Bridging World's

3

Sage

The combos were a hit; all my customers loved them. The positive feedback gave me new ideas for more exciting combinations.

At 7 PM, I walked around the kitchen of my cafe, ensuring everything was set for tomorrow's baking. I checked the storage and noted down the items needed.

After inspecting the kitchen and cafe, I headed upstairs to the bookstore area. I reviewed today's purchases and confirmed that all the books I ordered had been delivered.

With everything done, I closed up the shop, got in my car, and drove home.

Once home, I walked upstairs to his room, placed my bag on the single-seater couch, and went into the closet to grab my clothes. I took a quick shower and changed into comfortable pajamas.

Emerging from the bathroom with my hair down—my head still aching from the ponytail—I headed for the door. As I pulled it open, my body collided with something solid. Startled, I stepped back and gasped.

I saw a figure in a black suit, the familiar scent of his cologne filling the air. I knew instantly who it was. Looking up, I realized just how tall he was. His blue eyes met my hazel ones, his handsome face expressionless.

It was the first time I had seen him this close. I cleared my throat and backed up a little. "Sorry," I said softly, my voice low with nervousness.

His presence was overwhelming, dominating. He walked past me without a word, completely ignoring me. I shut my eyes for a moment, then stepped out and closed the door behind me.

I calmed my racing heart and began preparing dinner, but my mind was filled with questions. Why is he home early today? Did I make a fool of myself in front of him? My gut feeling warned me that something significant was going to happen tonight.

Sighing, I somehow managed to finish cooking without burning my hands or the food.

I set the table and went back into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Quickly drinking it, I washed the glass when my phone rang. A smile formed on my face. "Hi, Papa," I greeted, picking up the call.

"Hi, my button. How are you, baby?" he cooed.

Tears filled my eyes. Oh, how much I miss him.

"I’m good, Papa. How are you? Are you taking your tablets regularly? Are you feeling any discomfort?" I bombarded him with questions.

It had been a month since I last saw him; I had been so busy these days.

"I’m fine, button, and I’m taking my tablets regularly. I don’t feel any discomfort," he said, chuckling. My heart eased hearing his reassurances.

"So, how is everything at the cafe?" he asked, and I told him all about the new ideas I came up with, how the combos were a hit, and even how Charles shouted this morning.

I had always told him everything since I was a child. I am a very talkative person when it comes to my dad, and he is the best listener ever.

These days, I have been keeping too many secrets about my marriage, and it is killing me inside. But I don't want to make him sad or stressed.

He then told me about his day, how one of the plants died despite his efforts and how he burned the bacon.

I didn’t realize when, but tears started flowing from my eyes.

I always cooked for him, and now that he is on his own, he has to do everything himself. Thinking about how lonely it must be for him broke my heart.

I wiped my tears and tried to keep my voice steady as we talked.