Tantalizing Cupcakes

IVORY

As I stepped into the brand new bakery, I was greeted by a charming and cozy atmosphere. The walls were painted in a soft pastel color scheme, creating a warm and inviting space. Hanging from the ceiling were delicate pendant lights that casted a soft glow throughout the room, adding a touch of elegance to the decor.

The bakery featured rustic wooden tables and chairs, accented with plush cushions in floral patterns. Each table was adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers, adding a pop of color and a touch of nature to the setting. The countertops were made of sleek marble, providing a clean and polished look to the space.

The centerpiece of the bakery was a large display case filled with an array of mouthwatering pastries, breads, and cakes. The pastries were artfully arranged on tiered stands, showcasing their beauty and tempting customers to indulge. The aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, creating a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

The walls were adorned with vintage inspired artwork and decorative signs, evoking a sense of familiarity and whimsy. A chalkboard menu hung above the counter, listing the day's offerings in beautiful calligraphy. The shelves are filled with jars of colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, and other baking ingredients, adding a touch of fancy to the decor.

Overall, the decor of this new bakery is a perfect blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, creating a welcoming and inviting space for customers to enjoy delicious treats and cozy up with a cup of coffee.

I looked at Ava, her face beaming with a wide grin. I took long strides towards her and gave her a big hug. I'm so proud of her. At least, she utilized the money very well. 

"This place is exquisite. I'm so proud of you, Ava. At least, I know that getting married to that perfect douchebag wasn't in vain," I said, disengaging from the hug.

She playfully glared at me and let out a laugh. "Don't call him that. You don't know if he'd turn out to be the love of your life tomorrow. So, tell me, how have you been getting along with him?" she asked, dragging me to a table that was surrounded by four chairs. We sat on two of the chairs, sitting opposite each other.

"Well, the past two weeks have been peaceful. He's rarely at home, it can be boring sometimes but I'll find things to keep myself busy." I relaxed against the chair and stared directly at Ava.

Truly, the past two weeks have been really peaceful and boring at the same time. Alexander was rarely home, he would leave early in the morning and come back home in the night when I've already gone to bed. Even the days he was at home, he'd stay in his room or his office all day. The only way I'd know he's around would be when I see Claire taking a tray of food to either his room or his office. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was avoiding me. 

I've literally kept myself busy with either reading the endless books in the library, basking myself with the nice scented flowers in the garden or spending the whole day in the confines of my room. The days when I'd want to go out, I'd have flocks of bodyguards following me about. I don't like it one bit. I've told Alexander severally that I don't need bodyguards following me around, but he'd say it's for my protection.

To hell with their protection, I can protect myself properly. Today, I managed to maneuver my way out. I discreetly left the house without any of them noticing. 

My eyes travelled to the display case, I gulped down when my eyes caught the mouthwatering cupcakes. I looked at Ava with my best puppy eyes and she glared at me. 

"Fine!," she grimaced and begrudgingly walked to the display case. She brought two cup cakes for me and I smiled thankfully at her.

She went back to sit down as I dug into the tantalizing cupcakes. 

"You know you'd pay for that, right? You're the wife of a billionaire, a few dollars wouldn't mean anything to you," she said with a smug smile. 

I looked up at her and raised my brows in amusement. "The wife of a billionaire that is poor. I'm jobless, Ava, don't you get that?"

"Yeah, right. You're jobless but you earn a weekly income without breaking a sweat."

I smiled with a scoff. "I'm getting paid for putting up with his arrogant ass." Ava nodded with a small laugh.

"You're pathetic, baby. All you have to do is leave so I can get in." She grinned widely and wiggled her eyebrows. I threw her the empty plastic cup beside me and she gracefully caught it, laughing hilariously at me.

"As if you can live with a mafia or put up with being surrounded by mafias," I scoffed, stuffing my mouth with the last cupcake.

Ava wanted to laugh but it seems my words clicked in her head, because her face contorted into a frown before it mirrored confusion.

"Ma...mafia what? What are you trying to say? Is Alexander a mafia?" She whispered lowly. It's as if she doesn't want anyone else to hear her, but no other soul was in here except for the two of us. She hasn't officially opened the bakery yet. She said she'd do it tomorrow.

"Yep. He's the mafia prince, his dad, the mafia king, his mother, the mafia queen. I got involved with mafias, Ava. How unlucky I can be." I sighed exasperatingly.

"Mafia! Perfect, Ivory, perfect!" I stared at her as though she'd gone mad. She stood up and came to my side. She grabbed my hand and shook me slightly. "You're married to a mafia billionaire. Awwww, how does it feel living my dream, baby?" She sighed dreamily and smiled widely.

"Are you sure you're okay, Ava? We're talking about mafias here. They're dangerous and they're capable of many bad things."

"Oh pleeeeease." She uttered with a wave of her hand. "That's just your theory. All mafias aren't bad. I mean, from what I've seen, Alexander and his family wouldn't hurt you. Would they?"

"They won't, but they can hurt other people." Ava rolled her eyes and went back to sit down.

"If you want to back out, baby, do it fast, because I want to back in." A chuckle escaped my lips, then it slowly turned into a mirthful but stilted giggle. Now, it has transformed into a full-fledged chortle.

"I swear, I love you, Ava," I said, cleaning off the little tears that had appeared at the corners of my eyes because of the laugh.

"I love you too baby." She smiled and blew me a kiss which I caught with my right hand and placed the hand on my heart. Ava flashed me a grin before feigning a shy smile.

The cool afternoon breeze soothed my face as soon as I stepped out of the door of Ava's bakery. 

I turned to her with a smile which she returned. I hugged her briefly before pulling away. She handed me packaged cupcakes and my smile widened.

"Thank you so much, Ava."

"You're welcome, baby. Call me when you get home." I nodded before I turned and left.

I was a distance away from Ava's bakery, since I decided to walk to the main road which was still a distance away. I got to a secluded alleyway, there was no other person here except me. It was too quiet for my liking, someone could get killed here and no one would know.

Oh gosh, get a grip of yourself, Ivory. You watch too much crime movies.

I continued walking, eager to leave the alley as fast as I can, when I noticed a dark figure following me. I turned around to see a man dressed in black top and jeans, with a black face cap that covered his face. I abruptly stopped and the man stopped too. I warily turned around, my heart beating frantically against my chest. I continued walking, this time, in a fast pace. I discreetly stared behind me to see that the man was still following me. 

Out of instinct, I broke out into a run. I ran desperately, as if my life depended on it. Well, it does depend on it now. The man broke into a run too, aiming to grab me from behind. 

I stumbled forward and my body kissed the ground. I mumbled incoherent words while moving backwards with my hands. The man was now standing in front of me with a sinister smile, the scar beneath eyes widening. 

Oh, Lord, please save me!

I screamed and covered my face when he reached out to grab me. 

A second passed and I didn't feel anything. I slowly peeked out and my eyes widened in surprise. The man was spurled on the ground, passed out.

How...?

I noticed a slight movement and I sharply turned to look at the person who saved me.

Alexander??!