Chapter 13 - The Unspoken Gift
The bakery was quiet, the soft amber lights reflecting off the clean glass cases as rain pattered rhythmically against the front windows.
Clare walked into her small back office to turn off the lights. Sitting in the center of her desk was an elegant wooden box wrapped with a dark blue ribbon.
Attached to the ribbon was a handwritten note in Roman’s crisp, bold handwriting:
“For Clare. A small token of gratitude for bringing light back into our lives.”
Clare’s fingers trembled slightly as she untied the blue ribbon and lifted the wooden lid.
Inside lay the original commercial deed to the building housing Honey & Rye Bakery, completely stamped and sealed by the State Land Registry. Attached to the deed was a official bank certificate stating that the property mortgage was paid in full—one hundred percent debt-free, officially owned solely by Clare Bennett.
Clare choked back a gasp, tears welling in her eyes as she traced her thumb over her family’s name on the ancient parchment.
May you like
She grabbed her coat, ran out through the front doors of the bakery into the cool evening rain, and sprinted down the sidewalk toward Roman’s car, which was parked near the corner.
👉 She tapped urgently on the tinted driver's side window.
