DEMETRIA

The energy buzzed with excitement as everyone congratulated us. Desserts were passed around, something I didn’t know my bakery team had planned, adding to today’s big surprise. Across the room, I noticed my father approaching, his arm linked with his new lady, both smiling warmly in our direction.

I stepped forward as my father reached me, his face lighting up. “Mija, I’m so happy for you,” he said warmly, pulling me into a firm hug. “You’ve grown into a strong, ...