Flora stepped out of the taxi, her heels clicking lightly against the pavent as she lifted her gaze to the towering mall in front of her. Adjusting the strap of her shoulder bag, she drew a breath and made her way toward the gleaming glass doors.
Inside, the weekend buzz of shoppers and laughter filled the air, but she headed directly for the renowned restaurant where Zander had promised to et her.
The usher at the entrance bowed slightly, opening the door with a courteous smile. "Welco, miss."
"Thank you," Flora replied softly before stepping into the restaurant.
Her eyes scanned the room, and she noticed a hand lifted slightly in the air. Zander.
Flora’s lips curved into a smile as she crossed the room. Zander rose from his chair the mont she reached the table, pulling one out for her with a gentlemanly ease.
"Thanks for coming," he said warmly.
Flora eased into the chair, her bag slipping off her shoulder and onto the one beside her. Zander returned to his seat, raising a hand to signal the waiter. In monts, two nus were placed before them, the waiter lingering politely to give them ti.
Flora’s fingers trailed lightly over the edge of the nu before she closed it and glanced at Zander.
"I’ll take grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce" she began.
"The sa for ," Zander cut in smoothly, his tone decisive. Then, turning to the waiter, he added, "Just plain water, thank you. No alcohol since I’ll be driving later."
The waiter nodded, collected their nus, and slipped away.
With the small formalities done, Zander’s gaze lingered on Flora, his full attention settling on her as though there was no one else in the room. "You look better than the last ti I saw you," he remarked softly. "How’s work?"
Flora forced a polite smile. "It’s good," she said quickly, but he noticed the slight hesitation in her response.
Zander caught it instantly. His eyes narrowed just slightly, not in judgnt but in observation. Sothing was weighing on her, and though she had dressed up well, though she smiled, it was clear to him that all was not as fine as she claid.
He leaned forward a little, resting his elbows lightly on the table. "Good?" he echoed. "Or... just manageable?"
"Both," Flora replied.
"Have the people around you found out?" Zander pressed, his voice firm but laced with concern. "Don’t lie to , Flora. You don’t have to."
Her shoulders sagged, the fight in her tone lting away. "They found out. I don’t even know how... maybe they’ve learned my na." A weary sigh escaped her lips. "Honestly, I’m so tired of all this. I admit I made a terrible mistake. But it feels suffocating now. Where do I run? Everyone knows my past, and it hurts."
Zander’s gaze dropped to her trembling hands resting on the table. She was fidgeting with them, her unease was visible. Slowly, he extended his own and covered hers, his touch firm but gentle. Flora froze, her breath hitching, and for a heartbeat she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.
Their eyes t. Zander brushed his thumb across the back of her hand in a soft gesture.
"I warned you it wouldn’t be easy," he said softly. "Your past can’t be erased. But, Flora, be proud of yourself. You’re trying to change. That takes more strength than people realize. Don’t let their voices take root in your head. You’re more than the mistakes you’ve made."
Flora nodded, and she pulled back her hands from him. That feeling... Of being loved by a man, she didn’t want to develop it again. Falling in love would not be easy for her.
The waiter returned, and Zander straightened in his chair. Setting down the plates and cutlery with practiced ease, the man offered a polite smile, wished them a pleasant al, and left.
Flora lowered her gaze to her food, eating in silence. Zander mirrored her actions and began eating. Neither broke the quiet until the last bite was gone.
"I’ll get the bill," Flora murmured, reaching for her bag.
"No." Zander stopped her. "Dinner’s on ."
He paid quickly, not giving her room to argue, and together they stepped outside.
"I’ll drop you ho later," Zander said as they lingered at the entrance. "But first... let’s walk a little. Tomorrow’s Saturday, you don’t have work. Might do you good."
Flora gave a small nod. "Yeah."
They fell into step beside each other, the faint glow of the street lamps stretching their shadows across the pavent. For a mont, the only sound was the rhythm of their footsteps.
"Why did you suddenly co to San Ravendale?" Flora finally asked.
Zander’s lips curved faintly. "I had a eting with a pack. And... my parents think it’s ti I choose a Luna."
Flora blinked, clearly surprised and happy. Then she forced a smile. "That’s... wonderful."
"Do you want to give yourself a chance?" Zander asked softly.
Flora tilted her head, brows knitting. "A chance for what?"
"To fall in love," he replied, holding her gaze steadily. "To have a family with your mate."
Flora’s steps slowed until she ca to a stop. Zander halted too, turning fully toward her.
Her lips parted, but for a mont no words ca. Finally, her voice slipped out. "I... I don’t want to fall in love."
The tremor in her tone gave away more than her words. She drew in a shaky breath, her brows furrowing. "I’ve made blunders, Zander. I’m scared. Alex—" she swallowed hard, as though even saying his na stung. "He almost sent to die. That kind of betrayal... it leaves scars no one can see."
Her voice further quivered slightly, but she steadied herself, pressing on. "Do you know what it feels like, standing at the altar, believing your mate is the one... only for him to abandon you halfway, as if you’re disposable? That pain, it breaks sothing inside you. Since that day, marriage, love, even hope... all of it just feels empty to ."
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