Chapter 2

2.

The next morning, I arrived at the bakery early.

Regardless of how messy my personal life was, my work remained my priority.

In the past, I spent too much time catering to Sasha, often arriving late to the studio, which made me feel guilty.

My early arrival surprised my business partner, Selena James.

As the pastries came out of the oven, she stopped me.

"Silas, our studio received an invitation to the International Baking Championship in Paris. I wanted to see if you were interested."

"I've always believed in your talent, I just worried that you..."

Before she could finish, I nodded immediately. "Thank you, Selena. I'll make the most of this opportunity."

"What?"

Selena looked like she had misheard me. She didn't expect such a quick answer and whispered:

"I saw you throw away that heart-shaped cake last night. Did you and your wife have a fight?"

I gave her a bitter smile and shook my head.

"She once told me that a man who only knows how to bake is a second-class citizen."

Sasha never argued with me. She always looked at me with a patronizing gaze, as if I were just a petulant child.

My phone rang. It was Sasha.

Her voice was as gentle as ever, but I could hear the underlying irritation.

"Silas, are you busy today? Why did you leave without making me breakfast?"

She then reminded me, "Yesterday was our anniversary. I have a gift for you."

I asked what it was. She said there was a small box in my suit pocket containing a brooch.

I heard her rustling through things, muttering to herself, "That's weird. I can't find it."

Then, as if she remembered something, she said flatly:

"I probably left it in the car. I'll buy you another one."

It was absurd.

In the social media photo from yesterday, Leo had a brooch pinned to his chest.

Must even my anniversary gift be a hand-me-down from him?

I said tonelessly, "Don't bother. I forgot to buy you a gift too."

"Silas... are you mad? I really did buy you a gift."

"I hear you."

I chose to be a mindless echo.

"If that's all, I'm hanging up. The studio is busy."