Chapter 4 : A New Beginning
1327 Words
Chapter 4 : A New Beginning
Several days had passed, and Claire's wounds had healed considerably. Although there was still a faint ache in her abdomen, she could now walk without support. That morning, when she woke up, she noticed that Adrian had gone somewhere outside the cabin. For days, she had remained inside the small room recovering, but suddenly she felt the urge to step outside. Slowly, she made her way to the wooden door. The moment she opened it, her eyes widened in astonishment. As far as she could see, a sea of colorful flowers stretched across the land. Red roses, white lilies, golden sunflowers, purple orchids, and countless other blossoms danced gently with the wind, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Claire stood frozen for several moments, unable to believe such beauty existed.
"How do you like it?"
Hearing the familiar voice behind her, Claire turned around and saw Adrian standing there with a bundle of firewood in his hands and a gentle smile on his face. She looked back at the endless flowers before staring at him in disbelief.
"All of this… belongs to you?"
Adrian nodded.
"Yes."
Claire looked around once more.
"You mean this entire flower field?"
Adrian nodded again.
"Almost everything you can see."
Claire stared silently for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.
"Wow, you really know how to hide your secrets."
Her laughter made Adrian smile as well. It had been days since he had seen a genuine smile on her face, and somehow, that smile made the entire garden feel even brighter.
Slowly, Claire began walking among the flowers. Sometimes she touched the petals of a rose, while other times she admired the elegance of the lilies. For the first time in many days, peace entered her heart. After a while, she looked back at Adrian thoughtfully.
"Can I ask you something?"
Adrian placed the firewood down and smiled.
"Of course."
Claire hesitated briefly.
"Why do you live alone in the middle of the forest?"
The question made Adrian fall silent. His gaze drifted somewhere far away while the wind gently moved his dark hair. After several seconds, he finally spoke.
"Whenever something troubles me, I come here."
"There's no noise."
"No lies."
"No betrayal."
"Only peace."
"That's why I like this place."
Claire listened quietly before giving him a faint smile.
"I think I understand."
A few moments later, her mood brightened again. Looking at him mischievously, she raised an eyebrow.
"So, what exactly do you do for a living?"
The moment she asked, Adrian's expression changed slightly. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. If he told her the truth, she might faint. If he lied, what kind of lie should he tell? He remained silent for several seconds while Claire narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"What's wrong? Why are you thinking so hard?"
Adrian cleared his throat awkwardly.
"I'm… a delivery guy."
Claire stared at him.
"A delivery guy?"
"Yes."
"Seriously?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Claire looked at him from head to toe. Six feet tall, broad shoulders, powerful muscles, and a face that looked like it belonged on a fashion magazine cover.
"You really expect me to believe that?"
Unable to hold herself back, she burst into laughter.
"You're terrible at lying."
As she laughed, her eyes suddenly fell on the strange ring adorning Adrian's finger. It was unlike any ordinary ring. Ancient symbols were carved into it, and the metal itself seemed to be made from something unfamiliar. Under the sunlight, it emitted a faint golden glow. Curiosity immediately appeared on Claire's face as she stepped closer.
"Wow, this ring looks really antique."
Adrian's expression became serious for a split second. Instinctively, he curled his finger slightly. That ring was the very reason he could remain under sunlight for several hours. Without it, his secret would have been exposed long ago. But there was no way he could tell Claire the truth. Trying to remain calm, he answered casually.
"It was my father's. The last thing he left behind."
Claire's expression changed immediately.
"Oh…"
"I'm sorry."
"I shouldn't have asked."
Silence settled between them for a while. Then Claire stopped in front of a large rose bush and carefully picked up one of the flowers. As she examined it closely, a familiar expression appeared on her face—the same expression she used to have during business meetings. Adrian noticed it immediately.
"What are you thinking about now?"
Claire slowly turned the rose in her hand before looking at him with bright eyes.
"I'm thinking that you're a huge idiot."
Adrian blinked.
"What?"
Claire pointed toward the endless field of flowers surrounding them.
"You have all this land…"
"All these beautiful flowers…"
"And you work as a delivery guy?"
Adrian scratched his head awkwardly.
"So what am I supposed to do?"
Claire's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Business!"
"We can open a flower store."
"No… not just a store."
"A brand."
"A premium flower boutique in the city."
"We can supply flowers for weddings, parties, luxury hotels, and corporate events."
"Rich people spend ridiculous amounts of money on beautiful things."
Adrian stared at her in surprise. Only moments ago, she had been remembering her painful past, yet now she was standing among the flowers, creating an entirely new business plan. There was a confidence shining in her eyes that felt completely different. Claire continued speaking passionately, unable to hide her excitement.
"If we do this properly, it won't stay a small business for long."
"And if I manage it…"
She paused before smiling proudly.
"We can turn it into something huge."
Adrian simply looked at her. For the first time, he realized that the woman standing before him was not merely beautiful. There was something far more precious hidden inside her—a fire that refused to surrender. And perhaps one day, that same fire would change his entire world forever.
Claire was still standing among the countless flowers. A gentle breeze brushed against her hair, and for the first time in many days, hope could be seen on her face. Adrian quietly watched her from a short distance away. To him, the sight felt almost unbelievable. Just a few days ago, this girl had been standing at death's door, yet now there was once again a desire to live shining inside her eyes. Suddenly, Claire turned around and caught him staring. A smile immediately appeared on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Adrian quickly looked away.
"Nothing."
Claire burst into laughter.
"Don't lie."
"You must be thinking that I'm crazy."
"I almost died a few days ago, and now I'm talking about business again."
A small smile appeared on Adrian's face.
"You are a little crazy."
Still smiling, Claire picked a rose and carefully examined its petals. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and for the first time since waking up in the cabin, there was confidence in her voice instead of sadness.
"But I'm serious."
"There's a lot of money hidden in these flowers."
"If they're used properly, this entire garden could become a gold mine."
Adrian scratched his head awkwardly.
"I only know how to grow them."
"I don't know anything else."
Hearing that, Claire placed both hands on her waist and looked at him proudly.
"Then from today onward, I'm your boss."
Adrian's eyes widened.
"What?"
Claire smiled mischievously.
"Yes."
"You'll grow the flowers, and I'll sell them."
"Fifty-fifty partnership."
For several seconds, Adrian simply stared at her before suddenly laughing.
It was a genuine laugh, one he had not shared with anyone in many years. Even he didn't understand why it happened so naturally whenever he was with her. Somehow, being around this strange and stubborn girl made smiling feel effortless. And although neither of them realized it yet, this simple conversation among the flowers would become the first step toward a new beginning that would change both of their lives forever.
- Writer
