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In a world of sugar and spice, a deadly game of survival unfolds. Alexia Mickelson, a young chef, is trapped in a loveless marriage arranged by her uncle and the Normans with Michael Normans, a multi billionaire businessman whose heart was shattered by his ex, Natasha Dunlop, a famous singer. But when a shocking truth reveals a web of lies and deceit, Alexia must fight for her life and her love. As Michael's past and present collide, he must confront the darkness that has haunted him since Natasha's betrayal. With twists and turns that will leave you breathless, this tale of love, lies, and survival will keep you guessing until the very end. Can Alexia and Michael overcome the secrets and deceit that threaten to tear them apart, or will their love become the ultimate casualty?
Chapter 1 The Bakery
Alexia Mickelson's hands moved deftly as she piped a border of rich, velvety chocolate ganache onto the wedding cake. The sweet aroma of sugar and butter filled the air, transporting her to a world of comfort and familiarity. Her uncle, Joel, had taken over the family bakery, Mickelson's Sweet Treats, after her mother's illness, and Alexia had thrown herself into the work, trying to escape the worry and fear that gnawed at her heart.
As she worked, the soft hum of the mixers and the gentle chatter of the customers in the front of the bakery created a soothing background noise. But Alexia's mind wandered to her mother, who had been bedridden for months, her body weak and frail from the relentless onslaught of chronic kidney disease. The medical bills were piling up, and Alexia felt helpless, trapped in a never-ending cycle of worry and fear.
She thought back to the day her mother had fallen ill, the day her world had been turned upside down. That hot summer, her mum had collapsed right on the spot where she stood, she remembered screaming for help at the top of her voice.
She remembered the hospital visits, the endless tests, the diagnosis that had changed everything. She remembered the pain, the fear, the uncertainty.
Alexia could feel her head pounding so hard, she struggled to gain balance even though she was feeling a steady recurring lightheadedness, but she was always fond of finishing her work before taking a rest.
Just as she finished the cake, her uncle burst into the kitchen, his face etched with worry lines. "Alexia, we need to talk."
Alexia's heart sank, her instincts screaming warning. She knew that look all too well. It meant trouble.
"What is it, Uncle Joel? Is everything okay? You look so worried." she asked, wiping her hands on her apron, the fabric worn and faded from years of use.
"Nothing is okay, Alexia! Nothing at all" Joel replied hesitantly.
Alexia swallowed hard and fast "Uncle Joel, is my mum okay? Tell me what exactly is wrong."
"Nothing new about your mum for now Alexia" Joel replied immediately forcing a smile.
Alexia sighs in relief, her hands placed firmly in her chest area "Then what wrong Uncle?" She knew a lot was wrong but nothing could be more wrong than losing her mum.
"It's about the bakery," Joel said, his voice low and serious. "We're struggling, we are really struggling, Alexia. The medical bills for your mother's treatment are piling up, debtors are on our necks and our business is failing!! we can't keep up, Alexia we can't." Frustration filled his face.
Alexia felt a pang of guilt, her mind racing with thoughts of her mother, of the bakery, of the future. She had always dreamed of attending culinary school, of making a name for herself in the culinary world. But her family's financial woes had made it impossible.
As she stood there, frozen in uncertainty, the phone in the office rang loudly. Alexia's uncle nodded, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "I'll handle it. You finish up here."
And with that, he was gone, leaving Alexia alone with her thoughts, her fears, and her doubts.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She had to think, had to come up with a plan. But as she stood there, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of the bakery, she felt a sense of unease, a sense of uncertainty.
What would happen to the bakery? To her mother? To her? To everything?
She didn't have the answers, but she knew one thing she had to keep fighting, no matter what.
Her mum had always taught her to fight and be strong, no matter what she faced.
Tears rolled down her eyes, she did her best to prevent it but her heart was too heavy, the bank were after them, her mum was dying each day cause they just couldn't keep up with the dialysis, her dreams of becoming a professional chef was going down the drain.
She wiped her tears "Oh God why me, this is just too much please" her soft voice trembled.
Just as she was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the doorbell above the bakery door jingled, signaling a customer. She adjust herself properly as the front door swung open and a stranger walked in. He was tall and well in his mid fifties, with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile.
"Good day sir, you are welcome to Mickelson's sweet treats how may I help you?" Alexia asked, trying to hide her surprise.
The man looked so furnished, she could see men in black outside beside a huge car, she couldn't even guess the name of the car. She wondered what such a man had come to do in her store.
"I'm looking for Joel Mickelson," the stranger replied, his voice smooth as silk.
Alexia's heart skipped a beat. "He's busy with a customer. Can I take a message?" She hoped it wasn't one of their debtors, it was no surprise that debtors swings into their store every now and then.
The stranger's eyes locked onto hers, and Alexia felt a shiver run down her spine. "Tell him Adrien Norman is here to see him. It's about the bakery." His voice stern
She could tell something was off, she stared at him in confusion.
And with that, he turned and walked out, leaving Alexia with more questions than answers.
What did Adrien Norman want with her uncle? And what did it have to do with the bakery?
Alexia's mind was racing with possibilities when her uncle burst back into the kitchen, his face white as a ghost.
"Alexia, we need to talk. Now." His breath was heavy.
Alexia steps back a bit from her Uncle "Uncle Joel what the heck is going on?"
But before he could say another word, the phone rang, shrill and insistent.
Alexia's heart was racing as she picked it up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mickelson's Sweet Treats, how may I help you please."
The voice on the other end was low and mysterious. "Alexia Mickelson, your life is about to change forever."
Alexia gasped, her skin filled with goosebumps
And with that, the line went dead.
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