AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Whatever he's offered you, there's a better way,” he says. “You don't have to go through with this.”
“Let it go, Alex,” I say. “I have to get to work.”
I slip out the front door, still unable to draw in a real breath. Sitting on the step, I pull on my shoes, then start walking toward my flower shop, grateful for the brisk morning air.
When I arrive, May is already there, setting up the register. She looks up and grins when she sees me.
“Hey, girl! How’d it go the other night?” She’s asking about the date Fredrick took me on.
“Fine,” I say, not wanting to talk about it.
“Is that...” she says, her voice faltering. “A ring?” Her eyes widen with excitement.
I hold out my hand, and she gasps. “Wow. Dang, it's beautiful!”
“Thanks,” I say, wanting to forget all about my problems for the day, but realizing I can’t escape.
“Is something wrong?” she asks, her eyebrows furrowing.
Why does everyone keep asking me that? I force a smile. “I’m just tired.”
“Okay,” she says, not looking convinced. “Well, I’ll get to it.”
We spend the day arranging flowers and helping customers, but I can't shake the feeling that something is off. That my whole life is about to crumble down around me. Is this what it feels like to be a liar?
As I work, I think about Fredrick. About how he's using me, and how I'm letting him. But I also can’t help but think about the way he touches me. The way his lips feel against mine. The way he makes my body sing.
I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't even notice when Fredrick steps in front of me, waving one hand with a playful smile as if to wake me up.
“Good morning,” he says, his tone cheerful.
All around me, the familiar scent of flowers calms my nerves. The morning sun streams through the windows, casting a warm glow on everything. May is off in another room, either cleaning or arranging bouquets with expert precision born from decades of experience.
As I smile at him, I can't help but wonder how much longer I can keep up this charade. How much longer can I pretend that everything is okay? When will this stop eating me up inside?
Smoothing my damp hands on my apron, I wait for him to say something, fully expecting him to be upset that I sneaked away this morning.
But he just places a drink holder of coffees and a pastry bag on the counter with that charming grin locked in place.
“I brought breakfast,” he says.
My heart skips a beat. I can't help but feel drawn to him, even though I know I shouldn't. “Thank you,” I say softly, unsure what to do next.
“Did I hear Fredrick?” May asks.
“You heard donuts and coffee,” I say, teasing her.
She nods, oblivious to the tension between us.
“Thanks for breakfast,” I say, as he hands me a cup from a local coffee shop I happen to love.
“I got your usual,” he says, his gaze lingering on mine as May lets out a little breath like he’s the cutest thing ever. And I admit it, it’s sweet he got what I typically love.
I feel a shiver run down my spine, but I try to ignore the sensation. This isn't real, I remind myself. It’s all just part of his act.
I turn away, trying to focus on the flowers in front of me. But I can still feel his gaze on me, burning into my skin.
“Need any help?” he asks, stepping closer.
