Jasper and I settle into a routine quickly. Despite the chaos of his responsibilities and my preparations for culinary school, being with Jasper feels surprisingly natural. We agreed to keep our relationship, whatever it is, strictly casual. He loses himself in his duties, while I focus on my upcoming classes with excitement and a touch of nervousness.
On the morning of my first day, I get ready with anticipation and gratitude. It was sweet of Jasper to help me get into this program and let me stay in the kingdom for free. He even got me a new phone.
Per usual, though, I'm sure his intentions weren't entirely pure. No Alpha's ever are. Even Beta families like my own had their complexities and hidden motives for getting what they wanted.
I walk through the kingdom, phone in hand, following the directions to the school. The air is crisp and the sky is a clear blue, making the morning feel even more invigorating. A smile breaks across my face as the signage comes into view.
Castello University, College of the Culinary Arts
I pause for a moment, taking in the sight of the grand entrance. The building is impressive, a mix of modern design and classic architecture that exudes prestige. The campus is bustling with students, each seemingly absorbed in their own world of studies and aspirations. I take a deep breath, feeling a surge of excitement and determination.
As I step through the gates, I can't help but reflect on how much my life has changed since I first met Jasper. I think back to the day we met and how far I've come since then. Despite everything, I've managed to carve out a little slice of happiness and opportunity for myself.
My first class is Introduction to Culinary Techniques, held in a state-of-the-art kitchen that smells of fresh herbs and spices. The instructor, Chef Delgado, is a seasoned professional with a no-nonsense attitude and a passion for teaching.
"Welcome to your first day of culinary school," Chef Delgado begins, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Here, you will learn not only how to cook but how to think like a chef. This journey will be demanding, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. Now, let's get started."
We dive right into the basics—knife skills, kitchen safety, and the fundamental techniques of cooking. I immerse myself in the tasks, relishing the challenge and the newness of it all. By the end of the class, I'm exhausted but exhilarated, already looking forward to the next lesson.
During lunch, I find a quiet spot on campus and call Jasper to tell him about my first day.
"Hey," I say when he picks up. "Guess what? I survived my first class."
He chuckles. "Of course you did. How was it?"
"Amazing. The teacher is kind of tough, but I feel like I'm going to learn a lot."
"Good. I'm glad to hear that," he replies warmly. "You deserve this."
We chat for a few more minutes before I head to my next class, Advanced Baking Techniques, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The classroom is another state-of-the-art kitchen, filled with gleaming stainless steel countertops and an array of baking tools that spark my curiosity.
Students are already gathering, setting up their stations and chatting excitedly. As I make my way to an empty station, I notice a young woman standing nearby. She has dark brown curly hair that cascades down her shoulders in a wild yet elegant manner. Her outfit stands out immediately—she wears a dark academia ensemble, complete with a black turtleneck, high-waisted plaid skirt, and a pair of vintage oxford shoes. A pair of round glasses perched on her nose completes the scholarly look. Gently, she slides an apron over her clothes before clipping her hair back, leaving a few curls free to frame her face.
"Hi," I greet her with a smile as I set my bag down. "I'm Cordelia."
She looks up from her station, her dark eyes sparkling with curiosity and warmth. "That's a gorgeous name. I'm Emma, but my friends call me Em," she responds, her voice soft but confident. "Is this your first day?"
"Yeah, it is," I admit, feeling a bit of the initial nervousness fade. "How about you?"
Emma nods, her curls bouncing slightly with the movement. "This is my third semester. I'm focusing on pastry arts. Baking is my passion," she says, her eyes lighting up as she talks about it.
"That's amazing," I say genuinely. "Do you have a favorite thing to bake?"
"Definitely croissants. They require so much precision and patience, but the end result is always worth it." Her face breaks into a radiant smile.
Chef Delgado enters the room, calling the class to attention. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we'll be diving into the art of laminated doughs. I hope you're all ready for a challenge."
"Lucky day," I grin at her, nudging her with my elbow gently.
The class begins, and I find myself partnered with Emma for the day. Her expertise and calm demeanor help to steady my nerves, and I quickly realize how much I can learn from her. We work together seamlessly, folding and rolling the dough with practiced hands, the kitchen filling with the comforting scents of butter and flour.
"So, what brought you to the University?" Emma asks as we wait for the dough to chill.
I think back to how much my life has changed recently. "A lot of things, really. I needed a fresh start. Life has been... complicated lately. Plus, I've always loved baking."
Emma nods in understanding. "Fresh starts are important. I've been through a few myself."
As the class progresses, Emma and I bond over our shared love of baking and our mutual desire for new beginnings. Her presence is calming, her passion infectious. By the time we pull our perfectly golden croissants out of the oven, I feel like I've not only learned a lot but also made a new friend.
"These look incredible," I say, admiring our—mostly her—handiwork.
Emma grins, a satisfied look in her eyes. "They do, don't they?"
"I feel like we cheated. Surely it's not fair that I'm paired with Ms. 'Croissants-are-my-favorite'. Seriously, they are amazing."
She laughs gently, her hair falling around her face as her head tilts back. The radiance of her smile captivates me, and I find myself drawn to her. A few freckles speckle her nose and cheeks, adding to her charm. I feel my cheeks heat up at the sight of her.
"You're too kind," she says, her eyes twinkling. "You did great too."
"Yeah, yeah," I respond with a playful eye roll. "But I'll always take a compliment."
As the class wraps up, we tidy our stations, still chatting about baking techniques and favorite recipes. The camaraderie we've built during the class feels natural, like we've known each other for longer than just a couple of hours.
Before we part ways, Emma reaches into her bag and pulls out her phone. "We should definitely keep in touch. Here, let's exchange numbers."
I eagerly take out my phone, and we quickly input each other's contact information.
"Absolutely. I'd love to hang out outside of class. Maybe we could try baking something new together or just grab coffee sometime."
Emma nods enthusiastically. "That sounds perfect. How about this weekend? There's a quaint little café I know of that serves the best pastries in town. We could go there and get inspired."
"That sounds amazing," I agree. "I can't wait."
As we leave the classroom, the sense of accomplishment from our baking success is heightened by the anticipation of a new friendship. Walking through the halls of the culinary school, I feel lighter, more hopeful. It's as if meeting Emma has added a bright new thread to the tapestry of my life here at Castello University.
The bustling atmosphere of the school envelops us as we head in different directions. I glance back at Emma, who gives me a cheerful wave before disappearing into the crowd. My phone buzzes with a new message, and I smile as I see it's from her, a simple text confirming our plans for the weekend.
I head out of the building, the cool air hitting my face as I step into the courtyard. The sun is shining, and the campus is alive with activity. Students walk in groups, laughing and chatting, while others sit on benches, engrossed in their studies. I make my way through the campus, my steps light with newfound excitement.
As I pass by the main gate, I pause to take in the view. Castello University is beautiful, with its historic buildings and lush greenery, an oasis of learning and tranquility. The ornate architecture of the old stone buildings, covered in creeping ivy, contrasts with the vibrant, meticulously maintained gardens. The campus exudes a timeless charm, inviting and inspiring.
My old life, the one of running from Erik, feels like an eternity ago. The fear, the constant need to look over my shoulder, the anxiety of never knowing what might happen next—all of it seems like a distant memory. The relentless pursuit that defined my existence for so long has finally come to an end. Now, as I stand here in this serene setting, I realize how far I've come.
In a strange way, I feel at peace with my past. It no longer holds the power it once did. The wounds are still there, but they've begun to heal, leaving scars that serve as a reminder of my strength and resilience. The trials I faced, the heartbreaks and betrayals, have shaped me into the person I am today. They've made me stronger, more determined, and more appreciative of the simple joys in life.
The soft breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, and I close my eyes, letting the peaceful atmosphere wash over me. I can hear the distant hum of students' chatter, the rustling of leaves, and the faint sound of birds singing. It's a symphony of life and normalcy, something I've craved for so long.
The rest of the day passes in a blur of lectures, practical sessions, and meeting new people. I immerse myself in the world of culinary arts, absorbing every detail and savoring the challenge of each new recipe. The faculty is inspiring, and my fellow students are as passionate about cooking as I am. By the time I return to the kingdom, I'm both physically tired and mentally invigorated, my mind buzzing with ideas and possibilities.
That evening, Jasper and I sit on the balcony, enjoying a quiet dinner together. The sun sets, casting a warm glow over the kingdom. The view is breathtaking, with the horizon painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple. The gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers from the garden below, adding to the serene atmosphere.
I tell Jasper all about my classes, my enthusiasm spilling over. "We made the most amazing croissants today. My partner, Emma, is incredible. She's got this natural talent, and we clicked instantly."
Jasper listens intently, a satisfied smile on his face.
"You seem happy," he comments, his eyes reflecting the golden light of the sunset.
"I am," I admit, my voice filled with excitement. "It's like a dream come true. The campus is beautiful, the professors are amazing, and the students... I feel like I belong there."
Jasper looks at me teasingly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, is Emma hot?"
I blush a little as I mention her name, the image of her flashing against my mind.
"Very," I say, unable to suppress a smile. "She has this radiant smile, and her laugh is absolutely contagious. Plus, she's incredibly talented. We made the most amazing croissants together today. I swear, her hands are like magic."
"Magical hands, huh?" Jasper raises an eyebrow, his teasing smile widening. I can't help but chuckle as I reach across the table and throw my napkin at him.
He catches it with a laugh, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Alright, alright. But you're obviously taken with her."
"It's not like that," I retort, though my voice betrays a hint of uncertainty. "We're just meeting up for coffee this weekend. Nothing more."
Jasper leans back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You should invite her to one of my parties. I'm hosting one this Saturday."
"Absolutely not," I reply, shaking my head firmly.
Jasper's eyes narrow playfully. "It's just a party. And it could be fun. You might even get to show her another side of the kingdom."