Maya stood behind the counter in her floral shop, carefully arranging a bouquet of lilies and roses. The soft hum of the shop’s lights and the faint scent of fresh blooms offered a brief respite from the turmoil that had recently upended her life. She had resolved to prioritize her own happiness, but the weight of Alejandro’s confession was proving to be a significant test of her resolve.
The door chimed softly, and Maya looked up to see Alejandro entering the shop. His usual confident stride was replaced by a hesitant gait, and his expression was unusually somber. Maya’s heart sank; she could tell something important was about to unfold.
“Maya,” Alejandro said, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of tension. “Can we talk?”
Maya nodded, guiding him to a quiet corner of the s
