Chapter 7 - The First Lesson
The kitchen behind the bakery counter was filled with the warm, rich aroma of melting chocolate and toasted vanilla.
Lily stood beside Clare at the stainless steel prep table, wearing a small white apron tied over her gray sweatshirt. Her hands were dusted with flour as Clare gently guided her fingers over a batch of delicate pastry dough.
“The secret to a flaky crust is cold butter and a soft touch,” Clare explained patiently, her voice soothing and warm. “You don't force the dough, Lily. You let it breathe.”
Roman stood near the flour sacks, leaning against the doorframe in his suit jacket, watching the two of them with quiet, unshakeable peace. For the first time in six months, his home didn't feel like a silent graveyard.
Lily looked up at Clare, her dark eyes shining with a rare, youthful excitement.
“Can... can we make the cherry tarts today?” Lily asked, her voice clearer and stronger than it had been in months.
Clare smiled warmly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Lily’s forehead. “We can make whatever you want, Lily. This kitchen is your space now.”
May you like
Roman took a quiet, deep breath, his heart swelling with a strange, powerful warmth he hadn't felt in years. He realized in that moment that Clare hadn't just saved Lily’s spirit—she was healing his broken soul, too.
👉 Suddenly, the heavy wooden back door of the kitchen was kicked open, shattering the peaceful atmosphere.
