"We did it Anastasia!" Chloe screamed the moment she burst into the living room. Her voice full of joy as she spun in circles, her ponytail bouncing behind her while clutching a small box of leftover cupcakes. Her grin so wide that her brown eyes sparkled like the stars.

Anastasia sat on the couch, her apron still tied around her from the night before. she leaned her head back, finally letting herself breathe. Her green eyes softened and a quiet smile curved her lips. There was relief written on her face mixed with a little bit of tiredness. For once in a long while, the tight lines of worry that usually lived on her forehead was no longer there.

On the low table in front of her sat the cheque, three thousand dollars from the Michaelson's estates event. It wasn't just about the money, it was about the money being their saving grace. With it she could finally pay off the debt she owed to the suppliers, pay her repairman, pay Chloe's fees before her school resumes, and also stock up her bakery back. The rest of the money will be something to use and survive on for a long time.

Anastasia smiled again softly, her fingers brushing the check with care as though it would disappear if she touched it too hard "Yes, we really did it"

Craig leaned back on another couch, stretching his long legs with a satisfied sigh. His hair stuck up in every direction, messy from lack of sleep but his grin held so much pride and confidence "I knew we would be able to pull it off" his tone light but steady. His eyes crinkled at the corner, full of happiness "the cake was the talk of the night, everyone enjoyed it and even wanted more. They couldn't get enough of it"

Anastasia laughed quietly tilting her head back as her cheeks warmed. The memories at the Jake Michaelson's birthday event came rushing back. The chattering of the crowd, the looks of admiration when the guests tasted her pastries. for once she had stood among the powerful and wealthy and instead of being looked down upon, she had impressed them.

But one particular face kept coming to her mind and distracting her thoughts. Jake Michaelson. She was still surprised at the fact that the man who bumped into her twice, the man who looked down on her with a cold gaze turned out to be Jake Michaelson, and he was also the birthday celebrant she was asked to cater the birthday event for. Handsome and intense, wrapped in an air of authority that unsettled her. Him being married really came as a surprise to her, even stirring a little curiosity, but she decided to brush all those thoughts aside as none of it was her concern.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Anastasia stood up and walked towards the door opening it, a delivery man stood there, his face stern beneath the cap. without much expression he handed her an envelope

"For miss Anastasia Peterson" and after that he turned and left without another word

With her brows squeezing together out of confusion, Anastasia shuts the door and tore open the envelope. Inside was a short handwritten note.

"Never knew that the girl I bumped into would turn out to be the one to cater for my birthday event. Impressive work last night, I am inviting you to my office for us to discuss. Do honor it miss Anastasia... J.M"

Her eyes widened as she read the initials of the sender again. Jake Michaelson wrote a letter to her! Her heart gave a little leap and she pressed her lips together caught between surprise and nervousness. 'Why would he want to see me? and why does he sound so bossy and commanding? anyways a Jerk will always be a jerk, and why is he saying he is surprised to find out that I was the one catering for his birthday? wasn't he the one that recommended me? Huh, so many unanswered questions' she thought to herself.

Craig leaned over to see the letter, his eyebrows shooting up and his lips forming a small 'O' as he saw the initials also. "Jake Michaelson? are you serious? what is it about?"

Chloe giggled, her eyes filled with mischief. Se nudged Anastasia with her elbow "He wants to see her again because he has probably been bewitched by my sister's beauty"

Anastasia cheeks turned red as she laughed awkwardly while waving the note in the air. "Stop saying nonsense Chloe, how could that be and besides he is married" she said quickly but her voice betrayed the nervous flutter in her heart. She folded the note putting it into her bag. No matter how she tried pushing the thoughts aside, the image of Jake's intense gaze kept replaying in her mind.

Craig and Chloe still couldn't remember that he was the same guy Anastasia bumped into, the one who spoke rudely to their sister, and Anastasia intended to keep it that way. She didn't want unnecessary drama.

The day passed in a light blur, by afternoon Anastasia found herself standing outside the tall glass building of Jake's company. He had written the address to his company at the back of the letter. She adjusted the strap of her bag and smoothened her simple dress nervously. Her steps slowed as she walked through the entrance, her heart thudding louder with each movement.

She went to the front desk and was about to ask for direction to Jake's office when she saw Charles. His eyes widened with surprise on seeing her and his lips curved into a gentle smile. "Anastasia? what brings you here" his voice warm as though he was genuinely glad to see her.

She was about answering when another familiar figure appeared. Lady Veronica, as elegant as always. The moment her eyes landed on Anastasia they lit up with excitement.

"Anastasia, child!" Lady Veronica exclaimed, her hands clapping together "it's so good to see you again, although we saw each other just yesterday" she giggled at her own remark while Anastasia just smiled and Charles could only shake his head and sigh. "Who are you here to see child?"

Caught off guard by the question, Anastasia could only answer nervously "I... eh ..I received an invitation from Mr. Michaelson saying he wants to see me"

At that moment Jake stepped out of the elevator, he immediately sited and walked towards them. Anastasia stared at him as he got closer wondering how someone could be his handsome. His ocean blue eyes found hers immediately, calm and yet again that intense gaze.

"Miss Peterson" Jake said his deep voice smooth and commanding "welcome to my company, come with me to my office"

Anastasia could only nod her head and followed him

Immediately she went into his office she was marveled by how beautiful and majestic it looked. His office alone was times two bigger than her sitting room, she couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at the thought. The view of the city skyline was so beautiful. She sat opposite him while Jake leaned back on his chair, tapping his desk lightly.

"Your work last night was really impressive Miss Peterson" His tone very professional "many of my business associates that tasted everything you made yesterday couldn't help but praise you, so I would like to offer you a future contracts with my company for events, celebrations, corporate parties, and the list goes on, what do you say?"

Anastasia's eyes widened as her lips parted in surprise "that sounds... incredible sir, thank you" her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

"You're welcome, but do not disappoint Miss Peterson"

"I definitely won't sir" she said excitedly

His gaze lingered on her and it felt as though the temperature in the room grew warmer, making her a little self-conscious. Though his words were professional, there was a weight in his eyes, something she couldn't quite understand.

There was a sudden knock at the door and before Jake could say anything Lady Veronica walked in with Charles following behind her"

"Sorry man, I couldn't stop my mom from coming to disturb your meeting. You know how stubborn she can be"

Jake sighed nodding his head "yeah I know how stubborn aunt can be"

"Hey don't talk about me like that in front of me! That stupid brother of mine did a bad job in raising you and that stupid husband of mine did a bad job in raising Charles, hmph, useless"

Both Charles and Jake became speechless

After saying that, she walked up to Anastasia excitedly "Anastasia dear you must work with us too, my son's company also needs someone just like you for whatever celebratory events or occasions that will happen in the future"

Charles chuckled softly, his head tilting towards his mother "my mum's right Anastasia, we could use your talent"

Anastasia flushed, glancing between them. Her hands kept fidgeting on her laps as her lips curved into a shy smile "I will consider it ma'am" she said softly

Jake however, remained silent. He leaned back into his chair, his expression unreadable but his eyes never strayed from her.

The meeting went on with lady Veronica talking endlessly, her gestures wide and full of excitement. Charles could only nod at some of the things his mother was saying, his eyes rested on Anastasia often. Jake spoke little, but his presence filled the room like an unspoken command.

Finally Jake rose to his feet signaling the end of the meeting "you have all the time to think everything over" he simply said, his voice slow and steady.

"Anastasia stood up too, thanking them politely before leaving the office. Her heart raised as she thought of all the opportunities that was coming her way. The path ahead looked bright... or though she thought.

Back in the office, silence settled for some seconds after the door closed. Lady Veronica 's face lit up as she turned towards Jake, her smile wide and her eyes sparkling. "That's the girl I want as my daughter-in-law, the girl I want for your cousin. She's good enough right? No I know she's good enough" her voice filled with certainty

For a brief second something flickered in Jake's eyes, a sharp glint. It went away as quick as it came, his voice smoothened back to calm, his lips tightened slightly but then relaxed

"She has talents" Jake simply said, his voice revealing nothing more.

Charles let out a sigh, a small smile touching his lips. "Mum, you never give up do you?" he said with amusement dancing in his eyes. Then after a pause, he nodded and said "I will give it a try with her, hopefully she agrees"

Lady Veronica beamed, satisfied, her excitement filling your room.

Jake stayed silent all through, his gaze turning away and staring at the breathtaking view of the city's skyline. His fingers tapping lightly on his desk, his thoughts seemed far away, with Anastasia face still lingering in his mind.

"I don't think it's wise going back for him after hurting him five years ago Jacinta" A lady said softly, she sat on a chair close to the window, her fingers resting on her laps. Her eyes was fixed on her best friend with concern. The room felt so heavy, every word pressing down on the silence.

Jacinta shifted uneasily, her hands twisting on her laps but her face still held a quiet determination. "I still need to give it a try Jessica, he loved me once remember, maybe he still loves me" she said, her tone steady but carrying the weight of guilt.

The lady whose name happens to be Jessica knitted her brows together "But you left him Jacinta, not just left him you left him broken, you walked away and never looked back. Even as your best friend I have to be honest with you, why do you think Charles will take you back?"

Jacinta lifted her chin, though her eyes betrayed the uneasiness and guilt she felt. "I know I was wrong, I still regret everything I did to him but my heart tells me he still cares. I just want to see him again even if it ends badly I need a closure.... or forgiveness"

Jessica lifted her a brow "What do you mean closure? you hurt him so definitely the only thing you should need from him or hope to get from him is his forgiveness and not some closure. He is even the one who needs closure from you because you left him without giving a valid reason why you ended everything with him"

Jacinta bent her head down embarrassed, Jessica noticed this and could only sigh

"Okay I think I was too harsh on you sorry about that, but at the end of the day I'm just concerned and worried about you. You know that right?"

"I know" Jacinta whispered, her head still bent down

Jessica sighed again, she leaned forward holding Jacinta's hands in hers "All right then, go ahead and give it a try but... what if he rejects you? what if he's moved on?" Her voice heard concern and worry.

"I will accept it" She said, her voice shaking as she spoke "but I won't live wondering anymore"

Jessica sighed deeply for the third time, her shoulders falling. She really wanted to stop her friend because she had the feeling Jessica would get hurt, but she also knew nothing could change her friend's mind.

*******

Charles sat in his office, the late afternoon sun pouring across the glass walls. His desk was scattered with files but his attention wasn't on them, his eyes lingered on the framed photograph in his hands. A picture of him and Jacinta smiling happily five years ago.

He rubbed his forehead setting the picture down with a frustrated sigh. For years he had tried to forget about her, burying her memories. Yet the ache still remained as fresh as the day she left.

The office door opened, his mother stepped in, her movements gentle and smiling brightly "Charles son, I decided to come surprise you today. I know you weren't expecting me to visit the off...." her sentence paused midway when she saw the picture frame on the table.

"Charles don't tell me you still aren't over that girl?" she asked quietly, but anyone could notice that she was a little bit upset.

He straightened in his chair, his jaw tightening "Mum do you think I haven't been trying to forget about her? I am trying but it isn't easy. It's been five years, five years mom! but she's still here" He tapped his chest with his fingers, his face reflecting sorrow

Lady veronica's face softened with sympathy for her son, she moved closer placing her hand over his "I know son, I watched how you suffered when she left you. It broke me too because I had always seen her as my daughter, but you can't let her hold your heart hostage for ever"

"I know mom, I really don't like the fact that remembering her still has such effect over me" he whispered, his eyes lower lowering "but some days it just feels.... Impossible"

"You must try" she urged gently "Jacinta made her choice, don't waste your future on a past that left you broken. There are plenty of women out there who can make you happy, Anastasia for example, she's so kind, such a nice girl, she's so loving and I'm definitely sure she would also be a good mom in the future. She can be everything you ever wanted in a woman"

Charles chuckled a little "There you go again mum, you never waste an opportunity do you?"

"Of course you can't blame me, I just want the best for my son" she grinned widely, trying to make the atmosphere lively again.

Charles closed his eyes briefly "I will try mum, I promise I'll try"

"That's all I ask" she squeezed his hand once more, stood up and left

Immediately the door closed Charles remained in silence but with a resolve building up, he decided to forget everything about her and give it a try with Anastasia. Just like his mother said, she could be what Jacinta couldn't be to him

*******

Anastasia walked into her home her steps slow from the long day. She found Chloe and Craig in the living room, Craig sat with a book on his lap while Chloe fiddled with her phone, restless as always.

Both looked up as she entered

Chloe jumped to her feet excitedly "Yes give us all the details, I've been itching all day to know" She moves closer to Anastasia, holding her hands.

Anastasia placed her bag down and sank into one of the couch, her expression thoughtful "It went... well" she said, not certain on the kind of went well she was talking about.

"Mr. Jake proposed to me a contract offering us more work in his company. He said he wants me to be in charge for catering for whatever event his company will be holding in the future because his business associates loved every baking of mine during his birthday event. I also saw Lady Veronica and her son Charles, and they also offered the same thing that Mr. Jake offered for Mr. Charles company"

Chloe gasp, her hands clapping together. "That's huge sis, this is exactly what we need. Imagine the pay that comes with it"

Craig however leaned back, his hands crossing over his chest and his voice filled with caution "It's actually a great opportunity, it's good but sometimes something too good can be dangerous. I hope this just have to do with them admiring your skills, purely work and nothing else. Because opportunities that come so easily like this... there is always a motive behind it"

Chloe rolled her eyes " O come on Bro, why do you have to be so negative? This is once in a lifetime opportunity, we should be happy and not being skeptical about it"

"I am not being negative Chloe, I am being realistic here. Success comes with risks, if we rush in without thinking, we'll rush out regretting it later"

Anastasia listened quietly, her gaze darting between them. "He is right Chloe, I need to be careful. We are talking about two of the most powerful companies in the city, which till now I'm still surprised that they turned out to be related. I have to make sure we are not working into something we can't handle"

Chloe sighed, giving it a thought and shrugging her shoulders "alright, let's take it step by step, we are all in this together"

Craig leaned forward his elbows resting on his knees "That's fine, but promise me you will always keep your guard up. Don't get carried away by any other thing"

Anastasia nodded, not confident about the reply she was about to give "I will be careful, it's just business"

Craig studied her face, then gave a short nod "good then"

Chloe tilted her head, curiosity written all over her face "So tell me sis, what were they like in person, especially Jake?"

"Well for Mr. Charles you already saw him the other day when he came with his mum to our bakery. Just like that day he spoke very little, but at least more than that day at the bakery. His mother did most of the talking" she paused, and then continued "and As for Mr. Jake.....he was polite, reserved, like someone that keeps to himself and doesn't say much and.....that's all" She wanted to talk about the way he always stared at her intensely, but she didn't want neither of them, especially Chloe to make a big deal out of it

"Interesting" Chloe said, tapping her chin.

Craig nodded his head "That's fine, but like I said don't get carried away by any other thing"

The room fell silent for some moment, everyone with their own thoughts. The only sound was the ticking of the clock on the wall.

Craig asked after some minutes "So what's your next move?"

Anastasia leaned her head against the couch, her mind weighing both options "I will call Mr. Jake tomorrow and accept his offer, I will also do the same for Mr. Charles. It's safer to keep both doors open"

Chloe clapped her hands, a small smile spreading across her face "that's perfect, diversify. It's better not to put all eggs in one basket, also don't put everything on one man"

Craig raised an eyebrow at her choice of word but said nothing, instead he turned back to Anastasia "If that's the decision you have made I'll stand by it, just remember always be on your safe guard"

"Yeah I will" she said firmly

The following morning Anastasia sat on her bed in her room, with her phone in hand. Her stomach knotted, but her decision was clear. She dialed Jake's number which was also left on the letter that was delivered to her yesterday. Her pulse raced as she waited for him to answer the call.

He answered on the third ring, his voice smooth and deep "Hello?"

"Good morning sir, it's me Anastasia" There was silence at the other end so she continued "I have thought it through and I am ready to work with your company sir. I will also move forward with Mr. Charles offer"

There was a brief silence before Jake's voice finally spoke "good, come to my office tomorrow so we can finalize the details"

Anastasia slowly exhaled the breath she didn't know she was holding "I will be there sir"

Immediately she hung up the phone she fell on her bed, a mixture of relief and unease stirred in her chest. She had chosen this path, but the future felt uncertain, like stepping into a fog

Chloe knocked and came into her room, her voice sounding eager "Was that Jake?"

"You need to stop calling him just by his name and yes that was Mr. Jake, he said I can come to his office tomorrow to finalize the details"

"Chloe rolled her eyes and puffed up her cheeks "it's not like he's here to hear me call him just by his name, anyways I'm so happy for you and for us sis!"

Anastasia could only sigh and shake her head "You're so stubborn, anyways thank you"

"Congrats sis, let's see what comes next" Craig said, walking into her room.

Chloe nodded her head excitedly "yes, tomorrow marks a new start for us!"