Lara stood behind the counter at Sweet Haven, the bakery buzzing with a small crowd of teens snapping photos of their cookies for the "Fake Date Bake" challenge. The viral campaign had taken off—teens loved the idea, giggling as they paired up, their laughter filling the shop, the smell of chocolate chip cookies in the air. Lara's hazel eyes sparkled, her curly brown hair tied back, her pink apron dusted with flour. Ethan worked the crowd, his green eyes bright, his black hair messy, his camera snapping pics for their social media, his laugh making her heart flutter.
But Claire's offer from the night before (Chapter 16) hung over them like a storm cloud. Ethan had rejected it, but Claire hadn't left—she'd stayed, mingling with the teens, her red coat a stark contrast to the pastel decor, her blue eyes calculating. "Your little challenge is cute," she told Lara, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "I've got connections—I can make this place famous. Say the word, and I'll bring in customers."
Lara's stomach twisted, her voice sharp. "We don't trust you, Claire. You sabotaged us before (Chapter 13)—why would we believe you now?"
Claire's smirk widened, her gaze flicking to Ethan. "Because I want him back. I'll help the bakery—if Ethan gives us another chance."
Ethan stepped in, his arm around Lara, his voice firm. "I'm with Lara, Claire. I love her—not you. We'll save the bakery on our own." The teens nearby gasped, whispering, their phones out, the drama unfolding live on social media, boosting the bakery's buzz but also the tension.
Claire shrugged, her departure drawing more customers—her influence, however toxic, worked, and the day's sales soared, giving Sweet Haven a fighting chance. Lara and Ethan shared a quiet moment in the kitchen, her hands on his chest, his green eyes soft. "You chose me," she whispered, kissing him softly, their love stronger than ever.
But as the event ended, a new threat arrived—a slick man in a suit, a rival baker named Victor, who'd been eyeing Sweet Haven's location for months. "I'll buy this place," he said, his voice cold, his offer double what Ms. Harper proposed. "Take the money and walk away, or I'll outbid you into the ground."
Lara's heart pounded, her dream slipping through her fingers again, Ethan's hand in hers the only thing keeping her steady as Victor's offer loomed.
To be continued…