Part Four

Lara's anger flared like oil in a hot pan, "It's my life," she said, voice low but fierce. "Not yours, Mum and so i decide." 

The kitchen hung heavy with unsaid words mum's face hardened, eyes welling up a mix of disappointment and worry Lara had never seen  The smell of jollof rice filled the air, now thick with tension.

"You'll regret this," Mum whispered, voice cracking. 

Lara shook her head, tears pressing behind her eyes. "I need to do this," she repeated, more to herself than to Mum. 

Turning, she walked out of the kitchen, grabbed her sketchbook, and headed for the door,the old wooden door creaked shut behind her.

Outside, the Ikoyi streets felt different like possibilities and fears were tangled in the shadows. 

Lara pulled out her phone and texted Max “I'm coming,let's do this”

The message sent, she felt a rush of excitement and fear of the unknown .

She reached her small flat the next day, packed a bag with essentials, and checked her savings account enough for a start. 

Lara had always tucked away money, dreaming of this escape saying one day she will use it to open that bakery in Paris she had always talked about with Max.

Hours later, Lara landed in Paris,the city smelled like fresh bread and dreams. 

She took a deep breath, heart pounding not knowing what to expect especially with Max 

After settling a week later,with her savings, she scouted a tiny shop in Le Marais, signed a lease, and started transforming it into "Lara's Pastry".

Weeks flew – orders, baking, early mornings

The bakery filled with the scent of butter and possibility it wasn't an easy one,Lara was exhausted but alive. 

She had lost Max in the mess,when he came they had talked, amicably, after the dust settled. _Good luck, take care,he had said. 

Lara found out he had married Sophie, a mutual friend good for him,_ she thought, smiling sadly 

Lara's bakery was alive and customers raved about her donoughts which they tagged Best in Paris.

But evenings were tough – she would glance at old texts with Max, smile at memories too although he was happy; she had made her choice but it wasn't Gods plan for them to be together.