The days leading up to Joyce's wedding were among the busiest Eunice had ever experienced. It was a joyous occasion, but the responsibility of creating the perfect wedding cake for her childhood friend weighed heavily on her. Joyce had always been more than just a friend; she had been Eunice's pillar of support during her darkest times, and Eunice was determined to make this cake unforgettable.
The order was ambitious: a five-tiered masterpiece with intricate floral designs and a golden finish to complement the theme of the wedding. It would take every ounce of Eunice's skill and creativity, and she wasn't about to cut any corners.
"Are you sure you can manage this, Eunice?" Lisa asked one evening as they closed the bakery.
Eunice smiled, wiping flour from her hands. "This isn't just any order, Lisa. It's Joyce's wedding. I'd work day and night to make it perfect if I have to."
True to her word, Eunice did just that. For three consecutive nights, she stayed up late, meticulously crafting each layer of the cake. The smell of buttercream filled the bakery as Eunice experimented with flavors and designs, testing combinations to ensure they were flawless.
Her mother often stayed up with her, offering moral support and the occasional cup of chai.
"You've come so far, my daughter," her mother said one evening, watching Eunice pipe delicate roses onto one of the cake tiers. "I remember when you could barely bake a loaf of bread."
Eunice laughed, pausing to stretch her aching back. "And now look at me—covered in icing, barely sleeping, but doing what I love."
The night before the wedding, the bakery was a hive of activity. Lisa helped arrange the tiers while Eunice worked on the finishing touches. When they finally stepped back to admire the completed cake, their exhaustion melted into pride.
"It's beautiful," Lisa whispered.
"It's perfect," Eunice replied, a tear slipping down her cheek.
The next morning, Eunice delivered the cake to the wedding venue. It was a vibrant affair, filled with laughter and music, and Joyce looked radiant in her flowing white gown. When the time came to unveil the cake, a hush fell over the crowd.
Eunice carefully removed the cover, revealing the towering masterpiece. The room erupted in applause. Joyce's eyes sparkled with tears as she hugged Eunice tightly.
"You outdid yourself," Joyce said, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for making this day even more special."
"It's the least I could do," Eunice replied, her heart swelling with happiness.
As the cake was served, guests raved about its taste and design. Several people approached Eunice, asking for her business card and inquiring about custom orders. By the end of the evening, she had received more than a dozen new bookings, solidifying her reputation as the best baker in the region.
But amid the joy and celebration, Eunice noticed a familiar face in the crowd—one that sent a chill down her spine. Mercy stood at the edge of the venue, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable.
Eunice froze, her mind racing. She hadn't seen Mercy since the day she fled Eldoret, and the memory of that confrontation was still vivid. For a moment, Eunice considered slipping away unnoticed, but something inside her urged her to stay.
Gathering her courage, Eunice approached Mercy cautiously. "Mercy," she said, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. "It's been a long time."
Mercy studied her for a moment before speaking. "It has," she said coolly. "I heard about your bakery. You're doing well for yourself."
"I've been blessed," Eunice replied. "But I owe you an apology, Mercy. I hurt you deeply, and for that, I'm truly sorry."
Mercy's expression softened slightly, though the tension between them remained. "It's easy to say sorry now that you've moved on. Do you even know what you put me through?"
Eunice nodded, her gaze unwavering. "I can't undo the pain I caused, but I've spent every day trying to be a better person. If there's anything I can do to make amends, please let me know."
Mercy's lips pressed into a thin line. For a moment, it seemed as though she might lash out, but instead, she sighed. "I don't know if I can forgive you yet," she admitted. "But I'll think about it."
"That's all I can ask for," Eunice said, her voice soft.
The encounter left Eunice shaken, but also hopeful. She knew that forgiveness wouldn't come easily, but the fact that Mercy was willing to listen felt like a step in the right direction.
As the wedding wound down, Eunice sat quietly, reflecting on the day. She realized that the journey to redemption was far from over, but she was willing to keep walking it. For the first time in a long time, she felt at peace with the path she was on.
Little did she know, the bakery's newfound fame would soon bring even more challenges—and opportunities—that would test her resilience and determination like never before.