Malem’s POV
After Rexxie left that evening, I sat on the couch with the remnants of dinner still on the table, staring at the flickering city lights through my window. The bouquets loomed in the corner like an accusation, bright splashes of color in an otherwise quiet apartment. I had always loved flowers, but now they felt like chains tethering me to a past I desperately wanted to escape. The night stretched long. I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind replaying every word exchanged with Rexxie. Her advice echoed in my head—don’t hurt Yannick in the process. Easier said than done.
I picked up my phone and opened Yannick’s last message. “Can’t wait to see you soon. Counting down the days. Attached was a picture of him at the new site his company had invested in , his smile radian
