Meeting Destiny

In the charming town of Willowdale, Lyra McDonald, a talented baker, lived a simple life surrounded by sweet treats and loving friend. Being born as the first child in a family of four, she had one younger brother, Kennedy, often called Ken, her mother and her father already late as the cause of his death remained but a mystery till this day. Being a responsible adult, she had left her mother and brother for the city of Willowdale, where she hussled to pay back the debt her father had before he died.

Although Lyra McDonald have problems, yet her heart, however, yearned for something more – a love that would sweep her off her feet, a real kind of love, being 28 years old, she had never dated. But one fateful evening, as she was about to close her bakery, a mysterious stranger appeared, his piercing eyes locking onto hers...

Staring at her, imagining her beauty, this stranger named Stephen Mackenzie has always been a play boy but all the girls he had met weren't as beautiful as Lyra, or maybe they were, he just was not sure what he felt, he just stood there lost in the world of imagination.

Confused by what the problem is, Lyra stopped and asked him, "excuse me mister," she paused as she noticed that he was lost in thought. "Sorry sir, but do you want to buy some cake? I'm sorry but I have closed the business for today, but if there's any specific design you want or have in mind, I can take notes, and will let you know when to pick it up if you drop your contact details sir".

Stephen snapped back to reality, his face flushing slightly as he realized he had been staring at Lyra for too long. He chuckled, trying to play it cool, and said, "Ah, no, no I do not want to buy a cake, no cake for me today, but I'd love to take you out for a cup of coffee instead. I'm Stephen, by the way." He flashed his most charming smile, hoping to make a good impression.

Lyra raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by the sudden invitation. "I'm Lyra," she replied, her voice sweet and gentle. "And I'm not sure if I'm interested in coffee, but thank you for asking." She began to tidy up her bakery, her movements graceful and efficient.

Stephen persisted, intrigued by her hesitation. "Come on, Lyra, just one cup? I promise I'm not as bad as I seem." He leaned against the counter, his eyes locked onto hers, hoping to persuade her.

Raising her eyes to meet his, wanting to ask him to go since she's about to close her business for the day, she also got lost in thought, looking at how manly he looks, so handsome and muscular and with bright charming eyes, she found herself back to reality and coughed at herself for thinking such thing, embarrassed she asked him to leave, "like I said earlier, I have closed for today, would you mind stepping outside Mr Stephen? I need to tidy up and lock my shop."

Stephen replied with a nod and walked out of the bakery shop.

For Lyra, she has never been like that, what just happened? She can't stop asking herself as she locked her shop and gave the stranger Stephen guy a strange look as he smiled heading towards his car.

As Lyra locked her shop and turned to leave, she couldn't shake off the feeling of embarrassment and confusion. She had never reacted to a man like that before, and it unsettled her. She quickened her pace, trying to distance herself from the encounter.

Just as she thought she had left the awkwardness behind, she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. "Hey, Lyra, wait up!" Stephen called out, his long strides easily catching up to her.

Lyra's heart skipped a beat as she turned to face him, her mind racing with reasons why he was still pursuing her. "What do you want, Stephen?" she asked, trying to sound firm but failing to hide the hint of curiosity in her voice.

Stephen smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I just wanted to ask if you'd like to grab dinner with me tomorrow night. I promise I'll make it worth your while." He held up his hands in a defensive gesture. "No cake, I promise!"

Not sure what to answer, not sure if this handsome guy won't be a player, not sure if she would look cheap if she accepted right away, so she declined, for she thought within herself that if he truly likes to talk with her, it would be more than a coincidence, he will have to come another time, making up her mind to play hard to get, Lyra smiled, "sorry but after work, I often feel tired and nothing would be so wonderful as going home for a quick shower and dinner and a good night rest, so I don't think I would go with you for dinner tomorrow night, I am sorry, I have to be on my way".

Stephen's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I like a challenge," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'll take that as a yes, Lyra. You're a intriguing woman, and I'm not one to give up easily." He paused, his gaze lingering on hers. "Tell you what, I'll come by your bakery tomorrow afternoon, and we'll see if you're still too tired for dinner." He winked, his charm radiating like a warm embrace. "Sweet dreams, Lyra. I'll see you soon."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Lyra feeling both relieved and disappointed at the same time. She couldn't help but wonder if she had just made a mistake by playing hard to get. Had she just piqued the interest of a player, or had she potentially missed out on something special?

As she watched him drove away, Lyra couldn't shake off the feeling that her life was about to get a whole lot more interesting.