Chapter 38 - The Spring Festival
Three months later, the town celebrated its annual Spring Festival.
The cobblestone streets were lined with colorful banners, vibrant food stalls, and the sound of live acoustic music. The bakery was the centerpiece of the celebration, with a massive line of people waiting to buy their famous pastries.
Isabella and Amelia worked side by side, moving with the effortless, synchronized grace that only twins possessed. They laughed, they joked with the customers, and they radiated a profound, infectious joy.
Arthur, the sharp-dressed lawyer, was nowhere to be seen. Victoria’s shadow had completely evaporated under the warm spring sun.
"I think we are going to sell out of the lemon cakes before noon,"
Amelia noted, wiping her brow as she handed a box to a smiling customer.
"Then we will just have to bake more,"
May you like
Isabella replied cheerfully, grabbing a fresh tray from the ovens.
She looked around the bustling, happy bakery. She saw families laughing, children eating pastries, and her sister smiling brighter than the sun. This was her kingdom now. It wasn't built on fear, manipulation, or cold marble floors. It was built on love, warmth, and the smell of vanilla.
