Sweet Rivalry : From Bitter Enemies To Sweet Lovers (BXB)

15- A Golden Chance

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Charles made a decision that would unknowingly set a chain of events into motion.

He carefully placed a vibrant board in front of his bakery, proudly announcing a tempting offer of 25% off on all desserts.

Accepting Neo's challenge publicly about being Rivals once again.

............

Three days passed to that argument. Neo and Charles turned their back completely on each other. They became cold and harsh towards each other again. Things came back to their previous place. Everything went silent and tensed.

With that offer of Charles, Neo was facing hardships. His bakery only earned $5 in these three days.

Inside Neo's bakery, the atmosphere was heavy with worry. Adrien, couldn't help but express his concern. The words spilled out of Adrien's mouth, filled with genuine worry and a touch of frustration,

Adrien: I think we should do something. I can't see you facing all this loss by yourself. I'm going to fight him right now.

Neo, exhausted from the day's challenges, rested his forehead on the table, his mind consumed by the weight of the situation.

Neo: Leave it none of it matters now.

Adrien: You said he is your friend.

Neo: We are enemies, rivals. We cannot be friends or anything like that.

Neo's tired eyes met Adrien's concerned gaze, and in that moment, a mixture of emotions danced across their faces.

Adrien was feeling useless as he wasn't able to help his friend in this situation. Neo pressed his forehead against the cool surface of the table, seeking solace and a momentary escape from the mounting pressure.

...................

Outside, Charles' bakery was a hive of activity. The vibrant board caught the attention of passersby, drawing them in with the promise of discounted delights.

As Charles took a moment to catch his breath amidst the bustling crowd, a mysterious figure stepped into his bakery.

Man: I want your help.

Charles: With what?

Man: Can we talk privately?

Intrigued, Charles decided to take a break from serving the piling up orders and engage in a conversation with this unexpected visitor.

The stranger introduced himself to Charles, leaving him in a state of shock.

Man: I'm Neo's landlord and I need your help with something.

Charles: With what actually?

Man: I heard you are his rival. His lease agreement is over now. He have to renew it to keep renting that place but I have found a new tenant who is willing to pay more than him. He is a son of famous businessman but he haven't raised his rent from 2 years.

Charles: What can I do for you in this matter?

Man: I don't want to be a villain in this matter. Can you please make him leave that place on his own. Don't you want to minimize the competition? It is a win win situation for both of us.

As Charles stood in front of his bakery, his mind swirled with conflicting thoughts and emotions.

He had always harbored a secret desire to outshine Neo, to establish his bakery as the unrivaled gem of the neighborhood. But now, faced with the opportunity to potentially drive Neo away, he found himself hesitating, unsure of the path he should take.

Charles leaned against the bakery's entrance, his gaze fixed in the bustling neighborhood around him. The familiar sights and sounds that once brought him comfort now seemed tinged with uncertainty.

His fingers drummed nervously against the wooden frame of the door, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. Thoughts raced through his mind like a whirlwind, each one vying for attention.

On one hand, the allure of becoming the undisputed king of the neighborhood beckoned him, promising success and recognition. On the other hand, a nagging voice of conscience reminded him of Neo's upset face and the importance of time they spent together.

Charles gave his answer,

Charles: I'll call you once I make up my mind.

.................

The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the faint scent of blooming flowers.

It was a reminder of the passion that had driven Charles to open his bakery in the first place, a love for the craft that had once brought him joy. But now, that joy was tinged with doubt, as he grappled with the weight of his conflicting desires.

Across the street, Neo's bakery stood proudly, its windows adorned with colorful displays of mouthwatering treats. Charles couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as he glanced in that direction.

The thought of Neo leaving the neighborhood, voluntarily or otherwise, seemed to dangle before him like a forbidden fruit. But deep down, he knew that succumbing to such temptations would tarnish the integrity of moments he cherished with Neo.

The passing pedestrians, unaware of the internal struggle unfolding before him, continued on their way, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. Charles watched them, his eyes tracing their paths, searching for clarity amidst the chaos of his thoughts.

In that moment, as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, Charles made a decision. He called the landlord with confidence in his words.

Charles: Hello, I know what I want to do now.