Chapter 5 An Unexpected Surprise

"Anastasia your phone's been ringing ever since" Craig voice cut through the noise in the bakery.

Anastasia wiped her hands on her apron and took the phone from the counter "hello?"

A sharp professional voice came through "This is Mr. Brandon, secretary to the heir of Michaelson's enterprise, Mr. Jake Michaelson. "Am I speaking with Miss Anastasia?"

She furrowed her brow, Jake Michaelson? that name was impossible not to know. If the Williams family is the second most prestigious family then the Michaelson's family are the number one most powerful and wealthy family in the city. Jake Michaelson, heir to the Michelson's enterprise, people say he's very ruthless when it comes to business. He was the kind of man people whispered about in every corner of the town. Even though she was one to always mind her business and not involve herself in gossips or talks of the town, it couldn't change the fact that she didn't know one or two about things going on in town. Even young college girls that come to relax in her bakery talk about him, always talking about how handsome he was. Men respected him while some envied his sharp business mind and the older people called him a rare genius. She had never seen him before, only heard stories that grew with every retelling.

But the question now is, why would the powerful Jake Michaelson secretary be calling her and for what? and how did he even get her number? except it's a wrong number. But the secretary mentioned her name.

"Yes you are speaking to Anastasia" she said trying to keep her voice calm.

"We are organizing Mr. Jake's birthday celebration tomorrow evening" the voice continued "we need a baker to supply all pastries, cakes, and baked goods. Can you handle it?"

Anastasia's eyes went wide with her mouth hung open "Me? why my bakery Sir?"

"Your name and bakery came recommended as one of the best in town" Mr. Brandon replied, "the contract is for three thousand dollars, all expenses covered. Delivery must be on time before the event starts, there should be no disappointments"

Her breath got caught. Three thousand dollars, it would be enough to settle the suppliers and restock, even paying off Chloe's fees when school resumes. This exciting news was enough to breathe again after weeks of suffocating debt and also enough to keep her and her siblings with the bakery running.

"Definitely sir, I will give you the best for this birthday event. Neither you nor Mr. Michaelson would have a reason to complain!" she almost screamed out of excitement, her face breaking into a wide smile.

"That's good to know. You will receive the remaining details by e-mail" he said ending the call with quick efficiency.

Anastasia lowered her phone down, pinching herself thinking it might probably be a dream but when she felt the pain she realized it was real. She knew it was silly but she couldn't help herself, excitement was an understatement compared to how she was feeling. She was too excited to even care or think about who the person was that recommended her bakery to such a huge company, a mistake that she might regret in the future.

"Her voice burst out in utter happiness "Craig we have got a contract!!"

"A contract? Really, from who?" Chloe asked

"From the Michaelson's enterprise, Jake Michaelson to be precise. His birthday is coming up tomorrow and his assistant was the one who called informing me that my bakery was recommended and I should be in charge of all the cakes, pastries, and baked goods and I will be paid three thousand dollars!!" she said, almost screaming.

Craig froze, the mixing spoon in his hand clutching against the bowl. Chloe gasped, her ponytail bouncing as she ran over to where Anastasia was standing.

"Jake Michaelson?!" Chloe asked with her eyes wide. "THE JAKE MICHAELSON?!!" she stressed each word screaming, "the most powerful and richest man in the city, the one whose face has never been seen but is called the most handsome man in the city or are you talking about someone else?"

Anastasia laughed at Chloe's reaction. "No Chloe, not someone else but the one you know. The one and only Jake Michaelson"

Craig laughed, putting his hands over Anastasia's shoulder "Who cares what he looks like, with three thousand dollars we can take care of every of our issues with that money"

Relief washed through Anastasia, her smile softening. Suppliers had begun refusing giving credits, sales dropped after she was forced to raise prices, she had even skipped her own meals to stretch supplies further. Now for the first time in a long time the burdens pressing down on her chest began to lift.

She straightened up "We need flour, eggs, sugar, butter and other ingredients" she said, already moving towards the counter.

Craig opened their little cash box and counted quickly "Fifty dollars" he muttered, frowning "not much to work with"

"Let me call the supplier" Chloe said quickly, already grabbing her phone. After some minutes she came smiling in victory "They said they would deliver today if we pay half up front"

The bakery quickly became busy. Bowls clattered, spoons hitting against metal and flour was in the air like snow. The smell of sugar and fresh bread filled the kitchen. Craig shaped the dough into doughnuts. Chloe was busy putting fillings on the cupcakes, and Anastasia focused on the centerpiece... a three tier cake that would stand out at the heart of the celebration.

They worked until their arms ached and their feet throbbed, but never stopped because they knew it was worth it even though the order came in at the last minute.

By evening trays of golden bread rolls, cookies, croissants and cupcakes cooled on the counter. The cake stood tall, its smooth frosting decorated with buttercream and fresh berries. Their hearts swelled in pride at their creation and hard work. They carefully loaded everything into their old van.

"Tomorrow" Anastasia whispered as she locked the bakery, preparing for them to go home, with a simple smile that promised a better tomorrow "this place will feel alive again".

***

The next day they arrived at the Michaelson's estate early to get everything down to the venue, where the birthday celebration was taking place in order to avoid late delivery.

The Michaelson's mansion looked like something out of a fairy tale. Creamy pillars lined the front, golden lights twinkling against the dusk sky. Inside the air smelled faintly of polished marble and roses.

Inside some staffs in uniforms hurried back and forth, their voices brisk and in whispers. A stern woman guided them towards a vast kitchen where bright lights glinted off spotless counters and golden trays.

"Set everything up here" she instructed, the guests will arrive at six.

With steady hands Anastasia arranged the cupcakes into neat towers, placing the bread rolls into baskets and also setting the towering cake proudly at the center. Craig fussed over the frosting, smoothing every line. while Chloe hummed cheerfully as she arranged the pastries.

Anastasia was so focused she didn't notice the two familiar figures until a warm motherly voice called her name

"Anastasia?"

She turned startled to see lady Veronica, elegant as always in a deep red dress and her son Charles standing next to her.

"Wow, good evening ma'am I didn't expect to see you here" Anastasia said with a surprised look.

"And I also didn't expect to see you as the pastry chef for my nephew's birthday, what a lovely surprise" she said, laughing.

Anastasia paused, her eyes wide "wait, you are related to Jake Michaelson?"

Lady Veronica chuckled at her reaction "yes dear I am, his father is my older brother and also Charles's uncle. You know I was once Veronica Michaelson before I became Veronica Williams" she chuckled, as though she was going down memory lane.

Anastasia surprised, could only whisper "what a small world we live in"

"Hi there Anastasia, it's good to see you once again" Charles said

"Good evening Mr. Charles, it's also nice to see you again" she smiled nervously. She still wasn't comfortable with him like the way she was with his mother.

By six the grand hall was filled with people, guests from different wealthy backgrounds. Music drifted through the air, glasses clinking and their laughter rising to the high ceiling.

From the kitchen doorway Anastasia peeked out, curiosity tugging at her. She wanted to see the man at the center of this glittering celebration since he never has his picture posted in news or magazines. She still felt as though no matter how handsome he was, he couldn't be as handsome as that stranger she had bumped into twice. She immediately reprimanded herself when she realized what she was thinking, 'why are you thinking about that annoying stranger Anastasia? When he was just a rude jerk, hmph' she muttered to herself.

The announcer's voice rang out above the crowd, distracting her from her thoughts "please let's put a round of applause and welcome the birthday celebrant, Jake Michaelson"

Jake Michaelson stepped into view, tall and broad shouldered under a perfectly well tailored suit. His hair was slicked back neatly, his chiseled jawline and sharp eyes gave him an air of authority. He smiled, charming the crowd instantly.

While others were still busy clapping on his entrance, Anastasia froze.

She recognized him as the same man she had bumped into twice, the one who spoke to her in such an underrated manner that made her angry for the first time and almost caused her to swear at him.

She barely had time to process everything when a beautiful woman stepped onto the stage, standing beside him. She was looking stunning, elegant and poised. Looking at her you would know she was also from a wealthy family. She slipped her hand through Jake Michaelson's arm with familiarity.

"And beside him is his beautiful wife Mrs. Cecilia Michaelson" the announcer declared.

Anastasia blinked in shock. married? none of the news, magazine or endless gossip had ever mentioned that detail. She was surprised for the third time this evening. First, finding out that Lady Veronica was related to Jake Michaelson. Secondly, the rude guy happened to be Jake Michaelson and thirdly, Jake Michaelson was married. How much more surprises can she take just for today??

Her gaze flickered to Jake who was already staring at her, thereby locking their gazes. She was startled by the intense way he was looking at her.

Jake's expression stilled, almost as though he had been expecting her. A faint smile left his lips that wasn't really noticed by anyone but held meaning.

The noise of the party faded around her, their laughter, chatter, and the music felt distant, like waves crashing far away. It felt like it was just the two of them at the event and no one else as their gazes held each other.

Then just as quickly as the moment had come Jake turned his attention back to his guest, his smile so bright that it was almost blinding. But beneath it held something disturbing.

Anastasia's heart tightened, she couldn't understand why her heart ached immediately that Lady was introduced as his wife. It was like a feeling of unease, curiosity, or probably something else that she couldn't quite describe.

All she knew was that, the sight of Jake Michaelson had left her more unsettled than she cared to admit.