Page 8 of Falling for My Billionaire Fake Date

Well, Mr. City Boy, I don’t take crap from anyone, and you will not be an exception. The next time our paths cross, I’ll be sure to tell you exactly what I think of you.

I know of jerks and almost married one, I think bitterly. Jake is just another handsome man who feels the world owes him for being . . . handsome. And I will never let anyone put me down again. It took me a while to get here. I promised myself that never would I allow a man to make me feel small and helpless, as I had allowed my ex-boyfriend to do.

Feeling the need to do something, I decide to go to the pastry shop today and do some of the baking myself. Baking relaxes me. I try to stand up slowly to avoid jostling the cat into a rude awakening, literally. But he opens his eyes as soon as I slowly sit up. He glares at me, and I grin at him. Man, I love this cat!

In the sitting room, I switch on the television for some background noise and return for some food. I don’t feel like cooking, so I settle for a bowl of cereal. Actually, I don’t have the appetite to stomach something else anyway. Sitting on the top of the kitchen island, I slowly munch on my cereal.

Because it’s a Saturday, I decide to go for something comfortable. Blue jeans, with a grey long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of comfortable black sneakers fit the bill. A quick, hot shower with my fresh citrus body wash has such a calming effect. I throw on my clothes and the only things left are a quick brush through my hair, a swipe of mascara on my lashes, and some lip balm.

Powering up my newly juiced phone, I notice I have some texts from Ryan and Britt and an unknown caller. I have an inkling of what the texts might contain, so I just tuck it in the corner of my mind to check them later.

Stepping out, I feel the weather beginning to cool down. Soon, we’ll be seeing the spooky Halloween decorations and adorable little children trick or treating. Enjoying the cool breeze, I dig into my purse and bring out my hair bands so I can put my hair up. Yum, now I can feel the cool breeze caress my neck. It makes me smile to myself.

October means winter is just a few months away, and I’ve always enjoyed the cold, and even freezing, atmosphere—the smell that comes with it, dressing cozily, and my favorite pastime of winter: snuggling myself in a blanket, enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate, and reading an equally good book.

I already feel better after inhaling the crisp air. My mood is surprisingly uplifted. A K-Pop song comes on the radio, so I let it play, enjoying the happy beats. The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a warm golden glow on the mildly bustling streets. I roll down the windows, letting the gentle breeze brush against my face.

Heading towards my pastry shop, I’m ready to start my day. I had planned to bake some of the goodies to be artfully displacedin the showcase, but I didn’t quite make those earliest baker’s hours, so I left it to Ava—as usual, I must admit. She’s totally awesome in the kitchen and all the customers rave about the goods. When I tell her that, quite often, she actually blushes!

The town is coming to life as I approach the shop. I see the friendly faces of fellow shop owners, setting up their displays and preparing for the day ahead. I notice the toy shop opening already, and I spot a huge fake purple spider inside. The Halloween decorations will probably begin sooner than I thought.

As I near my shops, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked goodies wafts through the air. That familiarity is comforting.

I park my car around back behind the pastry shop to save front parking for customers. The charming outdoor seating area is still empty. By noon, the place will be filled with locals and visitors, sitting under the colorful umbrella tables, cozily indulging themselves in mouthwatering pastries and soaking up the town’s atmosphere on a Saturday.

The outside of my café next door is equally empty. It boasts its own inviting outdoor space. I have ensured there is comfortable seating and vibrant potted plants. It’s the imagery that was painted in my mind when I decided I wanted to own a café too. It’s the perfect spot to sip on a cup of coffee or enjoy a leisurely brunch. Just like the pastry shop, come noon, you see people engaged in lively conversations, playing board games, or simply just relishing the peaceful ambiance.

Together with my bar across the street, these three create a perfect trio, earning the area the nickname ofTheDynamic Trio.

As I expected, when I step into the pastry shop, I’m hit with the aroma of freshly baked goods. Ava, my baker extraordinaire, is carefully and artistically arranging some of her baked treats into the display case. We keep the shelves full to the brim to make mouths water all day long.

The shop walls are painted in pastel shades of baby blue, pale pink, and lavender, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Glass jars filled with colorful candies and sprinkles add a touch of warmth to the counter. I love the cozy seating areas scattered throughout the shop, with plush cushions and comfortable chairs. I make sure to keep fresh flowers in small bud vases on each table.

“Good morning, Aurora. Hope you had a good night’s rest.”

“Thanks, Ava! And how are you doing? You started early, and I’m sorry I didn’t make it in to help.” I check the pancake-shaped wall clock hanging above the counter. It reads 8:15. She must have come in really early for so many treats to be ready by this time.

“Yeah. Just finished my exams, and I guess no more late-night reads are helping me get up and at ‘em. Do you want a muffin? I could text Liam to bring over a cup of coffee from next door.”

“I’d appreciate it very much Ava.” She has always been so sweet. She works hard for her mom and her little sister, and she is putting herself through the town’s college. I try to pay her extra for whatever she does, but she doesn’t like accepting it.

Either way, I’m sure to pack some pastries and actual food for her to take to her mom. And anytime she tries to argue, I tell her it’s for her mom and her little sister. She smiles and shakes herhead, gratitude shining in her eyes. I know the sleepless night is just an excuse.

Coming in here early even before work hours is her way of saying thanks for the princess-themed cake I baked for her sister’s birthday last Saturday. My phone chimes and I unlock it to see it’s another text from Britt. She says she’ll be dropping by my bakery after her morning jog. Yup!

She knows me well enough to know I’ll be here this early, especially because of yesterday’s incident. The time on my phone reads 8:25. She’ll be here any moment now.

“Could you text Liam to bring me an extra cup of coffee, please?” Ava nods and asks if she should also bring muffins for two. I nod yes and smile my thanks, heading to my office. I have an inkling about what Britt’s meeting will entail, and for the first time ever, I’m not looking forward to her presence.

Chapter eight

Jake – My Sister’s Surprise

I love hearing from my little sister. I wonder what fantastical news she has this time. I love her spirit and she always makes me happy.

“I’m getting married, Jake! Ethan finally proposed! Your baby sis is getting hitched!” Smiling widely at the news, I’m happy and excited for my little sister. Bella is such a sweet soul, and she deserves to be happy. She’s your typically bubbly princess.

No matter how dire the situation is, Bella will face it with a smile on her face, even when she was being bullied in middle school. I was out for blood when I found out, but my little sister had smiled her way through the pain, baking cookies to give to her bullies.

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