Chapter 1: The Woman at the Rear Entrance
Camilla had been bringing the same tray of cupcakes through the rear entrance of dozens of parties for two years, and no one had ever questioned her at the door before.
The engagement party at Whitmore Hall was already in full swing when she stepped in, the crystal chandeliers casting gold light across three hundred guests in evening wear.
She kept her gaze on the tray, careful not to tilt it, when a voice cut through the noise.
“Wait, who let you in?”
The bride-to-be stood before her, ivory gown catching the light, one hand already raised like she was ready to wave security over.
“I'm here to deliver the cake,” Camilla said.
The bride's eyes shifted to the tray, then widened.
“You made our engagement cake?”
Before Camilla could answer, a man in a dark suit moved up beside them.
He stared at her for a long moment, something clicking into place behind his eyes.
“Are you Camilla?”
“Yes, sir.”
He turned toward the room, his voice carrying easily over the music.
“I tried her desserts months ago.
I had no idea the town's best baker was you.”
The bride's mouth opened, then closed.
“I thought you were part of the staff.”
“I'm just here to deliver my work,” Camilla said softly.
The groom smiled, and something in his expression made the entire room seem to lean in.
“Then stay.
I want everyone here to meet you.”
May you like
Why did the groom want everyone to meet Camilla—and how will his bride react?
Comment “NEXT” for Part 2.
