Aria's POV
Not just any flowers. Peonies. Soft pink peonies, their petals full and lush and absolutely perfect, the exact shade of a summer sunset. The sight of them makes my breath catch in my throat.
My heart does something stupid and hopeful in my chest, a flutter that feels like butterflies, like possibility, like maybe not everything beautiful has to hurt.
"Well, well, well," Maya murmurs beside me, her voice rich with satisfaction. "Look who's here. And look what he's carrying. Peonies. Your favourite. What a remarkable coincidence."
"Maya…" I started, but I couldn't finish the sentence because Julian had spotted us.
His face broke into a smile: genuine, warm, the kind that reaches his eyes and crinkles the corners and makes him look younger, less polished. It's not his professi
