small room tucked away in the back of the café, where I kept important documents and where I could find some quiet away from the bustle of work. But today, it held a much more important secret.

I opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it quietly behind me. My desk was neat and organized, everything in its place. I moved toward the wooden cabinet in the corner, where I had hidden Holden’s birthday gift for over a month. It was a gift I had prepared long ago, but I couldn’t risk bringing it home for fear that he would discover it before the big day.

I knelt down in front of the cabinet and pulled out the bottom drawer, where I kept my most personal and cherished belongings. Beneath a stack of documents and a few small boxes was the gift, wrapped carefully in dark blue silk—Holden’s favorite color. The gift wasn’t large, but it was meaningful, and I had put my heart into choosing every detail.

I gently took the box out, admiring it once more before holding it close. My eyes sparkled with happiness as I imagined Holden opening this gift. I had hidden it here for over a month, waiting for today. The thought filled me with excitement, knowing he had no idea what I had been planning so carefully.

Closing the drawer, I stood up, straightened my clothes, and made sure everything was in order. With the gift in hand and my heart brimming with joy, I decided to leave the café and finish the last preparations for tonight.

On my way home, I stopped by a small flower shop on the corner. The bright flowers in the window looked vibrant under the sunlight. I stepped inside, breathing in the delicate scent of blossoms. I chose a bouquet of white roses, Holden’s favorite.

The florist carefully wrapped the bouquet for me, and I smiled as I looked at the flowers in my hands. Everything was going according to plan, and I was eager to return home to start decorating, turning our house into a special space for tonight.

But just as I was stepping out of the flower shop, ready to head home, the sudden sound of my phone ringing from my purse startled me. I froze, feeling my heart tighten for a brief moment. Who could be calling me at this time?

With the gift box and bouquet in hand, I frowned slightly, quickly rummaging through my bag for my phone, a slight unease creeping into my chest.

My hand trembled slightly as I searched for my phone, and when the screen lit up, a familiar name appeared. "Mom."

I paused for a moment, my eyes fixed on the screen. My heart fluttered—not out of fear, but from a strange, indescribable feeling. My mom didn’t usually call at times like this, and she only called when something important came up. The bouquet in my hand suddenly felt heavier for a brief moment, and the gift I was holding was no longer my main focus.

Though I loved my mom dearly, every call from her carried a certain gravity, and I couldn’t help but feel anxious. I furrowed my brow, my finger hovering over the answer button, as a flood of questions filled my mind.