Sweet Destiny

By Lily Clarke

Discover the irresistible charm of "Sweet Destiny," a heartwarming tale of love, ambition, and culinary delights.

Emma Sanford, a masterful pastry chef, embodies sweetness and resilience. Despite life's harsh setbacks, including being abandoned while pregnant, Emma has risen to become a beacon of strength and success. But behind her achievements lies a heart shielded from love, focused solely on her son and her culinary creations.

Enter Oliver Ferrell, the charismatic and powerful CEO of a renowned automotive empire. With the world at his fingertips, Oliver's heart harbors a void only true companionship can fill. Known for his strategic prowess, life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Emma. Despite his past marred by betrayal and fleeting encounters, Oliver finds himself drawn to Emma's genuine spirit.

Set against the backdrop of bustling city life and the intricate dance of the corporate and culinary worlds, "Sweet Destiny" weaves a narrative where passion meets perseverance. As fate draws Emma and Oliver closer, they discover in each other the missing ingredients to their happiness.

Will Emma open her heart to the possibility of love? Can Oliver embrace the warmth and simplicity love offers beyond his complex world?

"Sweet Destiny" is not just a love story; it is a journey of healing, acceptance, and the sweet surprises life offers when least expected. Dive into this exquisite blend of romance and personal growth, perfect for fans of heartfelt narratives and enchanting culinary adventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lily Clarke
• Release date: Apr 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224187812

Lily Clarke

Born amidst the charming cobblestone streets of Brussels, Belgium, in 1997, Lily Clarke discovered her passion for storytelling from an early age. Raised in a city that breathes history and cultural richness, Lily's imagination was sparked by the vibrant tapestry of life that surrounded her. A literary explorer, Lily ventured into the realms of fantasy, mystery, and drama with equal enthusiasm, inviting readers to embark on a captivating journey through her imaginative landscapes, where every page reveals a new facet of her storytelling prowess.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Emma Sanford

I've been sitting in this square for over an hour. My life feels completely directionless right now. Everything was set for me to start college, but with the latest turn of events, that dream will likely be put on hold.

I'm 17 years old and I resemble my mother a lot. Her name is Amelia and my father Joaquim; they are my foundation, along with my older brother, Felipe, who lives with his girlfriend, Liz, and they're a lovely couple.

My boyfriend's name was Adam. At first, our relationship was perfect. He treated me well, with affection, always took me out, and to everyone, we were the ideal couple. I was madly in love with him.

However, I had been feeling unwell for some time—lots of nausea, cravings—and suspicion became reality: I'm two months pregnant. When I told my family, the lecture was immense; my parents were visibly disappointed. Let's be honest, no one wants their daughter to become a mother so young; they know how life changes, responsibilities grow, and priorities shift.

The foundation of my family has always been love, conversation, and understanding. My father owns a car dealership; he started small and now it's the largest in our city. My mother works at a hospital; she's the head nurse, and our financial situation is good. I work from home, running a small specialized kitchen, making cakes and sweets for parties. I've always loved cooking, and my parents have always encouraged me to do what I love, so they invested in a kitchen in the back of the house, where the cluttered room used to be. I always have many orders, and with that, I'm saving up money for college, but at the moment, priorities have shifted.

Well, getting back to my ex, he simply broke up with me.

Adam, I have to tell you something new, I said as soon as he arrived at the square where we agreed to meet.

I also have news, but you can go first, he replied.

I don't know how to tell you this, it's a very delicate matter, but I want you to know that I didn't plan any of this, but it happened.

Speak up, Emma, I'm getting worried.

I'm pregnant, he didn't say anything, he got up and started pacing back and forth, and suddenly, he said the dumbest thing ever."

How did this happen? We always used condoms, and the few times we didn't, you took the morning-after pill. This baby definitely isn't mine.

You're a jerk, Adam. You know damn well that I've only been with you; we've been together for a year, and I've always been faithful to you. And furthermore, those pills aren't one hundred percent safe, and you know that.

Look, Emma, I'm leaving for New York today, that was my surprise for you. I got promoted, and I can't miss this opportunity, and there's no room in my life for a child right now. So, if you want to come with me, get rid of this child, or forget about me.

You just disappoint me with every word that comes out of your mouth. Here's the deal, go on with your life without me and forget about me.

You see? And you still want me to believe that this child is mine, huh? You slut, you cheated on me and now you're trying to trap me, I slapped him across the face as soon as he finished speaking.

Get out of my sight, I'm sure one day you'll regret your choices, but know that it will be too late, he didn't say anything else to me, got into his car, left me alone in the square, and I cried out all that was trapped in my soul.

Hearing him say that he wasn't ready to be a father and that he didn't believe this child was his broke me. A few months ago, he received an offer to work in another country. We live in São Paulo, and he'll be working in New York. The plan was for me to try for a scholarship and go to college there so we could live together. Now, those plans no longer exist.

There's no point in me crying anymore; Adam left me with a child on the way. He even suggested I get an abortion, even though I knew this was a possibility, it never crossed my mind. I will be a mother and father to my child, who will be very proud of me.

I dry my tears and head back home. When I get there, my parents were waiting for me.

I'm home, I say awkwardly as I walk in.

Sit down here, dear, how did the conversation go? My mother moves aside, making room for me to sit between them on the couch.

Well, he's not going to take responsibility for the child, he thinks it's not his. And he's probably on the plane to New York by now.

What do you mean, daughter? That scumbag couldn't have done this, that's why I wanted to talk to him, my father gets up and paces back and forth, completely distraught.

Yes, dad, he's gone. The job offer worked out, and since his family isn't from here, he just left. But I'll do my best, and if you want, I can move out. I just ask that you let me continue working in my kitchen, I lower my head, knowing they're not obligated to take care of my child.

Daughter, we're very sad right now, yes. But you are our daughter, this baby is our blood, and we'll never abandon you. If Adam was a jerk, that's his problem, just know that he'll never lay a finger on this child, and we'll help you with everything, my father speaks, giving me all the reassurance I need in that moment.

They hug me, and there I allow myself to cry and unload all my fears on their shoulders. How good it is to have a family that loves me regardless of the situation; they didn't sugarcoat things but rather talked and supported me when I needed it most. My child will have the best grandparents.

I go up to my room, take a shower, which didn't just wash my body but my soul too. I need to be strong for myself and for the baby; tomorrow I'll start my prenatal care. Everything will be fine, it won't be easy, but I won't stop. I'm in the final year of high school, I'll graduate, but college will have to wait a little longer.

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Three Months Later

I'M SO NERVOUS, TODAY is my high school graduation. I'm wearing a baby blue dress, which is my favorite color. It's snug at the bust and loose at the belly, with thin straps and a very light fabric. To complete the look, I'm wearing low black heels, leaving my hair down but with wavy ends, and my makeup is simple, with well-defined eyes and light pink lipstick.

I'm almost five months pregnant, and I only have one best friend, Rafaela. She has been very supportive and helped me a lot with my work. She also makes sweets and is working with me; we're getting many orders, and I'm saving all my money now because I know I'll need to take at least two months off to exclusively care for the baby. I need to work hard while I can. My father helped me renovate one of the guest rooms next to mine. Although my father loves me, he's not paying for everything alone; it was one of the ways he chose to prepare me for everything that's still to come. I found out the baby's gender last week, but today is the gender reveal party after our graduation.

The graduation ceremony was tiring, lots of students to get through for the diploma. I took photos with my family and my friend Rafa, and after it ended, we went home. As soon as I enter, I'm surprised because the backyard is all decorated, the pool is full of pink and blue balloons, with beautiful decorations. There was a panel for the few guests to place their bets on the baby's gender, and there was also a table with sweets, a cake that Rafa made, and the decoration was with bears. It was all perfect, I loved it.

Thank you, family, I loved it, I say, visibly moved.

Don't cry, friend, you deserve it, and we love you so much, Rafa hugs me.

Let's enjoy, little sister, we have many reasons to celebrate today; I'm so proud of you, Felipe is an incredible brother, always by my side.

Sis, you know we love you, right? And you deserve the world, Liz comes to hug me with my brother, and I hug them in a big collective hug. I feel so good near my family.

The dinner was wonderful; Rafa's parents and her boyfriend, Bruno, were also here. There were few people, but as the saying goes: better few, but true, than many false.

Thank you all for being here; I loved the surprise, but enough with the suspense, let's find out if there's a girl or boy in there, everyone approaches the table, and when I cut the cake, the filling is chocolate, and I don't understand.

Look at the sky, friend, Rafa catches my attention, and when I look, I see several BLUE fireworks being launched, and then I start crying with happiness, and everyone gathers around me. Yes, my Rael is on the way, I feel complete with my son.

We spend some more time talking until everyone leaves; I also go to my room to rest, my belly is starting to weigh, and tomorrow I need to finish an order.

I'm very happy; I'll never be alone again because I'll always have my Rael with me.

We are responsible for our choices, and the law of the harvest is certain. I was very irresponsible in not taking care of myself before; I should have started taking contraceptives, but I didn't think the love Adam claimed to feel for me was superficial. I didn't plan to get pregnant because a child wasn't expected at the time, but now that I'm entering the final stretch of pregnancy, I can't imagine my life without my child. My heart is shielded from love; I don't want anyone at the moment, I don't know if I'll be able to trust a man again.

Since the day I found Adam in the square, I haven't seen or heard anything from him, he really disappeared. Part of me still wanted him to reach out, not for me, but for the child who's innocent in all this, but today I know it was for the best; I'm managing well without him.

As tomorrow is Sunday, I'll finish the order early in the morning and in the afternoon, I'll go to the mall to buy nursery decorations and clothes because until today, I only bought neutral layette.

My little prince will have everything good and best; he will be very proud of his mother.

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ON SUNDAY, I WOKE UP before six o'clock, took a nice warm shower to relax, put on a comfortable dress, tied my hair into a ponytail, and went downstairs for breakfast.

Good morning, Mom, how are you?

Good morning, dear, I'm fine, and you? Did you manage to rest? And my little grandson?

We slept well, yes. This baby here doesn't stop for a second, it's a mess in there.

Have your breakfast; you need to eat well.

I'll eat quickly; I need to finish Mrs. Lucy's cake. She'll come to pick it up before lunch. Later, Rafa will come with me to buy things for Rael's nursery.

Alright, dear, don't leave anything for the last minute.

I finish my breakfast and head straight to my workspace. I love doing my job! Everything here is small but super organized, all clean, with new equipment. I'm sure we'll be able to expand the space soon. After a few minutes, Rafa arrives.

Good morning, friend, she arrives all happy.

Good morning, you're very happy today, huh. I like seeing you like this.

Of course, we're going to buy things for our prince's room. Friend, it's just happiness.

Oh, Rafa, I don't know what I'd do without you. Thank you so much for being my best friend.

Let's stop this, I know pregnancy has made you more sensitive, but stop it, or I'll start crying here.

We start finishing the sweets; we're very quick in what we do, so everything is ready in an hour. The cake turned out beautiful, with a spring theme, we put a lot of effort into it. After half an hour, Mrs. Lucy picked up her order.

Rafa, let's clean up and get ready to go to the mall; I want to have lunch there.

Yes, let's, friend; Bruno will meet us directly there.

We clean everything up and return to my house, take a shower, and I decide to wear pants, a loose blouse, and sneakers because we'll be walking, so I need to be comfortable. Rafa is wearing denim shorts, a white blouse, and sneakers as well.

We call an Uber, and in twenty minutes, we're at the mall. Rafa meets Bruno at the entrance; he greets me, and we start walking through all the stores, looking for items to complete my baby's room. I painted the room white, and there's already a wardrobe, dresser, crib, and a nursing chair.

We enter a baby store and buy a crib bumper, which is the safest and prevents the child from suffocating if they roll to the sides. I chose an anti-reflux pillow, and I couldn't resist buying a cute and fluffy elephant for Rael to sleep with. In addition, I picked up some wall art, and we finished at the first store.

Bruno offered to keep the purchases in his car, and of course, I accepted because we're going to a few more places.

Meanwhile, Rafa and I enter the next store and buy clothes to complete the essential kit. My mom told me not to buy too many clothes because they outgrow them quickly. So I only bought the basics; in the same store, I bought a maternity bag, and well, we left with full bags.

At the pharmacy, I bought diapers, wipes, cotton swabs, alcohol, and everything a baby needs, as well as some things I'll need too. Bruno once again kept everything in the car, and we went to the food court. We're going to eat burgers with lots of french fries; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Rafa, I think that's it for now, I say after checking the list I made.

I think we've bought everything. After we set everything up, we'll double-check if anything's missing.

I think you could take care of two babies with all the stuff you bought, he jokes, Bruno is a nice guy, very different from my ex. He's very grounded and shows that he wants a future with my friend, I always wish them the best.

Don't exaggerate, Bruno, we just bought the essentials. But now, friend, I need to tell you something I'm thinking of doing with our company, our bakery has been growing a lot, the orders never stop.

Then tell me now, you know how impatient I am.

So, next week there's a course in Rio de Janeiro, and it's an intensive one. I believe we'll be able to expand our company.

I'm excited, I also really want it to grow.

"Look, girls, if you need help with anything, I'm here. You know my accounting office is