CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY EIGHT – THE BIG DAY

On the morning of the event, Jasmine arrived at the bakery to find a line already forming outside. "I think we might have underestimated how popular free cupcakes would be," she murmured to Lola as they hurried to set up. As soon as they opened the doors, chaos ensued. People streamed in, grabbing cupcakes faster than Jasmine and Lola could restock the trays. Sofia manned the coffee machine, pouring cup after cup for the caffeine-hungry crowd. "We need more chocolate!" Lola called out from behind the counter, her hair wild and dusted with powdered sugar. Jasmine nodded, ducking into the back to grab another tray. As she emerged, she collided with a customer, sending cupcakes flying everywhere. "Oh no, I'm so sorry!" Jasmine exclaimed, mortified. To her surprise, the customer - a young man with kind eyes - just laughed. "No worries," he said, bending down to help her clean up. "Though I have to say, these cupcakes are so good, I'm tempted to eat them off the floor." Jasmine blushe