Page 39 of Rose
“I did,” Ahzii nodded. “But I stayed in my books—or art studio. Only time I came out was when Ky forced me to.”
“She’s a talented tattoo artist,” Kyre added with pride. “OwnsThe Escape Room—it’s her shop here in the city.”
Sarai’s eyes sparkled. “Really?! I was admiring your tattoos and was gonna ask who did them. Girl, wehaveto exchange info—I need new ink.”
Ahzii smiled, surprised by how genuine she felt. Sarai radiated light and warmth—so much it reminded her of who she used to be.
She reached into her purse. “Here’s my card. My number and shop address are on the back.”
“Say less,” Sarai said, sliding it into her uniform pocket. “I’ll be bookingrealsoon.”
“Oh! I almost forgot why I came over here,” Sarai giggled, her deep dimples flashing. “I was told to let you ladies know your meals are completely free. Well… free anytime you walk through these doors.”
Both Kyre and Ahzii blinked, confused.
“Sarai, you don’t have to do that,” Kyre said. “We want to support you.”
Ahzii nodded, echoing the sentiment.
Sarai just smiled brighter. “I appreciate that—but a generous donor already covered it. A big one. Said it was for…” She paused, her gaze drifting to Ahzii, then back to them with a knowing smile. “For ‘Ahzii. And whoever she brings with her.’”
Ahzii’s brows pulled together as she stared at Sarai. “What?”
Sarai laughed at their stunned faces. “I know—it sounds crazy, right? But the donation came in a hour ago. No name, just that message. Honestly, it brought in a lot of profit for the business, so I should be thankingyou.”
“I didn’t—” Ahzii started, fumbling. “I’ve never even been here before…”
“Well,” Sarai said, her grin playful, “let’s just say your donor called themselves areal savior.”
She winked at Kyre, who immediately lit up in realization, trying to suppress her grin.
Before Ahzii could react, a delivery man approached their table with a towering bouquet of blood-red roses. He held out the flowers, breathless and smiling. “These are for you, ma’am. There’s a note too.”
Ahzii’s mouth parted in shock as the bouquet was set before her. Kyre clutched her chest dramatically, grinning like it was her own surprise.
“I just need a quick signature,” the delivery man added, and Ahzii scribbled her name on the clipboard, her eyes never leaving the blooms. They were stunning. Soft. Fresh. Overwhelming.
“You know who sent these?” she asked, glancing between the two women. Kyre shook her head, her smile betraying her innocence. Sarai just chuckled.
“I can’t say, girl. Donor confidentiality.”
Ahzii sighed and plucked the small card from the center of the bouquet. Her fingers trembled as she unfolded it.
“Beautiful women deserve their flowers. I’d kill to see your allure again.”
Her throat tightened. Her mind ran wild, trying to place the gesture, the message. Kiyan? He had the money. And he’d sent her flowers before—dozens of times. Roses she either sent back or tossed. But this… this felt different. This wasn’t just money. It was intention. Precision. Aimed straight at the part of her that was still broken.
The flowers were beautiful. The donation was generous. But it all felt too intimate. Too emotional. And far too soon.
Her heart clenched.
Grief was cruel. She thought she’d cried out all the pain. But now, with this softness in front of her—this reminder that someone was watching, wanting, caring—she suddenly felt like she was betraying William all over again.
Even though he was gone, her soul still belonged to him. Letting another man in… it felt like cheating. Hell, even the meaningless sex with Kiyan left her feeling hollow. He was never meant to fill William’s space. That was just escape. Numbness. But this? Flowers. A message. A smile someone wanted to earn?
It was too much.
Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked fast, trying to fight them back, but her chest was already tightening, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. The scent of roses pulled her deeper into the guilt, the ache, the memory of a love that no longer lived—and the impossible idea of letting anyone else in.
