Chapter 51: Black Flowers
Lilia's head snapped up from the flowers as she turned to Evie in surprise. She hadn't expected Zethan to return today—especially after convincing herself not to get her hopes up.
For the past few days, she had imagined his return, thinking he might arrive early, that she might see him on the bed when she woke up, or that he would surprise her when she least expected it. But as each day passed, her expectations faded, little by little, until the hope that had once bloomed so eagerly inside her withered away.
She had been foolish to believe otherwise.
Just because they had shared those moments didn't mean she should feel... anything.
She wasn't sure if she was beginning to develop feelings for Zethan, but whatever they were, she needed to face reality. She knew Zethan—he was a man devoid of emotions. It would be delusional to think they could ever fall in love, or that if she fell for him, he would feel the same.
The realization left an empty space in her chest, one she refused to acknowledge.
Pushing the thought aside, she nodded quietly, a small smile touching her lips. "Thanks for the information, Evie."
She also did not want to get her hopes up again. Zethan was very unpredictable. She knew he might still choose not to come after all... she... she was no one important.
Evie nodded before adding, "Miss Lilia, I think it's time for lunch. You've been here for quite some time."
Lilia glanced at the flowers, realizing she had been tending to them far longer than she had intended. The delicate petals shimmered under the afternoon sun, their vibrancy a stark contrast to the dull ache settling in her heart.
With a final look at the glistening blooms, she exhaled softly. "Alright, let's go."