Chapter 41
BLAIRE
Six years later…
“Blaire, where do you want me to put this sack of flour? Ethan asked as he entered my shop, effortlessly carrying a new supply of flour on his shoulder. I had been running a bit short-staffed, so I had requested Ethan’s help to replenish our stock from the market. The dessert shop had gained popularity within the neighborhood.
In the wake of the divorce, I redirected all my time and energy into making my small. dessert shop a thriving success. It became my sole source of income after I made the conscious decision to refuse any assistance from Sebastian post-separation. I yearned for a fresh start, detached from the pain of my past, and my shop provided the canvas for this new chapter in my life. The enticing aroma of freshly baked goods and the sweet symphony of bustling customers now filled the space that once echoed with the remnants of a broken marriage.
I went back to Hawaii and continued my business here after I left lan’s house. It
I didn’t matter if Sebastian already knew where I was, for I am sure that he had no plans to visit me here. Our chapter was already close. It’s been years since then, and I was thankful that I didn’t see any sign of Sebastian since then. He probably moved on with his life with Catherine.
“Thanks, Ethan. Just place it near the storage area,” I replied, wiping my hands on t apron. Ethan nodded and carefully moved towards the designated spot.
my
“You’ve really turned this place around, Blaire. The customers love it,” he remarked, glancing around the shop with admiration.
“I appreciate your help, Ethan. It’s been a journey, but I’m glad to see the shop thriving,” I replied with a grateful smile.
He leaned against the counter. “So, any plans for the upcoming weekend? You’ve been all work and no play lately.”
I chuckled. “Well, I can’t. If I don’t work, Blaze and I will starve. Besides, we have a pile of hospital bills to pay. Blaze condition is quite expensive,” I answered..
My son was born with a congenital heart disease. He developed a hole in his heart, and we’ve been managing his symptoms since birth. The doctor says that he might be in need of a heart transplant sooner or later. The procedure was quite expensive, but I’m doing everything in my power to give my son the life he deserves.
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“Have you thought about my suggestion?” he asked.
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Chapter 41
I stopped organizing the display cupcake upon hearing what Ethan said. I looked at him with a stern look as I put my hand on my waist. “Don’t even think about saying it again, Ethan. You’re a good friend of mine, and I love you. But don’t even try. I don’t care if he’s the richest man in the world
I will never ask for his help. I can take care of my
child alone.” I said.
He quickly raises both of his hands as a sign of defcat. “I was just suggesting. It will be much easier for you and Blaze if you’ll ask for his help. Look how thin you are. You’ve been neglecting yourself, Blaire,” he said.
I let out a loud sigh. “I’m fine, Ethan. And I’m not changing my decision. I can take care of Blaze without his life. We don’t need him.”
“Then how about the offer of a dessert supplier for this newly opened hotel in New York? We could put up a small shop there to accommodate them,” he said.
Ethan’s words lingered in the air, tempting me with the prospect of expansion. I weighed the possibilities, contemplating the idea of venturing beyond the familiar boundaries of my local shop. I’ve received an offer from a newly built hotel in New York. But my hesitation doesn’t come from whether I would be able to handle such a huge opportunity, but from the fact that New York is where my past is. I don’t want to risk bumping into them.
“It’s a tempting offer, Ethan, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to let go of this place. Besides, the shop can still cover all our expenses. I don’t think accepting another client would be suitable at this moment.”

He leaned against the counter, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I get it, Blaire. But think about it. It could be a great opportunity, not just for the business but for you and Blaze too.
I considered his words, the vision of a broader h or izon mingling with my sense of caution. The future held uncertainties, but perhaps embracing new possibilities was the key to unlocking a chapter of my life that transcended the shadows of the past.
The bustling sounds of the dessert shop provided a comforting backdrop as I continued to ponder Ethan’s proposition. It was undeniable that the prospect of growth and success was enticing, yet a part of me hesitated, tethered to the memories of a life that once promised happiness.
Blaze, my energetic and cheerful son, ran into the shop, his eyes lighting up as he spotted me. “Mom! Guess what? I made a new friend at school today!”
A genuine smile crept across my face as Blaze shared his day, momentarily diverting my thoughts from the weighty decisions that loomed over me. The joy in his voice was a reminder of the simplicity and beauty that life could hold.
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Chapter 41
“You did?” I responded with glee.
“Yes, mom! They have all been
od to me. I like going to school, mom!” he continued. Due to Blaze’s condition, I opted not to send him to regular school. But Blaze practically begs me to send him to school, just like all the kids in our neighborhood. He has been jealous of them whenever he sees him walking right past our shop with their school bags and uniforms.
Despite my hesitation, I decided to give it a shot. And I think it’s the right decision, seeing how he was happy coming home from school.
“I’m glad you liked it,” I said.
“Thank you, mom,” he said before wrapping his tiny arms around my waist as he gave me a tight hug.
I embraced Blaze, his joy radiating through the small but meaningful moments. The
decision to let him experience the simple joys of school, despite, &
proved to be a source of happiness for both of us.
health challenges,
“Blaire, there’s a customer at the counter asking about our special chocolate cake. Should I go ahead and serve them?” Ethan called from the front of the shop.
I gently disengaged from Blaze’s hug, ruffling his hair with a smile. “Sure, Ethan. Tell them it’s our pleasure to serve them our special chocolate cake.”
Blaze’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Can I help, Mom?”
I chuckled, appreciating his eagerness. “Of course you can, my little helper. Let’s make sure our customer leaves with a smile.”
As Blaze and I approached the counter, I noticed a familiar face among the customers: Alexander. He was browsing through the display of pastries with genuine interest. I wasn’t expecting to see him here.
“Alexander?” I called him, trying to sound casual despite the unexpected encounter.
He looked up, a warm smile crossing his face. “I heard this place has the best desserts in town. I thought I’d give it a try. But I wasn’t expecting to see you here, Blaire. How are you?”
Blaze, being the curious boy he was, chimed in, “Mom makes the best desserts ever!”
Alexander chuckled. He then leaned closer to Blaze before he spoke again. “Is he your son?” he asked curiously.
I gently pulled Blaze closer to my side as I answered, “Yes.”
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Alexander’s eyes softened as he looked at Blaze. “He’s a remarkable kid. You must be a proud mom.”
I nodded, a mix of pride and gratitude filling me. “He’s my world.”
Blaze, sensing the attention, beamed up at Alexander. “Are you going to buy our cake?”
Alexander laughed. “Well, I’ll have to try those.”
As Alexander and Blaze continued their friendly banter. I couldn’t shake off the nagging thought about the alternate path our lives could have taken if Sebastian had been a part of Blaze’s life. Before it gets any further, I quickly shake off the unwanted thoughts in my head. Sebastian already has a life of his own, and so will I.
After talking to Alexander, he then turned to me. “So, I’m guessing Sebastian was not in the picture?” he said once Blaze turned his attention to another customer.
“Yeah,” I vaguely answered.
“Does he know?” he asked.
“He doesn’t need to know. There’s no point in telling him when he was so convinced that I slept with you that night,” I chuckled, acting as if that past was nothing but a casual encounter.
Alexander’s expression shifted, revealing a mix of curiosity and concern. “That’s a complicated situation. Have you thought about telling him the truth?”
I sighed, contemplating the complexities of unraveling the past. “Some truths are better left unsaid. Besides, our paths have diverged, and I’m focused on building a new chapter for Blaze and me.”
He nodded understandingly, acknowledging the intricacies of my chosen path. Little did he know, beneath the facade of casual conversation, lay the layers of a story marked by heartbreak and resilience.
“Well, it’s nice meeting you again, Blaire. I hope everything turns out well for you and your kid,” he said before bidding goodbye.
I forced a smile on my face as I watched Alexander leave my shop. I have a bad feeling about our encounter today. It feels like my world is starting to get smaller and smaller. I’m scared that it won’t be long before our paths meet again.
As I tried to put what happened today behind me, I was startled when I heard a commotion coming from the corner of the shop. My eyes automatically search for Blaze. And when I didn’t find him behind the counter, my heart ski pped a beat. I uickly ran to check what the commotion was about. With each step, I was praying that
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Chapter 41
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