Sample chapter of a romance Novel

                     Chapter 1

                       ~Yotan~

The aroma of fresh bread wafted into my nose as I stepped into Missan’s Blissful Delights, my pride, my bakery.  

My eyes touched on the wooden shelves with an array of pastries. The glow from the lights illuminated the display cases that showcased delicate cupcakes with vibrant icing. 

I moved past the eating area and walked to the back of the room where the kitchen was located.   

“Good morning, Mo,” I greeted my only staff as I stepped into the hot kitchen.  

“Hey, boss.” Mo threw a grin over her shoulder and turned back to the bowl of eggs she was whisking.  

I removed my blazer, hung it on a hook behind the door, and went to stand beside her after wearing an apron. 

“Let me assist you,” I said, pulling a tray of dough towards me and began kneading it.  

Mo and I worked in comfortable silence. I finished with the bread dough, poured it into the bread pan, and slid it into the oven. After setting the oven timer, I washed my hands and leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Mo cut the cookies into different shapes. 

My eyes traveled around and I noted the changes that needed to be made. The walls needed a fresh coat of paint, and some appliances were too old to use. The fridge made funny noises, and the microwave produced an odd smell when in use.   

“You know, we are opening for the day in less than fifteen minutes. I hope things will be different today.” Mo’s voice broke through her reverie.   

“I hope so too.” My lips turned down as gloom filled me. Sales had been slow since the bakery opened a month ago. Only a handful of people had patronized us in the last month.  

“I think our problem is lack of publicity,” Mo remarked while washing her hands. 

“Hmm, that’s true. Do you have ideas on how to boost our existence?" 

Mo faced me with a weird look. “You are the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dike, one of the power couples in the country. I'm certain that will give us enough publicity."

 “I have told you so many times that I'm not asking my parents for assistance.”

Mo’s lips thinned. “Suit yourself. I guess you enjoy not making any sales.” She wiped her hand on a napkin and moved towards the door. “I am going to set things up,” she said and slipped out of the kitchen.  

Various thoughts plagued my mind. Mo’s points were correct, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask my parents for a boost. My mom would laugh and declare that I failed because I didn’t listen to her.  

The sound of Mo moving things around broke my musings. I rose to my full height and ambled out of the kitchen, hoping and praying that things would become better. The last thing I wanted was for my mother to sneer at me.  

Time flew beyond my expectations. By the time the day ended, we had only made one sale of one doughnut. I puffed out a breath as I put up the closed sign. I spied a look at Mo, who wore a scowl as she packed up her bags. 

I dragged myself to the table and grabbed my bag. I flung it over my shoulder, turned around, and came face to face with Mo’s frowning face.  

Her eyes dimmed as she gazed at me. “This place would be bustling with activities if you do the right thing. A word is enough for the wise.” She straightened her back and held her bag tighter. “Goodnight, Yotan,” she said, sauntering out of the building and into the fading sun. 

A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed hard to force it down. The heaviness in my heart seemed to increase. I trudged towards the door with hunched shoulders. After locking up, I tucked the key into my bag and headed to my bike leaning against the wall.  

After making sure everything was prepared, I positioned myself on the seat. However, before I began my journey, I put on my earbuds after connecting to my favourite playlist. Listening to music was the only way to lift my spirits. 

The pulsing beats of Fire On The Mountain by Asa filled my eardrums and soothed my knotted nerves. I hummed along as I wheeled myself onto the road. 

The early evening breeze blew on my face as I rode my bicycle down the streets of Lakeview Estate. I lived in an apartment a few streets away from the bakery. That’s why I found riding a bicycle more convenient than driving a car. One of my lifestyles my mother despised. 

I turned into my street and the song changed to a Gospel song; I Testify by Ada Ehi. It was one of my favorites, so I sang along. 

As I headed towards the end of the street, a lone jogger came from the adjacent street and headed towards me. He seemed to be lost in his world as he nodded his head at what was playing through his headphones. 

I decided to slow down as the distance between us reduced. 

I marched on my front brake, but my bicycle continued at the same speed. I began to honk loudly, but it fell on deaf ears. 

My heart raced as I repeated the action, to no avail. I looked up and prayed he would notice me and move out of the way. 

I pressed harder on my brake but my bike continued to speed. 

Oh, dear Lord. This is not a time for my brakes to fail.  Panic welled within me and my heart raced. 

 Anger at myself mingled with my fright.  

My eyes darted up, and my heartbeat increased. The man and I  were only a hair’s breadth from each other. 

My head and heart pounded as we closed in on each other. 

“Hey, watch out!” I yelled. 

However, it was too late and…

CRASH!

The sounds of colliding bodies and metal were the last thing I heard before my body hit the floor.