They say crying is the only way to heal as you get rid of the pain inside. In Ethan's case, he preferred to numb the pain with darkness. He made sure all the lights were switched off to enjoy his first night back in his penthouse apartment with a new heart. The familiar scent of leather and expensive cologne filled the air, a comforting reminder of his old life.
As he closed his eyes, he couldn't help but feel the acheness in his chest, a dull throb that mirrored the emptiness he felt inside. His new heart beat fast, a steady rhythm that echoed in the silence of the room. He tried to relax, to let the darkness engulf him, but sleep eluded him.
Instead, his mind conjured up images of a woman he didn't recognize. Her lips, full and inviting, curved into a gentle smile. Her eyes, a deep pool of emotion, sparkled with warmth and kindness. Her eyebrows, perfectly arched, framed her face like a work of art. It was the first time he had ever dreamed of a woman, and the intensity of the experience left him shaken.
He tossed and turned, the silk sheets rustling beneath him, unable to shake the image of the unknown woman from his mind. Was it Sophia? Had his heart finally opened up to love? The thought was both exciting and terrifying, a foreign emotion that he couldn't quite comprehend.
Losing his parents at such a young age had affected Ethan more than he would ever admit. He had lost a sense of unconditional love, his environment filled with vultures eager to snatch his empire from his grasp. He had been forced to keep his guard up at all times, his heart locked away in a fortress of ice.
While his secretary was dealing with the financial fraudster, Ethan was taking Sophia out for cake tasting. It wasn't even a wedding yet, but they were already testing cakes for her birthday. She was turning 26, and it would be the night she officially became engaged to Ethan. It was clear that this was a momentous occasion, a carefully orchestrated performance for both of them.
They arrived at Madam Rose's bakery, their hands brushing against each other as they walked. They exuded an air of affection, a picture-perfect couple, but only the heavens knew that one of them was acting.
"Please sit down, and I will bring all the samples," Mrs Rose said warmly, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"Thanks," Ethan replied, his voice smooth and polite. He pulled out a chair for Sophia, a practiced gesture of chivalry.
They settled at a cozy table, their anticipation growing as the fancy cake samples were lined up before them. Each cake was a miniature work of art, adorned with delicate sugar flowers, intricate icing patterns, and glistening fruit toppings.
Ethan, ever the connoisseur, examined each cake with a critical eye, taking in the intricate details and the tempting aromas. Sophia, on the other hand, seemed less interested in the aesthetics and more focused on the flavors. She sampled each cake with a childlike enthusiasm, her eyes lighting up with delight as she savored the different combinations of textures and tastes.
"This one is delicious!" she exclaimed, pointing to a delicate lavender-infused cake with lemon curd filling. "The flavors are so delicate and refreshing."
Ethan nodded in agreement, taking a small bite. "It's good," he said, his tone measured. "But I think I prefer the chocolate hazelnut one." He gestured towards a rich, decadent cake with a ganache glaze and a scattering of hazelnuts on top.
Sophia giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Of course you do," she said. "You always go for the richest, most indulgent option."
Ethan smirked, taking another bite of the chocolate cake. "I have expensive tastes," he said, a touch of arrogance in his voice. "But you're worth it."
Expensive taste or less sweet you saw mister Blackwood.
Sophia blushed, her heart fluttering at his words. Despite his rough edges, there was something undeniably alluring about Ethan. He was a man who knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. And right now, it seemed like he wanted her.
Meanwhile, in the back of the bakery, Mia was meticulously frosting a batch of cupcakes. Her hands moved with a practiced ease, the rhythmic motion a soothing balm for her aching heart. She glanced up as Mrs Rose approached, a worried frown on her face.
"Mia, dear," Mrs Rose began, her voice filled with concern, "are you sure you're up for this? You look exhausted."
Mia forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her weariness. "I'm fine, Mrs Rose," she lied. "Just a little tired."
Mrs Rose hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Alright, dear. But promise me you'll take a break if you need it."
Mia nodded, her mind already drifting back to the task at hand. She needed to focus on her work, to lose herself in the familiar routine of baking. It was the only way she could keep the overwhelming grief at bay, the only way she could feel close to her brother again.
Mia walked toward their table, balancing a tray of cupcakes, her heart heavy with the recent loss of her brother. As she approached Ethan and Sophia, her eyes met Ethan's, and she noticed his gaze lingering on her lips. Ethan's heart began to race, a sensation that felt both foreign and familiar. He fixated his stare, as if drinking in the sight of her was the only cure for the sudden heat that surged through him.
A shiver ran down Mia's spine under his intense scrutiny. She quickly averted her eyes, focusing on Sophia instead.
"Greetings" Mia said, her voice soft and hesitant. "Would you like to try some of our cupcakes?"
Ethan's voice was sharp and dismissive. "We're not interested," he snapped, his gaze still fixed on Mia.
He needed her to leave, to break the strange spell that seemed to have fallen over him.
Mia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger. "I'm sorry for doing my job," she retorted, her voice barely a whisper.
Suddenly, recognition flickered in her eyes. This was the man from the elevator, the one who had been so callous about her brother's death. His meanness now made a chilling kind of sense.
Sophia, oblivious to the tension between them, turned to Ethan with a puzzled look. "Ethan, I thought you liked cupcakes."
Ethan cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "I do, my love," he said, his voice softening slightly. "I just don't like the ones that look like they were made by interns."
Sophia, ever the peacemaker, interjected with a gentle smile. "Actually, they look delicious. Let's try them."
Ethan shrugged, feigning indifference. "If you say so," he conceded. "I'm only doing this for you."
Mia placed two cupcakes on the table, her hands trembling slightly. She retreated to the back of the bakery, her mind swirling with a mix of confusion, anger, and a strange sense of déjà vu.
As soon as she was gone, Ethan felt his heartbeat return to normal. He looked down at the cupcake before him, his appetite suddenly gone. He was used to being in control, to having others bend to his will. This sudden loss of composure was unsettling, even frightening. He couldn't accept it, couldn't allow himself to be vulnerable to this woman he barely knew. He masked his turmoil with a cold facade, but deep down, he knew that something had shifted within him, something he couldn't control.