Torn Between The Alpha and The Demon lord

Ava's Pov : “Ava… come here help me please!!” I looked up from the flowers I was arranging my hands still covered in the soft scent of roses.Miss Claire’s voice sounded strained so I quickly set everything down and rushed outside. She was bent over the back of the car trying to lift the big flower boxes on her own. My heart squeezed a little seeing her struggle. “Give them to me”I said, taking the boxes from her hands. I’ll take everything inside.You should sit down! She frowned at me.“How will you carry all of this alone?And where is Ash?” I swallowed, Ash… didn’t come today.I heard he’s sick. Miss Claire sighed heavily.“he didn’t tell me anything.” I gave her a reassuring smile.“I talked to her. It’s nothing serious.And I can manage alone.Please sit your back will hurt if you try lifting these.” She still looked worried but she let me take over. I carried the boxes inside one after another until everything was arranged neatly where it belonged. My arms ached a little but I didn’t mind. When I stepped outside again something soft brushed against my leg. “Mini” I breathed out feeling a smile automatically tug at my lips. The little cat meowed and rubbed her small body against me.I knelt down and stroked her warm fur. “Why are you so late today?Where did you go hmm?” Mini had once been a tiny shivering kitten I’d found drenched in rain barely alive. I took her to a vet nursed her back to health and when I realized she had no one,I brought her to the shop.She had been with me ever since. I fed her and continued petting her.While I was still sitting on the ground I sensed someone standing nearby. When I looked up I forgot how to breathe. A boy stood there sunlight falling across his face in a way that made his features look almost unreal.For a moment everything else blurred and all I could see was him. He walked into the shop picked up a bouquet and looked back at me. Excuse me, he said.“Can I have this bouquet?” I jumped to my feet. O-Of course I handed it to him and without thinking blurted, “So…who are you buying it for? Your girlfriend? She must be very lucky…you chose one of our most beautiful bouquets.” He let out a soft laugh.“No!you’re mistaken.It’s for my mom.It’s her anniversary.” Heat rushed to my cheeks.“Oh… sorry.” It’s okay.He smiled beautifully paid for the bouquet,then extended a hand toward me. “I’m Yuri. And you are?” I shook his hand gently.“Maren...Maren Ava.” “Nice to meet you Maren.” He smiled again and just like that he was gone. I was still staring at the door when Miss Claire walked up to me phone in hand and annoyance written all over her face. “Ava, look! Ash lied to us.he’s out with her girlfriend friend on a date. And you’re doing all the work alone! When he comes tomorrow I’ll punish him properly.” I looked at the story and laughed softly.“Why are you upset Miss Claire?I like working I don’t get tired. And honestly…they look so sweet together.” She narrowed her eyes at me.“So you also knew Ash wasn’t really sick.You lied too?” I stepped behind her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders in a gentle hug.“Come on… he just went on a date.It’s not a big deal.I can take care of the shop. Seeing happy couples makes me happy.” Miss Claire touched my hand with a sigh.“Ava… why do you never think about yourself? You have a boyfriend but you never go out with him.” Her words froze me. I didn’t want to talk about Liam.About the excuses. About the loneliness I felt even while being ‘taken’. So I quickly changed the subject. Miss Claire Christmas is in just two days. Let’s plan something special for the shop! She understood exactly what I was doing but didn’t push me.“Alright.” ---