'A Princess and a Commoner: Star Crossed Lovers'

The Baker's Heart

(GABRIEL'S POV)

The sun streamed through the grand windows of Clovendale Palace, casting golden rays over the lavish decorations that adorned the hall. Today marked the beginning of wedding preparations for Prince Julian and Isadora, and as the new royal baker, I was in charge of crafting a masterpiece worthy of the occasion. Yet, despite the sweet aroma of pastries wafting through the air, an unease gnawed at my insides.

She stood there, laughing with Julian, her beauty radiant as ever. The sight of them together felt like a punch to the gut. They were so at ease with each other, as if nothing had ever happened between us.

"Gabriel!" Julian's voice cut through my thoughts, and I forced myself to step forward. "Greetings to the future king and queen of Clovendale."

"I've heard great stories about you," Julian continued, his expression bright and inviting. "You must be the royal baker everyone talks about!"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, that's me."

Isadora turned, her expression shifting from surprise to recognition.
The air around us grew heavy with tension.

Julian seemed eager to break the awkwardness,
"Well, I trust you then. Any baker appointed by the king must be excellent, right?"

"Let's hope I don't ruin your wedding cake," I shot back, injecting a hint of sarcasm into my words.

My irritation and longing battled within me, and I was painfully aware of the distance that had grown since the last time we saw each other.

"Julian, I—" Isadora began, but I interrupted her with another playful jab.

"Just don't expect a miracle. I have my off days," I said, smirking.

"Come on, I'm sure it'll be perfect," Julian brushed off my sarcasm. "You're our secret weapon after all."

"Speaking of which," Julian said, shifting the topic. "How about a strawberry cake?"

I scoffed lightly. "No,are you trying to kill her or something?"

Julian raised an eyebrow, confused.

"She's allergic," I follow up.

My eyes widen,I realised I had said too much. "I only assume because of the rumors around the palace," I replied, clearing my throat.

Julian looked at Isadora, and she nodded, agreeing with what I had just said. The conversation continued, but I could feel the tension lurking beneath the surface. Isadora was watching me closely, and I could sense the unspoken question hanging in the air—a shared history that neither of us dared to mention.

I was painfully aware of the moments of silence stretching between us, a reminder of what had once been. My mind raced with thoughts I couldn't voice: "Why didn't you come back? I know I asked you to leave but still..."

I shake my head

Now wasn't the time for such questions, not when she was about to start a new chapter with someone else.

With a sigh, I decided to leave before my thoughts could betray me further. "Well, I'll get back to work then," I said, trying to sound casual, but the words felt heavy on my tongue.

As I turned to walk away, I heard Julian call after me, "We'll see you at the tasting, right?"

"Of course," I replied, glancing back one last time. Isadora met my gaze, and in that moment, I felt a flicker of something—nostalgia, maybe, or regret. But I quickly turned away, needing to escape the weight of her presence.

With each step I took away from the hall, I felt a mixture of anger and longing. I wanted to confront her, to demand answers for the silence that had stretched between us.

But I couldn't. Not now.

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