Chapter 12
590 Words
Here is Chapter Twelve, where the romance faces its first real test—with the shocking return of Albert’s ex:
---
Chapter Twelve: The Storm at the Door
The week that followed their kiss was a quiet kind of bliss.
Albert began visiting Sweet Whiskers more often—not just to bake (though he was improving), but to be near Kristian. They weren’t putting labels on anything yet, but the closeness had shifted. There were shared glances. Subtle touches. Gentle, lingering smiles.
For the first time in years, Albert felt like he was allowed to breathe.
But peace has a way of being tested.
---
It was a Friday morning when she walked in.
Tall. Stunning. Impeccably dressed in a designer coat and blood-red lipstick.
Kristian glanced up from the display case just as the woman stepped through the bakery door. She moved like she owned the room—and perhaps, in another life, she had.
“I’m looking for Albert Grayson,” she said to Kristian, her voice smooth, laced with quiet confidence.
Kristian blinked. “He’s not here right now. Can I help—?”
“I’m Alexandra,” the woman cut in. “His ex-fiancée.”
Kristian’s heart dropped.
Before she could respond, the bell above the door chimed again—and Albert stepped inside.
He froze when he saw her. “Alexandra?”
She turned to him with a practiced smile. “Hello, darling. We need to talk.”
Kristian stepped back instinctively, unsure whether to stay or give them privacy.
Albert looked between the two women, tension stiffening his jaw. “What are you doing here?”
“I didn’t come to start drama,” Alexandra said smoothly. “I came because I thought you deserved to know. I’m pregnant.”
Kristian felt the air punch out of her lungs.
Albert stared at her, stunned. “That’s not possible. We ended... months ago.”
“Well,” Alexandra said, pulling a sleek envelope from her bag, “things aren’t always so clean, Albert. We had one last night. You remember.”
He took the envelope with a shaking hand, scanning the medical report inside.
Kristian backed away slowly, her heart slamming in her chest. “I—I need to check on something in the kitchen.”
She turned and walked away before either of them could stop her.
---
In the back room, her hands trembled as she clutched the counter.
She wasn’t even sure what hurt more—the fact that Alexandra existed at all, or that Albert hadn’t told her. Or worse... that this might be real.
Was she foolish for letting herself fall so fast?
So easily?
So deeply?
---
Back in the front room, Albert’s voice was low and sharp. “You could’ve called.”
“I wanted you to see my face when I told you,” Alexandra replied coolly. “I made a mistake walking away. But maybe this is fate’s way of bringing us back together.”
Albert stared at her, the storm rising in his eyes. “Don’t play games with my life. Or hers.”
Alexandra’s gaze darkened. “Oh. So she’s the reason. The bakery girl.”
“I’m in love with her,” he said without hesitation.
Alexandra’s expression flickered, but she covered it with a forced smile. “Well then. I suppose this just got complicated.”
---
Would you like Chapter Thirteen to focus on Kristian’s reaction—and whether she pulls away or chooses to fight for their love?
- Writer
