The candidate selection process dragged on far longer than either Elin or Axton had anticipated. The private office felt stifling after hours of resumes, portfolios, and back-and-forth discussions. Every few minutes, Elin would glance at the clock, wishing she could fast-forward through the tedious formalities.
Yet, she knew this was important. Choosing the right person—or persons—to help manage Bluebell Bakes was about more than just skill. It was about trust, compatibility, and someone who would respect the legacy of her grandmother while keeping the bakery running smoothly.
Finally, after hours of deliberation, they narrowed it down to two promising candidates.
Aaron Fong, twenty-three, held a degree in baking and had spent several years testing the waters with small-scale ventures, including setting up pop-up stalls at pasar malams. His ambition was clear; he wanted to start small businesses and grow from the ground up. His three years of hands-on experience gave him a raw, innovative energy, though he lacked formal exposure to high-end bakery operations.
Siti, twenty-eight, brought a different kind of expertise. She had spent the last five years working at Bengala Solo, a respected local bakery known for its consistency and quality. Her experience running daily operations on her own spoke of reliability, discipline, and the kind of steady hands a busy bakery needed.
Axton watched her quietly for a moment, then offered a suggestion with a half-smile. "How about we let both of them try handling the store on their own for a week?"
Elin shook her head slightly. "Uh...I don't think—"
"Of course, with your guidance," Axton interjected, chuckling softly. "You'll supervise, mentor them, and see who adapts better. It's a practical way to test both of them without committing immediately."
Elin paused, considering his words. She could feel the knot of anxiety loosening just a little. It made sense. This way, she could maintain control while still giving herself the chance to step back and see how the candidates performed under pressure.
"Okay," she finally said, a small, determined smile forming on her lips. There was a hint of excitement mixed with relief. She knew that learning to let go even a little was crucial if she wanted to maintain any semblance of work-life balance.
And more than that, she wanted to carve out time to focus on her relationship with Axton, to nurture the connection that had quietly become the centre of her life amidst the chaos of flour, ovens, and corporate interference.
The renovation wrapped up exactly seven days later, leaving Bluebell Bakes almost unrecognizable in the best way. Fresh paint warmed the walls, the new counters gleamed under soft lighting, and the faint scent of varnish mixed with the comforting sweetness of whatever Elin had baked that morning.
She moved slowly through the shop, fingertips brushing across surfaces as if memorizing every change. It felt like watching her bakery take a deeper breath after years of holding itself together.
She stood on a small step stool near the front window, adjusting a display sign for the fifth time, when she heard footsteps outside. The door opened a moment later, and Axton stepped in with Aaron and Siti behind him. Light spilled in around them, catching dust motes still drifting from the contractors' final clean-up.
"Looks amazing," Axton said as he took in the space, his voice low with genuine appreciation.
Aaron wandered forward with wide eyes, studying every detail like he was trying to absorb the entire layout at once. His enthusiasm radiated off him, almost bouncing with every step. Siti, more composed, ran a practiced gaze over the equipment and shelving, quietly evaluating the workflow like someone already planning her morning ritual.
The bakery remained closed to the public for a few more days, but it didn't feel quiet.
It felt full.
Full of possibility, full of expectation, full of the warm hum of what this place could become.
Elin spent the next few hours getting to know Aaron and Siti, guiding them through the newly arranged kitchen while sunlight softened across the countertops.
Axton had slipped out earlier for a meeting, brushing a quick kiss to her cheek before promising he would return in time to take her out for dinner. The thought lingered in the back of her mind like a warm ember, but she kept her focus on the two bakers standing with her.
She opened a folder of handwritten recipes and spread them across the worktable. The pages were worn at the edges, smudged with flour, proof of years of early mornings and quiet experimentation.
"Please feel free to ask me anything," she said with a gentle smile, looking from Aaron to Siti. "I know it's a lot to take in on the first day, but I want you both to feel comfortable here. This place works best when the kitchen feels like home."
Aaron leaned closer, eyes bright with curiosity. "These are incredible," he murmured as he flipped through the pages. "Do you write all of them yourself?"
Elin nodded, a little flustered at the admiration. "Most of them. I'm planning to create new ones soon, so if either of you have ideas, I'm very open. Something fun, something that feels like Bluebell Bakes."
Aaron paused only long enough to push up his glasses before pulling a small notebook from his pocket.
"What about a milo croissant? Most places do coffee or tea versions, but I've never seen milo. You could even try Horlick or Ovaltine for a different twist." His pencil flew across the page as he spoke, as if he was afraid the idea would run away before he caught it.
Elin's eyebrows lifted, impressed. "That actually sounds really interesting."
Siti waited until Aaron finished jotting down his thoughts before speaking. "I was thinking... maybe an ondeh-ondeh inspired croissant. The chewy texture and gula melaka flavour, but wrapped inside a flaky pastry." She glanced toward the workbench where the mixers stood. "It might take some testing, but I think it could work."
Elin's eyes brightened as she listened to them, the spark of inspiration settling comfortably in her chest. "I love that idea too, Siti. It sounds wonderful," she said, unable to hide her excitement. She could already imagine the warm, aromatic scent of gula melaka and pandan blending with buttery pastry.
Aaron tapped his pen against his notebook, warming up to the discussion. "We could even push the concept further," he said. "If we take local flavours and pair them with techniques from other cuisines, we could come up with a whole range of fusion pastries. Maybe something that plays with sweet and salty notes, or soft and crunchy elements. People like surprises these days."
Siti folded her arms thoughtfully, her expression turning contemplative rather than skeptical. "I agree with him. I think there should be a balance. I'm naturally more drawn to traditional flavours because they feel comforting and familiar. But the younger crowd loves bold new tastes. So if we include some classic local flavours and mix in a few creative experiments, we can appeal to everyone."
Elin laughed softly, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through the room. "Three bakers' minds really are better than one," she said. "I didn't realize how energizing it would be to brainstorm with both of you. It feels like the menu is coming alive already."
Lunch arrived earlier than any of them expected. Aaron volunteered to make the food run, insisting it would be faster if he went alone. He disappeared out the front door with his wallet and a confident wave, leaving Elin and Siti behind in the quiet, half-set-up bakery.
With the mixers silent and the ovens cold, the room felt softer, almost intimate. Siti leaned against one of the new counters while Elin perched on a stool nearby, and the two of them slipped easily into conversation. It started with small talk—simple things like morning routines and favourite cafés—but soon their chatter warmed, drifting toward stories about family, work, and the odd little moments that made up their days.
Elin found herself laughing more than she expected. Siti had a dry sense of humour, the kind that crept up on you and landed with perfect timing. They were so lost in their back-and-forth that neither of them heard the soft hum of the air conditioning kick on.
Siti eventually nudged Elin with her elbow, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity. "So," she said, tilting her head, "the white man... is he your boyfriend?"
Elin nearly choked on her own breath. She knew exactly who Siti meant. Axton might as well have been standing right beside her; the thought of him alone made her cheeks warm. She tried to answer casually, but her voice betrayed her with its soft, embarrassed edge. "Something like that," she murmured.
Siti's smile widened as if she had expected nothing less. "I thought so. The way he looks at you is very obvious," she said, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You two look good together, you know. There's this... natural match between you. It reminded me of me and my boyfriend when we first started dating."
Elin blinked, caught between surprise and curiosity. "Really? How so?"
Siti rested her chin on her hand. "That phase where you're pretending everything is normal," she said with a quiet laugh, "but everyone can see the softness in your eyes when you talk about him. It's sweet. Comfortable. Like the beginning of a story that's going somewhere good."
Elin felt her chest warm, slow and gentle, like someone pouring sunlight into her.
Maybe Siti was right. Maybe this beginning really was leading somewhere.
Elin's cheeks grew warmer, and she fiddled with the edge of the recipe binder in front of her.
"We... only just found our way back to each other," she admitted softly.
Siti gave her a patient look, the kind that invited honesty without pressure.
So Elin told her. Not everything in painful detail, but enough for Siti to understand the mess she had been tangled in. She spoke quietly about Sebastian, the manipulation, the fallout, and how the entire corporate disaster with Axton had forced every buried fear to the surface. She explained how the misunderstanding spiralled, how she felt cornered, and how walking into Axton's world again brought back memories she wasn't sure she could face.
Siti listened without interrupting, her expression thoughtful.
When Elin finally let out a slow breath, she traced a small circle on the countertop with her fingertip. "So that's why... we're taking things slow," she murmured. "It still feels like we're balancing on a tightrope. One wrong move and everything might fall apart again."
She hesitated, then continued, her voice quieter. "But Axton's been very careful with me. He's... different now. He's trying so hard to respect what I need. He never pushes, never corners me. He just gives me space to breathe, even when I know he wants to fix everything right away."
Her lips curved into a shy, almost wistful smile. "It makes it easier for me to take a step forward each time. I think he's trying to make sure I feel safe with him again."
Siti leaned back slightly, tilting her head with a playful curiosity. "When was the last time you two actually went on a proper date?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with teasing interest.
Elin hesitated, thinking back, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. "Oh... that's been a long time. A few months, I think," she admitted softly, her voice tinged with both nostalgia and uncertainty.
Siti's smile widened, warm and encouraging. "Then I think it's about time you went on one! Even just a small one," she said, her tone gentle but insistent.
Elin's lips curved into a small, uncertain smile. "Maybe... but I'm not sure if I even have time for a proper date right now. The bakery is still keeping me busy, and I'm trying to make sure everything at Bluebell runs smoothly before I take a step back."
Siti nodded in understanding, her expression softening. "I get it, managing the bakery comes first. But you don't have to start big. Maybe just a small, simple outing. A coffee, a walk, something that doesn't take up the whole day. It's a way to ease back into spending time together without feeling overwhelmed."
Elin's shoulders relaxed a little, and she let out a quiet, thoughtful sigh. "I guess... maybe that could work. Something manageable. Something simple."
Siti's grin returned, a little victorious. "Exactly. Small steps. Just like everything else in life and love, right?"
Aaron returned to the bakery, carrying several neatly packed containers of food. The warm aroma of the dishes filled the room as he set them down on the counter. Elin immediately stood and moved toward him, ready to help unpack the food.
"Please remind me to treat Mr. Creighton to a proper meal next time," Aaron muttered, his tone a mix of admiration and disbelief.
Elin paused, a spoonful of nasi lemak halfway to her mouth. "Hm? Why would you say that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with confusion.
"He offered to sponsor me to further my bakery classes," Aaron explained, eyes lighting up slightly at the memory. "He said that if I wanted to help you with the bakery properly, I needed to be more knowledgeable. I refused at first, but he was adamant. He said he doesn't want you, Elin, to have to worry about leaving your bakery in inexperienced hands. He wants you to be confident that it's safe with us."
Siti chimed in, leaning against the counter with a small smile. "Honestly, Elin, we probably shouldn't even be telling you this. He didn't want you to know because he was worried you might reject us. But he had already chosen us—handpicked us for the bakery. The entire crowd you saw at his company? That was just for show."
Elin frowned, trying to process what they were saying. "Wait... what does that mean exactly?"
Aaron leaned forward, his voice earnest. "It means he already made the decision. He picked us because he trusts us to help you manage the bakery. All of that formal process you witnessed was just to make it seem fair and give you time to adjust, but the choice was already made."
Siti nodded in agreement. "He just didn't want you to feel pressured or overwhelmed. He handled everything behind the scenes so you wouldn't have to worry. He thought if he told you outright, you might feel obligated or hesitant, and he wanted this to be easy for you."
Elin's fingers tightened slightly around her spoon as she absorbed their words.
Aaron glanced at Siti before speaking again, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "And we know we promised him we wouldn't tell you, but since you're our boss and we wanted to be completely transparent, we thought it was important you knew. Please, just don't confront him about this."
Elin's lips curved into a small, soft smile as warmth spread through her chest. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks, a mixture of gratitude and affection for both of them. "I really appreciate that," she said, her voice gentle but steady. "And don't worry, I won't confront him. I won't tell him that I know either. I trust that he did this because he wanted what's best for me—and for the bakery."
The three of them settled down at the table, the atmosphere lightening with the comfort of shared food and camaraderie. They passed around small bites, teasing each other over taste preferences and past kitchen mishaps.
Aaron pointed out a particularly fluffy croissant and mimed an exaggerated bow, joking that it deserved an award. Siti laughed and teased him back, making playful critiques of her own, and Elin couldn't help but join in, the sound of their laughter mingling with the faint aroma of freshly baked pastries.
Hours slipped by as they ate, joked, and reminisced about their kitchen adventures. Once their stomachs were satisfied, they cleared the plates and returned their attention to the task at hand: planning the bakery's new recipes. Elin felt a renewed sense of inspiration as they brainstormed together, jotting down ideas and discussing combinations of flavours that could surprise and delight their customers.
***
a/n:
Pasar malam – Literally "night market" in Malay. It refers to a temporary evening market in Southeast Asia where vendors sell food, clothes, and various goods.
Ondeh ondeh – A traditional Southeast Asian dessert, usually small glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar (gula Melaka) and coated with grated coconut. It doesn't have a direct English translation, so it's usually referred to by its Malay name.
Milo – A chocolate malt powder drink originally from Australia, very popular in Southeast Asia. It's used to make hot or cold chocolatey beverages.
Gula Melaka – Palm sugar, made from the sap of coconut palms. It has a rich, caramel-like flavour and is commonly used in Southeast Asian desserts.