"It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we smile a little easier, we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be." – Frank Cross

Belle walked into the store and she was stunned by the Christmas Tree placed right in the middle of the shop. It was a Flocked Christmas tree which had ribbons all around with gnomes and elves figurines hanging. The bakery was a lovely display of white and pastels.

“Tom is making good money these days. How did he become so rich without me knowing?” Belle asked herself.

She turned around and saw that the whole shop was still filled with some people. It is always hard for Mr and Mrs. Sharks to close their lovely shop early during Christmas.

Ohh! She would miss this place so much! She was the only cake taster that Sharks ever had! They like her honesty. No sugar coating at all.

“Hey Belle!”

She quickly cleared her eyes and turned. She saw Mr. Sharks calling her from behind the reception area. She approached him with a smile.

“Hello, Mr. Sharks. You have a nice Christmas tree there.” She pointed to the center of the bakery.

“Yeah, Tom wanted something big for this Christmas. He was saving money for this.” Mr. Sharks took the money from the customer and placed it slowly inside the drawer.

“Well, then that has paid off. It has attracted more customers this year.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Right. Tom often comes up with crazy ideas but this time he wanted something elegant.” He nodded.

Elegant?

That’s her word!

“You wanna try Panettone?” Mr. Sharks asked.

She was confused with the name at first. It was an Italian Christmas dome-shaped cake that was light and airy in texture and had a buttery taste. It was Mrs. Sharks’ favorite dessert as she is from Italy.

She shook her head. “No, actually …”

“...or maybe you will like Baked Alaska?”

Yum..who can forget the light meringue topping?

“Mr. Sharks..”

“Okay, then at least try Trifle? I made it just now!”

Mr. Sharks took a glass of Trifle and placed it on the counter, in front of her. It was a boozy British Desert that was luscious and indulgent. There were pieces of sherry-soaked cake and fruit, custard, jelly and some whipped cream on the top.

“Susie and I were thinking of trying our hands on one of your Grandma’s favorite cupcakes. Susie still remembers the first time she tasted Irish Cream and white Chocolate tart at your cafe.”

Belle smiled. She doesn't like to bake but knows all the recipes her grandma told her to remember.

The tart was tangy in flavor. She would always use extra double cream to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

“Or maybe Gingerbread Latte Tear and Share Bread?”

Hmm..gingerbread latte with warm spiced buns…

“We have Black Forest Mess too… with Kirsch and brandy. Espresso Martini tart?”

Belle looked at the place where Mr. Sharks were pointing. At his back was a large glass cake with new desserts for display.

There was their marking dessert, Meringue Kiss Tower, dusted with edible white glitter that looked stunning at the center. The other side was placed a large bowl of Chocolate Orange Christmas Pudding. And there was also one of her favorite figs, pear traditional pudding with lots of hazel nuts in them. She could see some cranberries and orange zest on the top.

Her mouth was watering… but she is here for..

The door opened and her nightmare began.