Chp 3 "Location: “La Belle” Manik’s POV From the outside, La Belle looked like something out of a Parisian dream — pastel pinks, frilly signage, delicate window displays. It screamed high-end French bakery. Naturally, I assumed croissants and éclairs awaited me inside. I was wrong. Very, very wrong. "Why don’t I see any pastries?" Ayan whispered, glancing around the suspiciously lace-covered interior. I frowned, adjusting my ridiculously long scarf (excellent disguise, if I do say so myself). "Maybe it’s one of those themed bakeries. You know... Paris meets eccentric decor?"" "Ayan gave me a look. "There’s a mannequin wearing a bra made of pearls, Jai." I squinted at it. "Limited edition macarons?" He turned to me slowly, deadpan. "Do you even know what macarons are?" I was just about to defend my perfectly valid assumption when— "OHHHH Nandini! This red one is definitely the ‘set-the-mood’ vibe!"" "...
