━━━ 𝕏𝕀𝔸ℕ𝔾𝕃𝕀 𝕐𝔸𝕆 - ''𝔽𝔸𝕂𝔼 𝕃𝕆𝕍𝔼,,!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ ( female reader )
As the head baker at a cozy downtown bakery, Y/N's life revolves around perfecting pastries and bread. But when her best friend and boss, Mortefi, asks for a favour she can'...
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·:*¨ ༺♱✮♱༻ ¨*:·
The living room was another haven of refined elegance. The dark wood panelling and rich upholstery created a warm, inviting atmosphere, though the storm's fury outside seemed to cast a shadow over the evening's comfort. The crackle of the fireplace added a gentle contrast to the relentless rain that lashed against the windows.
Xiangli Yao's father expertly uncorked the bottle of wine the couple had brought, the soft pop echoing in the room. As he poured the wine into three delicate glasses, its deep ruby hue seemed to promise a comforting end to the evening's formalities.
Xiangli Yao and his father excused themselves, and took their leave to a quieter corner to discuss "business matters". The murmured tones of their conversation grew quieter as they made their way toward the other end of the room, pouring themselves some scotch.
Left to navigate the remaining social waters, Y/N uncomfortably found herself sandwiched between Xiangli Yao's mother and Mortefi. The elder woman's polite demeanour masked a layer of careful observation, and she had no other choice but to interact with the two people she considered outsiders in her home. Mortefi, on the other hand, mercilessly wasn't even trying to hide his dislike of his stepmother. This attempt at light conversation through tensely exchanged remarks only accentuated Y/N's discomfort.
Mortefi, leaning back in his chair with a casual defiance, certainly didn't seem inclined to make this easy. This was a new side to him Y/N hadn't seen in the bakery before.
"Y/N, tell me, how do you find the city?" Xiangli's mother began, her smile polite but lacking genuine curiosity.
"It's lively," Y/N responded, forcing a smile. "I've lived here my whole life, so it's familiar."
"Oh, of course," Xiangli's mother said with a nod, picking up her glass. "I'm sure you've seen it change quite a bit then over the years." she added. Note that Xiangli Yao's Parents' estate was on the outskirts of the city.
Mortefi, clearly eager to steer the conversation, chimed in with a touch of sarcasm. "City changes aren't nearly as dramatic as family dynamics. Believe me, I've witnessed both."
Xiangli's mother was mid sip of her wine when he said this. This earned Mortefi a cough from her followed by a scoff and a raised an eyebrow. She quickly composed herself, her voice cool. "I see your charm hasn't waned, Mortefi."
Mortefi's smile tightened, head tilted. "And I see your patience has, Mother. It must be exhausting keeping up with all the social obligations."
Y/N winced, sensing the underlying tension. The exchange felt like a carefully orchestrated duel of words, each remark veiled in civility but clearly meant to wound. "For your information, it would be in your best interests to treat me with more respect - since we'll now be seeing more of each other for the foreseeable future. Try to restrain yourself and your remarks in front of our guest."
