4
Brendan Forrest and I dated for three years.
I got pregnant just as he was about to graduate from college.
That was when I found out he was going abroad for advanced studies.
I was afraid the baby and I would become a stumbling block for him, so I broke up with him.
With my mentor's help, I went to Gallia.
While I was abroad, I studied dessert-making and gave birth to my daughter.
Thankfully, my younger brother, Evan Sutton, was pretty self-reliant.
After he started college, he won a scholarship every year and worked a part-time job, so I no longer had to worry about him financially.
I spent three years abroad studying, raising my child, and just living.
When Roly was two, I returned to the country and opened my current dessert shop.
I named the dessert shop "As Ever," the same name as my mentor's old shop.
After I went abroad, my mentor had to stop running his shop due to health reasons.
The original shop got a new landlord, and it seems it was never rented out again.
So, I discussed it with my mentor and decided to use the old name, as a way to carry on its legacy.
Lately, a delivery guy has been coming to my dessert shop around noon every day to pick up orders.
When I saw the familiar-looking driver arrive again, I greeted him warmly.
"Hey there! It's you again. What's the customer ordering today?"
The driver gave me a simple, honest smile. "The customer wants that new item you just came out with."
"The avocado cheesecake, right?"
"Ah, yes, yes, that's the one."
After I packed up the order, I added a complimentary Earl Grey pearl cake roll—an off-menu item I hadn't released yet.
The delivery driver had barely walked out the door when Elise Duval came storming in.
"Nora Sutton! Have you even been listening to a word I've said!"
Elise stood in front of the cash register with her hands on her hips, an angry look on her face as she pointed her finger at my nose and scolded me.
I didn't dare make a peep. I just put a finger to my lips, gesturing that there were customers in the shop.
Elise marched over and dragged me straight into the back kitchen.
"How many blind dates have I set you up on! You keep making excuses not to go! If you don't find a father for Roly soon, she won't be able to get her household registration. Without that, she can't enroll in preschool. We've already been delayed by half a year because of this! Aren't you worried at all?"
I said helplessly, "I know, I know. But what normal guy would want to get involved with a single mother who had a child out of wedlock?"
It's not like I'd never gone on the blind dates Elise arranged for me.
The guys were always incredibly enthusiastic when they first met me, but as soon as I mentioned I had a daughter, they'd all find an excuse to leave.
"But you can't just give up without trying! I don't care! You have to go to the one I set up for you tomorrow night! Or else you'll have me to answer to."
I shook Elise's arm, acting cute. "I know, I know. I know you're just looking out for me and Roly. I'll do my best~"
Elise and I met when we were abroad; we were roommates.
I told her right from the start that I was pregnant, and she said she didn't mind at all.
She was a student back then, and I would often bring her desserts I made in class to taste.
Day by day, I slowly 'bribed' Elise with sweets, and our relationship grew closer and closer.
Later on, after Roly was born, she would even help me take care of her.
After we both graduated, we returned to the country together.
Coincidentally, she was also a Stellaport local, and my brother happened to be in college here too, so we were still able to see each other often after coming back.
