Chapter 16 - The Grand Reopening
The exterior of Honey & Rye Bakery had been beautifully restored with dark mahogany wood trim, gold lettering, and warm hanging lanterns.
A massive crowd of neighborhood locals, news reporters, and high-society patrons gathered outside on the sidewalk, waiting for the official grand reopening ceremony.
Inside the bustling kitchen, Lily—now wearing a custom chef’s coat with her name embroidered in blue thread—was proudly setting out a massive four-tiered cherry celebration cake.
Aunt Sophia walked into the kitchen wearing an elegant silk dress, holding a silver tray of fresh champagne glasses. She looked at Lily with proud, misty eyes.
“Look at you, my darling,” Aunt Sophia said softly. “You’re a true master pastry chef now.”
Lily beamed with pride, smoothing her apron. “Clare taught me everything, Aunt Sophia.”
Clare walked out from her office, wearing a beautiful blue floral dress with her dark hair tied in her signature blue bow. Beside her walked Roman, looking breathtakingly handsome in a sharp charcoal suit—completely clean of any flour today.
May you like
Roman wrapped his arm securely around Clare’s waist, pulling her close against his side as they prepared to open the front doors.
👉 As Roman reached for the door handle, he looked down at Clare with a playful, mischievous glint in his dark eyes.
