The CEO'S forgotten love

Chapter Five

(Izzy's POV)

The morning sun poured through the tall windows of Safe Haven, casting a warm glow across the polished counters and fresh blooms Julian had picked up from the corner market. The scent of vanilla, cinnamon, and cupcakes floated through the air, welcoming and warm—just the way I've always envisioned it.

I stood behind the counter, trying not to pace. My fingers fiddled with the ribbon tied around a box of cupcakes for our first giveaway. The opening of my own bakery is supposed to be one of the proudest moments of my life, and in many ways, it was. But my mind wasn’t entirely here—not since the gala.

I still wasn’t sure if it really happened. If the moment was real or just a cruel trick my heart had played on me. But no, I knew who I saw. He was there, in a tuxedo, handsome and composed and just as breathtaking as I remembered. Except this time, there was no flicker of recognition in his eyes. Just polite, distant confusion.

He didn’t remember me. Or worse—he did, and he pretended not to.

I told Julian that night, as we sat on my balcony with cups of chamomile tea that had long gone cold. He’d stared at me in disbelief.

"He didn’t recognize you? After everything?" Julian’s voice had been tight with anger.

I shrugged, eyes fixed on the distant skyline. "Or maybe he did and just chose not to say anything."

Julian's hand found mine, warm and grounding. "You’re better off. I mean it, Izzy. You gave him everything, and he still walked away. People like that... they don’t deserve second chances."

I nodded, but it didn’t help the ache in my chest. The part of me that still remembered the good—his laugh, the way he used to kiss the tip of my nose, how he’d look at me like I was the only girl in the world—couldn’t quite let go. But I had to. Not just for me, but for Sophia.

"I’m here for you, always," Julian had said, his eyes soft. "You don’t need him. You have your daughter, your dream, and a bakery full of hope."

And now, here I was, surrounded by balloons and pastries and the low hum of customers trickling in. People chatted excitedly as they sampled treats and admired the cozy décor. I even spotted a local food blogger snapping pictures of our cookie display.

I smiled, welcoming a couple with their toddler and offering them a tray of mini cheesecakes. On the surface, I was calm, professional—every bit the businesswoman I've grown into. But inside, there was a storm.

Julian had been manning the espresso machine when he caught my eye and raised his brows. "You're doing great, Iz. Look at this crowd. This is only the beginning."

I nodded, managing a tight smile. I wanted to feel proud, and I did... but I also felt like I was performing. Like a version of me had to stay strong and composed while the woman inside was still reeling.

Sophia ran over with a chocolate-stained grin, her curls bouncing. "Mommy! I helped decorate the cookie table!"

"You did a perfect job, baby," I said, scooping her up for a quick hug. Her joy was a balm to the ache in my chest. Whatever happens next, I have her. She's my world.

The door chimed.

I turned automatically, prepared to welcome another guest with a practiced smile. The words caught in my throat.

Alex.

He stood there in a navy coat, the collar turned slightly against the breeze outside. His eyes scanned the room with curiosity before they landed on me. And this time, they lingered.

Julian stiffened beside me. "What the hell is he doing here?"

I couldn't answer. My feet were rooted to the floor. Alex stepped inside slowly, scanning the room. A lady dressed in a black pencil skirt, white shirt and black heels followed closely behind him.

I turned back toward the counter, suddenly feeling exposed. My hands trembled as I rearranged the trays of pastries that didn’t need rearranging.

Julian leaned in. "Do you want me to ask him to leave?"

"No," I whispered, even though every nerve in my body screamed that it was safer to keep a distance.

“He's technically my boss. Let's keep things professional.”

Alex approached the counter, his gaze still on me.

“Hi,” he said, voice low and hesitant.

“I believe we met at the gala. I'm Alexander Callahan, CEO Callahan Enterprises.” He extended his hand for a hand shake.

It felt like deja Vu.

Taking his hand for a firm handshake, I replied with a polite and professional tone. “Nice to meet you sir, I'm Isabella Hayes. Welcome to Safe Haven,”

I searched his face again for any sign of recognition but found none.

He looked around. “This place... it’s beautiful.

“Thank you.” I replied, trying not to let the storm in my mind show in my voice.

“Can I get you something?” I asked him.

He nodded once. “Sure. Whatever you recommend.”

I moved to serve him, Julian watching like a hawk, Sophia playing unaware in the corner. This was my life now.

I handed him a cupcake and his fingers brushed mine for a second too long. I felt a buzz the moment our skin made contact but didn't have time to dwell on the feeling as Julian immediately called for me from across the room.

*****

I was barely keeping it together.

Between greeting guests, checking on the pastries, and making sure Sophia didn’t dart into the kitchen again, my nerves were stretched thin. Smiles came easily enough—this was what I’d worked for. But beneath the surface, everything was buzzing. Not with excitement, but with a quiet kind of panic.

Alex was still here.

I hadn’t expected him to stay so long. I thought he’d do the formal congratulations bit and then leave for one of his many high-powered meetings. But hours passed, and each time I glanced up, he was still there—lingering like a ghost at the edge of my reality.

I couldn’t breathe right with him so close.

I was trying to focus on the bakery, Sophia, and the hundreds of tiny miracles that have brought me to this moment. But it was hard when the one man who had completely shattered me was standing in the middle of my dream, acting like he didn’t even know me.

And maybe he didn’t.

My throat tightened as I refilled the tray of berry danishes, forcing myself to smile at the woman complimenting the decor. “Thank you. We wanted it to feel warm… like home.”

She nodded approvingly, her mouth already full of croissants.

I glanced toward the corner where I’d last seen Sophia. My heart skipped.

She wasn’t there.

Panic hit me in a wave. I scanned the crowd until my eyes locked on her. And then my chest nearly caved in.

She was with him.

Alex knelt in front of her near the photo display wall. His head tilted as he listened to her talk—probably telling him some silly fact about her favorite cupcakes or how she helped me make the chocolate frosting. She was animated, bright-eyed, completely unaware of the storm rising in my chest.

And he was smiling softly at her, as if he knew her.

I moved before I could think. My steps were brisk, my heart hammering as I reached them.

“Sophia,” I said, more sharply than intended.

She turned to me, surprised. “Mommy! I was telling this man about the carrot cupcakes! He said he likes carrots too—”

“That’s enough, sweetheart,” I cut in gently, but firmly. I scooped her up in my arms before she could finish.

Alex straightened slowly, his gaze meeting mine.

Those eyes.

God.

They didn’t look cruel, or cold. They just looked… confused. Curious.

Like he was trying to piece something together but didn’t have all the parts.

I hugged Sophia close and turned away from him.

Julian was by the espresso machine, chatting with one of our vendors. He turned when he saw me, his smile faltering at my expression.

“Take her,” I said, handing Sophia off to him. “Keep her with you. Please.”

Julian nodded, his face hardening as he looked past me toward Alex.

I walked back to the counter and busied myself with arranging boxes, forcing deep, calming breaths. The day had to go on. This event wasn’t about Alex. It was about Safe Haven, and giving Sophia the life I promised her.

Still, I couldn’t stop trembling.

Around mid-afternoon, the crowd began to thin. That was when the lady who came with Alex approached me, holding a folder.

“Isabella Hayes?” she asked with a professional smile.

“Yes?”

“I’m Claire. I work with Mr. Callahan. He asked me to bring this over to you. It’s the initial contract proposal for the Callahan Grand Hotel partnership. As announced at the grand opening, your bakery will be our exclusive dessert supplier moving forward.”

I nodded once.

She handed me the folder. “It outlines the terms, quantities, delivery expectations. Take your time reviewing it. We’ll be happy to go over any details once you’re ready.”

I took the folder, dumbfounded. “I… I didn’t realize it was official.”

Claire gave a small smile. “It is. Congratulations.”

She walked off, leaving me holding the neatly bound contract like it weighed a thousand pounds.

A half hour later, most of the guests had left. The tables were mostly empty, the trays picked clean, and I finally allowed myself to exhale. Sophia was upstairs with Julian, napping in the tiny room I’d set up for her. The soft lull of closing time settled over the bakery like a warm blanket.

Then I felt him behind me.

I turned slowly.

Alex.

He stood just a few feet away, his hands tucked into the pockets of his navy coat. The light from the window hit his face just right, making him look both devastatingly handsome and… tired. Like he hadn’t slept in days.

“I just wanted to say congratulations,” he said, his voice softer than before. “Your bakery is incredible.”

I swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

“I hope the contract is good news.”

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

“Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He gave a small smile and walked out the door, Claire following behind.

And just like that, the space felt too quiet. Too still. Like he’d taken something with him.

I stood there long after the bell above the door stopped chiming, the contract folder clutched to my chest, and a thousand unspoken memories screaming inside me.

This was supposed to be a new beginning but, it felt like the past wasn’t done with me yet.