𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝟑𝟔

I sat back on the couch, remote in hand, as the episode of Cupcake Wars flickered to life on the screen. My heart beat a little faster, knowing this was Sadira's big moment. She had worked so hard for this, and seeing her on TV, representing Sweets, made me feel all kinds of pride. I knew how much this meant to her. The hours she spent prepping, testing, and perfecting her desserts were about to pay off.

The intro music played, and there she was—Sadira Kingston, standing confidently behind her station, her apron tied neatly around her waist. I couldn't stop smiling as the camera zoomed in on her. Damn, she looked amazing. Her focus was clear in the way she set up her station, carefully organizing her ingredients like she'd done it a million times before.

The host introduced the judges: Gordon Ramsay, Teyana Taylor, Chris Brown, Jennifer Tilly, and Taraji P. Henson. Big names, but Sadira didn't seem fazed. She had the same calm, collected demeanor she always did when she was in the kitchen, and I could see she was in her zone.

As the host moved to interview each contestant, I grabbed my phone and shot a quick text to the group chat with Sadira's closest friends and family. "She's on now!" I typed, sending it out as fast as I could. Everyone was excited, ready to cheer her on from home.

The camera cut to Sweets, her bakery, and my chest swelled with pride as they showed the bright pink and white interior, the cozy little tables, and the stunning display of cupcakes and cakes that Sadira had created. Gordon Ramsay, always critical, gave a nod of approval. "It's a beautiful space," he commented. "Feels like somewhere you'd want to spend an afternoon enjoying dessert."

Then came the interview.

"So, Sadira," the host began, "we know you've got some incredible baking skills. But is there a special someone in your life?"

Sadira blushed slightly, her dimples showing as she smiled. "Yes, there is. He makes me feel like the luckiest woman in the world."

Hearing that made me grin from ear to ear. But, of course, Chris Brown, being the flirt he is, chimed in with a playful smile. "Well, I don't know who he is, but he's a lucky guy." He winked, showing off those famous dimples.

I laughed, shaking my head. That's Chris for you.

But Teyana Taylor was quick to shut him down, laughing as she did. "Chris, she's got a man, cut it out!"

Chris shrugged, looking straight into the camera like he was apologizing to me personally. "My bad, bro."

I couldn't help but chuckle. It was all in good fun, but I knew Sadira had her head in the game. She was here to win, and I was here to watch her take it all.

The competition heated up as the contestants got to work, the sound of mixers whirring and bowls clinking filling the air. Sadira was in full-on baking mode, moving quickly but with precision. She was making her famous caramel apple cupcakes, a treat I'd had more times than I could count. Watching her caramelize the sugar and carefully slice the apples, I knew she was about to wow the judges.

She'd been talking about those big ovens they had on the show—the LFR-2 Double Rack Ovens—ever since she got back from the competition. Her eyes lit up every time she mentioned them. I knew she'd been dreaming about getting one for Sweets, and seeing her work with one on TV, I could tell she was in love.

I smiled to myself, knowing what I had planned. But for now, I was focused on her.

The judges started making their rounds, stopping at each station to check on the contestants. When they approached Sadira's station, I leaned forward, holding my breath a little. This was her moment.

Gordon Ramsay, always sharp, watched her closely as she plated her cupcakes. "What do we have here?" he asked, his voice as intense as ever.

Sadira smiled, her hands steady as she presented her dish. "These are my caramel apple cupcakes with a cinnamon buttercream and caramel drizzle."

Ramsay nodded, impressed. "Caramelized apple and cinnamon buttercream? That's a smart combination."

Chris Brown, of course, couldn't resist the urge to make things fun. Putting on a fake British accent, he announced, "Alright, mates, we've got Sadira Kingston here with her lovely desserts. Let's give them a try, shall we?"

Sadira laughed, her nerves showing just a little, but she stayed focused. Teyana Taylor rolled her eyes at Chris. "Chris, seriously, just try the cupcake."

Each of the judges took a bite, and I watched, barely breathing. Gordon Ramsay was the first to react, setting his fork down and nodding.

"This is absolutely brilliant," he said. "The caramel isn't too sweet, the apple adds a nice tartness, and the frosting balances everything out perfectly. This is top-tier baking."

Hearing that from Gordon Ramsay? I knew she was on track to win.

Chris Brown, who had been eyeing the raspberry tiramisu suspiciously, finally gave in. "I don't even like raspberries, but for you, Sadira, I'll try it." The camera zoomed in on his face as he took a bite. His eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Okay, this is fire," he said, grinning. "Ten outta ten, for real."

Teyana and Taraji were equally impressed with the meringues she made, both of them commenting on the delicate texture and perfect sweetness. Jennifer Tilly loved how Sadira had managed to balance the flavors in all of her desserts, not letting anything overpower the other.

As they moved on to judge the other contestants, I could see the relief wash over Sadira. She'd nailed it.

The competition went on, with the other contestants showing off their desserts. Some looked great, others... not so much. But I couldn't focus on them. I was too caught up in watching Sadira, her steady hands, her calm expression, and the way she moved so effortlessly in the kitchen. She was in her element, and I knew she was going to take it all.

Finally, the moment of truth came. The host stood in the center of the kitchen, the remaining contestants gathered around. The tension was thick in the air, but I wasn't nervous. I knew Sadira had this.

"And the winner of today's Cupcake Wars is... Sweets! Sadira Kingston!"

I jumped up from the couch, pumping my fist in the air. "That's my girl!" I shouted, even though no one was around to hear me. She did it. She actually did it.

The camera panned to Sadira, who looked stunned for a moment before breaking into a huge smile. The judges congratulated her, and a few of them even asked her for her number to discuss catering their kids' parties. She was exchanging numbers with Gordon Ramsay—that's how far she'd come.

As the show wrapped up, Sadira gave a final interview, talking about how excited she was for the future. "I'm going to use the prize money to expand Sweets," she said, her eyes lighting up. "And maybe get that oven I've been dreaming about."

That was my cue. I grabbed my laptop from the coffee table and pulled up the website for commercial kitchen equipment. It didn't take long to find the LFR-2 Double Rack Oven. I'd been eyeing it for a while, waiting for the right moment.

Sadira had been going on about how much it would change things for her at the bakery, and now that she'd won Cupcake Wars, she deserved to have it. I clicked "Buy Now" without hesitation, picturing the look on her face when it arrived at Sweets. She'd flip.

With the purchase confirmed, I sat back, feeling a surge of satisfaction. Sadira had just won Cupcake Wars, and now, she was about to get the oven of her dreams. It was her time to shine, and I was just happy to be a part of the journey, supporting her in every way I could.

As the credits rolled on the episode, I couldn't stop smiling. This was just the beginning for Sadira, and I knew she was going to take the baking world by storm. And when that oven arrived, well, that was going to be the start of something even bigger.