Three months later.
Chloe's new apartment was bright and spotless. A row of succulents lined the balcony—her latest obsession.
She had opened a small floral studio nearby. Business wasn't booming, but it was enough to support herself. Every day she trimmed stems, matched colors, and wrapped bouquets for customers. Life was quiet and steady.
Julian came almost every day. Sometimes with coffee, sometimes with dessert. He'd collapse onto the small sofa in her studio and start complaining about another blind date his family had arranged.
Chloe listened while arranging flowers, occasionally throwing in a jab.
One afternoon, an unexpected visitor arrived at the studio.
Mandy.
She had lost a lot of weight. Bare-faced, wearing a loose dress, she hesitated at the door for a long time before
