Matteo, Leonardo, and Alessandro, the powerful owners of De Angeli Enterprises, are in their early thirties and have built a fearsome reputation worldwide. Known for their ruthlessness and ambition, these men have amassed wealth and influence by tak...
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Yulia woke up the next day with swollen eyes, the weight of the eviction notice still heavy on her heart. She had spent a restless night, tossing and turning, trying to come to terms with the sudden turn of events. The familiar corners of her tiny studio apartment felt suffocating, cluttered with hastily packed belongings from the bakery. Each item she had salvaged held memories—of her parents, of Mrs. Gilia who had treated her like a daughter—and losing them felt like another blow in an already bruised existence.
The bakery had been more than just a place of business; it was a lifeline to her past and a beacon of hope for her future. Yulia had poured her heart and soul into Frosting and Flair, transforming it from a dusty old space into a cozy haven where people found comfort in the simplest pleasures—freshly baked pastries and genuine smiles. The aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with the faint scent of coffee, creating an olfactory tapestry that greeted customers the moment they stepped inside.
The suddenness of the eviction notice had shocked her to the core. Mr. Alonso, the building's owner, had seemingly sold the property without informing her. Yulia couldn't help but feel betrayed, especially considering the history she had with his late wife, Mrs. Gilia, who had helped secure the bakery's location. It was a place where Yulia felt close to her parents, especially her mother, who had owned a bakery of her own before the accident that took both her parents away.
Taking a cold shower to clear her mind, Yulia dressed in a light pink summer dress and white sneakers. The outfit was a stark contrast to her somber mood, but she chose it deliberately, wanting to hold onto some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. The small town was already abuzz with people gathering to witness the impending demolition of Frosting and Flair. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft golden hue across the town. The early morning air was cool, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the streets. Birds chirped their morning songs, seemingly unaware of the heartbreak unfolding below them.
Yulia joined the growing crowd, her eyes brimming with tears as she faced the building that had been her sanctuary. The once-vibrant bakery now stood silent and forlorn, its windows dark and empty. The pastel-colored sign above the door, which had always welcomed customers with its cheerful lettering, now seemed to mock her with its brightness against the somber mood.
Among the crowd, Mrs. Thompson spotted Yulia and made her way through, her expression a mix of sympathy and indignation. Her delicate pearl necklace shimmered in the sunlight, a stark contrast to the heavy-hearted scene unfolding around them.
"I am so sorry, sweetheart," Mrs. Thompson said softly, her voice filled with genuine sorrow. "The De Angelis think they can buy anything and turn it into whatever they want."
The bakery itself had been a reflection of Yulia's personality—soft hues of pink and brown adorned the walls, giving the space a whimsical and inviting atmosphere. Light pink curtains fluttered gently in the breeze, framing the windows through which sunlight filtered in, casting a warm glow over the display of pastries and cakes. Small flower pots dotted the tables, each plant carefully tended to by Yulia herself. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla still seemed to linger in the air, a ghostly reminder of the countless mornings spent baking and preparing for the day ahead.
