Ethan followed his brother, Melvin, into the cozy bakery cafe, inhaling the delicious scents of freshly baked bread, pastries, and brewing coffee. The aroma enveloped him like a warm hug. He hadn't been thrilled about the errand, but Melvin had insisted, claiming his pregnant wife had a craving that only Ray's Bakery could satisfy. Ethan had never been to the place before, but as he stepped inside, he appreciated the inviting atmosphere, with its wooden beams and cheerful floral arrangements.

Melvin, however, walked in as if he owned the place, moving with practiced familiarity. He waved at the young woman behind the counter, who greeted him with a bright smile.

"Hey, Melvin! Back so soon?" she called, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

"You know my wife," Melvin said with a chuckle. "She's craving Bay's croissants again. If I don't bring them home, I'm a dead man!"

The barista laughed, nodding in understanding. "I've got you covered. Fresh batch just came out of the oven."

"Awesome! Is Rayna in?" Melvin asked hopefully.

"She stepped out to get something down the block, but she'll be back soon," she replied.

Ethan watched the exchange with mild amusement, his curiosity piqued. He hadn't realized his brother and his wife were regulars. "So, the famous bakery Sarah keeps raving about," Ethan commented, looking around. "Not bad."

Melvin grinned, nudging Ethan's shoulder. "Not bad! This place is a lifesaver. They have the best pastries in town."

"Easy with the exaggeration," Ethan said, and Melvin chuckled.

"A trial will convince you. Come on, let's grab a table and have some muffins and coffee before we head out," Melvin suggested, nodding to the barista to serve them.

Ethan nodded, his mouth watering at the sight of the display case filled with an array of pastries: croissants, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and other treats that looked too good to resist.

After ordering muffins and two cups of coffee, they slid into a booth. Ethan picked up a muffin and bit into it as they sat down. His eyes closed involuntarily as he savored the taste. He had to admit that Melvin was right—the bakery was good.

"This tastes really good. I didn't know a muffin could taste so good," he said.

"Told you," Melvin said with a grin, taking a bite of his own pastry. "Best in town!"

Melvin leaned back, taking a sip of his coffee. "You know, Ethan, you should come here more often. The owner, Rayna, is a really lovely lady. She's single, too. Sarah and I have been thinking of introducing you two. I bet you'd hit it off."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, hiding his smirk behind his coffee cup. "Oh? Are you trying to set me up, Mel? Is that why Sarah insisted we come here today?"

Melvin shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "Just saying, you've been single for too long. Rayna's great—beautiful, smart, kind, and she makes a mean chocolate cake. What more could you want?"

"Is this about what I want, or about you and Sarah wanting a sister-in-law who can make a mean chocolate cake for you?" Ethan asked. He hadn't yet told his brother about his plan to place a personal ad for a wife.

"Well, that's a given, but you're the one who gets an amazing woman," Melvin said with a grin.

Before Ethan could respond, the door swung open, and Rayna walked in, dressed in a casually chic outfit, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail.

"Speak of the devil," Melvin said with a wide smile. "Rayna! Over here!"

On hearing her name, Rayna's eyes scanned the room before she spotted Melvin, who was waving her over.

Curious, Ethan looked, and his stomach dropped. He recognized her instantly—the same woman he'd argued with at the club, the same woman who had accused him of being a pervert. Oblivious to Ethan's displeasure, Melvin grinned as Rayna approached. "Beautiful, isn't she!"

Rayna paused, her smile fading as she saw Ethan. "You?" she asked, wondering what he was doing there and if perhaps Derek had sent him to apologize.

"What are you doing here?" Ethan demanded simultaneously, his voice cold and sharp.

"I could ask you the same thing," she said, her tone cautious.

Melvin looked between them, clearly confused. "Wait, do you two know each other?"

"What is she doing here, and who is she to you?" Ethan asked, and Melvin frowned.

"She's the one I was just telling you about. How do you know her?" Melvin asked, looking from one to the other.

Ethan shot out of his chair, his face a mask of anger. "I can't believe this. You own this place?" he asked, his voice sharp with disbelief. When Rayna nodded, he let out a bitter laugh. "I've been eating your food? Unbelievable."

Rayna's face flushed with embarrassment, her eyes wide with regret. "Look, I—" Rayna tried to say, but Ethan didn't wait.

He pushed back his chair, standing abruptly, his jaw clenched. "I'm out of here, Mel," he said, and stormed out of the bakery without looking back, leaving Rayna stunned. Melvin called after him, but Ethan ignored him, disappearing out the door. The little bell above it jingled, leaving an awkward silence. Melvin turned back to Rayna, his expression a mix of bewilderment and concern.

"What just happened? I've never seen him so angry. Did something happen between you and my brother?" Melvin asked.

Rayna nodded, biting her lip as she watched Ethan's retreating figure. "We met once before. It didn't go well. It'scomplicated," she said softly. "You should probably go after him, Melvin."

Melvin hesitated, glancing back at the door. "I don't know what's going on, but you're right. I'll talk to him. Thanks, Ray. And I'm sorry about this."

Rayna shook her head, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay. Go on."

Melvin nodded, giving her a grateful look before hurrying after Ethan. As the door closed behind him, Rayna stood alone, her heart pounding. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

What manner of coincidence was this? She had heard of Melvin's brother from his wife, Sarah, but had never seen him, and then, suddenly, this.

"Way to go, Ray. You've got rotten luck."