"IT HURTS WHEN YOU'RE BEING IGNORED BY THE PERSON WHOSE ATTENTION IS THE ONLY THING YOU WANT IN THE WORLD."

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Tiara

Today's event still fresh in mind, I tried pushing my day hard. But no matter how I distract myself, so that I don't recall my encounter with Kenneth this morning. His face keeps coming back when I blink, not letting me concentrate anywhere. I wish I can just go home and sleep it over. There is nothing a good sleep can't fix but I'm afraid, if I go home now, I might find Kenneth waiting for me at my doorsteps or worse...in my bedroom. He's a Dragon. The strongest of the supernaturals. It's not a big deal for him to push a weak Helen aside and make himself at home untill I'm back.

I groaned, with the possibilities. How should I get rid of him? If I didn't own this Bakery, I would have fled somewhere for few years but, that possibility is out of the picture anyway. I don't know how to avoid his advances. Then a thought hit me. Why should I be the one running away like I'm the guilty one? No, if he's determined enough to face me even after his betrayal to me, I would stand my ground to fight him back too. That's is. It's final then. I'll not let him effect me anymore. Enough is enough. I'm not a coward.

With that thought in mind, I welcomed my next customer with a smiling face. Time passed and it was almost the closing time. We had as many customers as yesterday. I was happy the business was going good. We had the 3rd batch of  cookies and pastries put on display this evening. Although I wanted to close it soon today, I was really energized with the flock of customers, mostly kids who wanted my home bakes cookies. And I couldn't see her almost crying face when the last few pieces of cookies were packed for the customer before her family arrived.

So I promised to keep it ready if they come back few hours later. So here she is giggling and walking away happily with her mom and little brother making my heart swell with pride. "Shall I order something or we're eating at home?" Asked Gerald. "No I told Helen we'll eat at home. She's expacting us for dinner." For the past 2 weeks, we have been eating out because of the last minute shopping and renovating of the shop. So Helen strictly demands us to eat the breakfast and dinner at home, which I couldn't deny.

"Ok cool. Let me close up then. Are you done with the billing?" He asked, going toward the entrance. "Yes..." Before he could tilt the sign board to CLOSE, he stilled and opened the door for some customers. I guess we're not done yet? Three very striking and tall ladies with everything screems expansive, walked inside with authority.  They signaled their 4 'bodyguards' to wait outside. I gave them my usual business smile. "Sorry, our billing is closed for today." I said, preying I didn't offend them in anyway.

"Oh it absolutely fine. We can pay cash." Said a lady with a genuine smile. "Sure then. Please take a look. Everything is freshly baked out of the oven." I said, pointing her to the items on display. They nodded their heads and started inspecting everything on display.  "Who are they?" Fiona wishpered in my ears, startling me. "God Fiona?! You scared me." She gave me an apologetic smile. "Gerald said we are done. Are they the last customers?" She asked. "HOPE so." I said, stepping forward to assist the ladies. "Anything to your likings?" I asked politely. Their head turned at once. "Actually it's very different to choose. Can you pack everything?" Said, one of them making my eyes go wide.

"Ev...every...thing?" I asked not believing what I just heard. Thay all nod, like it's not a big deal. "Sure...um it's going to take some time to pack. Would you like to wait or would you like us to deliver them to you?" I asked still shocked that they are burying every single thing. "No. We'll wait. Our guards would help." Before I could protest, one of the ladies, who looked a little reserved then the others called for her men and the four waiting outside came in. Sensing some kind of danger, Gerald came out from inside, and stood beside his mate with a protective stance.

"If you please show them how to do it." For some reason, I couldn't protest. Again. And looking at a tired Gerald and Fiona, I thought against it. "Just show them guys. They are here to help packing everything." I said, making both of my friend's eyes go wide and mouth almost hitting the floor. Yes, I know. I smiled. They went inside, shock written all over their faces. "Tiara...right?" Asked one of them and I frowned. "I heard your friends calling you." She said, clearing my doubt. "Yes. that's me." I said, acknowledging her. "I'm Alison. Why don't you come sit with us while they finish?" Again, I couldn't say no. "Sure." I said leading the way to a four seater.

We took a seat each while I watch Fiona and Gerald going in and out of the pentry. I felt eyes and turned to look at the ladies giving me strange looks. Not evil but strange, like they want to say something. "These are my sisters. Abigail and Sophia." Alison introduced and I did the same for Courtesies. "Um...no offense but are you having some get together at home?" I asked curious. " They all smiled. Sophia giggled. "Sophia here is turning 100 this weekend so, we wanted the best flavoured cakes and pastries for the party. And we're suggested that we should come try yours." Oh my god. I can't believe my ears.

I just looked at her speechless. They chuckled. "We hope you won't disappoint us. We want the best cake. Almost the entire town would attend the ceremony." Said Alison, making my eye go wide. "Thank You sooo much! I have no words to express my excitement. That...means a lot. Trust me. Please let me know when you deside on the flavor and I guarantee you, you won't be disappointed." I assured them. "I have no doubt Tiara." She said, placing a hand on mine. They are definitely women from Nobel families. And this's the opportunity I was looking for. I'll give my best.

"Oh and before I forget..." she opened her clutch bag and took out an envelope and placed it in front of me. "An invitation for my sister's birthday party. You and your friends are invited." I looked at her bewildered. "Miss Alison? You didn't have to do that." I said shyly. "Nonsense. You are invited to the royal party and we would be expacting you, don't disappoint me." Said miss Sophia, pouting. Royal? They are Royal? That's it. This is the chance I needed. Thanks the heaven. "If you insist? Can't miss it for the world." I laughed happily, followed by theirs.

They left with the packages. Promising to call back first thing in the morning. We also exchanged numbers. "Wow. Just imagine, Our bakery would so famous after this order is delivered as planned. "I'm so excited Tiara! This news is huge. She not only bought everything in our pantry but also paid in advance for the cakes and delights. Today is our lucky day!" I have to agree with her. "Yes but that means, We have to hire some workers to prepare it on time." Said Gerald, pulling infront of his parking.

"Yup! I thought we could call Issac and his friends to help." Gerald face was comical. "No! Anybody but him." He said, closing his car door harshly. "Why do you hate your brother so much Gerald. He's the funniest guy I have ever seen." I said, walking toward my door steps. "He's a flirt. I don't want him or his gang around you two. I'll hire some ladies. Don't worry." He said knocking at my door. "No ladies? I don't like them around you either. We're calling Issac...and that's final." Fiona said with a finality. Gerald huffed but he knows better to argue with his mate.

After some time Helen opened the door with a huge smile. "You guys are on time. Go freshun up. The dinner is ready." We said our thanks and went inside. I just can't stop smiling. I told Helen about the huge order we received and she was extremely happy about it. "Your parents would have been very proud of you today, Tiara. Very." She said drinking her soup. I smiled at her and just like that my mind was not disturbed anymore. Gerald and Fiona left after dinner. I offered to clean the dishes and kitchen, which Helen was not pleased about, then walked up to my room, saying my gudnite to her on the way.

Before I was about to leave her room, she called me back. "It just skipped my mind. This came for you today." She said, passing me a box. I saw there was no senders name. "Ok" I said, walking toward my room with the box in my hand. As soon as I reached my bed, I opened the box. Inside there was a beautiful necklace. I gasped, looking at the diamond choker. "Who sent it?" I wondered. There was only this card that says: A beautiful gift for the most beautiful woman i have even seen. K.

Do I know someone with that initial? I don't recall. Is it one of Gerald friend, that Fiona was trying to hook me up few months back? What was his name again? Kevin or Kelvin or something? "Naaah. He's not the rich. Not that I know of." Is he? I took the necklace out and inspect it. It was a fine jewelry, no doubt."But wouldn't it be inappropriate to keep it?" He might misunderstand my feelings? No. No matter how tempted I feel to keep it, I shouldn't. I don't want to lead him on, if...he's the sender that is.

What if it is someone else? But who would send me this expansive necklace which might have cost him a fortune? Having some unsettling feelings, I kept the necklace back in the box and kept it on my table. Let's worry about it's sender tomorrow. The bed was calling me. Not thinking much of it, I jumped in bed, sighing contently. Then smiled again recalling the invitation. I always wanted to see the Royal fortress. Maybe this the opportunity to see it up close. I sighed again and looked at our family picture. "Goodnite mom dad. Gudnite Carson." Then I surrendered to my sleep.

KAIDEN

I watched her from a distance as she entered her room. A surprise look spread on her face as she looked at the gift I sent her. Then she looked conflicted. I agree it was stupid moov on her from my end, but I couldn't stop my excitement. My Dragon and me were stunned when we saw her today in the bakery. My beast recognized her as our destined one, at once. I almost rushed inside and pull her into a hug. My beast wanted to claim her at once but I managed to calm him down. This is not the right time to introduce or reveal ourselves. But fuck! She's breathtaking.

I wish i knew her before. I feel simple stupid that, she was right there, so close to me and yet, I never met her. I wish I had asked Kenneth her pics few years back. I wish I had accompanied him 7 years back when he first met her. But that's in the past now. Maybe we were not destined to meet then. Let's have some faith in our sisters for now. I'm sure she's invited for the Royal celebration this weekend. We can formally introduce ourselves. And ease her into it. She's already mad at Kenneth and finding out that she had another mate now will only make things worse. So, I'll wait. I will control my urges for now to go breathe down her neck and inhale her scent or rub my scent on her.

I smiled. "Untill we meet. My mate."

Please VOTE and Comment folks. See you next chapter. Chao 💖

Lina