From that day on, Julian settled in Larkhaven. He rented a space across from Serena's flower shop and opened a café.
Every day, he sat by the window, watching the flower shop across the street, watching Serena come and go.
He didn't dare approach her recklessly, fearing he would push her further away. All he could do was watch from a distance.
Sometimes, when Serena was too busy, he would have the café staff help her. When it rained, he made sure an umbrella was delivered. Occasionally, if she closed late, he would wait until she got home safely before leaving.
He existed silently, like a shadow.
Serena's attitude toward him shifted gradually, from outright rejection to complete indifference. She acted as if he didn't exist and continued living her life.
Until this day, when Evelyn a
