The bakery was closed today, yet chaos reigned inside.
Turns out when life gets bitter, something sweet fixes everything.
This rainy season in Philadelphia brought endless gray skies, giving the bakery rare quiet days. But even in dreadful weather, two peculiar patrons always lingered by the entrance.
P
Customers were welcome, yet these two stayed all day. Even Jack’s patience was wearing thin. ”
Yaya, look what I brought you today!
Seeing Yaya emerge from the house, Charles excitedly rushed over to take the little girl’s hand.
Children don’t hold grudges, but she knew this boy who’d been buttering her up lately wanted to steal Aunt Margaret away, filling Yaya with instinctive dislike.
Undeterred, Charles presented the carefully chosen princess dress, causing Yaya to dart back inside.
Jack stepped out holding a coffee cup with fresh latte art, placing it near Charles.
“Mr. Rivera, guests are welcome, but if you’re here to cause trouble, I’ll call the police.”
His gaze swept over the ramrod–straight bodyguards behind Charles, a slight frown forming.
Just then, Margaret walked over holding an umbrella.
The child rushed into his arms, and the light in Charles’s eyes flickered and faded.
“Mom…”
The young voice was filled with grievance: “I… I didn’t bully my sister, I just wanted to come see you.”
He clenched the hem of his pants tightly, fighting back tears.
“You go, this is the last time.”
Raindrops pattered on the eaves, and Margaret finally spoke the words of rejection: “Don’t come again in the future.”
As she spoke, she placed the kraft paper bag on the table in front of Charles.
Charles’s eyes flickered, and he spoke with difficulty: “Margaret, Charles’s health was already poor, and these past few days he’s called the doctor several times because of this matter, you really…”
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Chapter 27
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“I know.” She cut him off. “Charles’s medical reports over the years are all here. I’ve arranged every check–up loca- tion and specialist. You just need to follow them.”
She took a deep breath. “Also, all his private assets are documented here. Keep them safe for him. Manage them yourself if you wish, or contact any of the managers listed–I’ve highlighted the top candidate.”
“We should stop contacting each other.”
Before Charles could protest, Margaret stated her purpose plainly.
“Everyone has their own path. I’ve moved on from this relationship, and I wish you all the best.”
Truthfully, she could’ve brought up the past, recounted every wound he’d inflicted. Yet standing before him now, none of it mattered anymore.
The three of them sat outside the bakery waiting for the rain to stop.
But nightfall arrived first.
Yaya ran out from inside, tugging Margaret’s hand: “Let’s go home.”
Margaret lowered her head: “Okay, let’s go home.”
Jack walked over and silently took Yaya’s other hand, nodding: “Home.”
Raindrops grew denser, weaving silver threads through Clarence town’s sycamores.
Charles could no longer hold back, collapsing onto the table with heaving sobs.
Mr. Rivera finally understood farewell, watching their retreating figures as he whispered in terror: “Mom… really left us behind.”
His father’s rising wails answered him.
Margaret will never come back.
The bakery was renovated, and Margaret decided to take a family trip instead of working.
She stood outside the Rivera estate holding plane tickets, looking around.
Suddenly, a little girl in pale pink dress bounced right into her arms.
“Careful now, you’re a young lady!”
A gentle voice came from behind. Seeing Margaret, the speaker couldn’t help breaking into a wide smile. Only when the trio approached did people notice their matching family outfits.
“Where are you good–looking folks heading?” teased a nearby auntie.
Yaya lifted her little face proudly, tugging Charles forward as she introduced to surrounding grandparents: “This is
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my mom! We’re going traveling!”
“Grandpa, my dad’s taking Mom and me to see the aurora! We’ll bring you souvenirs!”
“My mom…”
Yaya kept chattering like a machine gun, words tumbling nonstop.
Margaret didn’t correct her, just watched with doting eyes while mentally tallying how many gifts to bring back.
“Little girl makes an offhand remark and you take it seriously!”
Jack teased, making Margaret flush crimson.
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Whether she truly intended to act on her mother’s suggestion or was serious about the gifts–no one mentioned it again…
