When morning light crept through the curtains, it came far too early for Zoey, who found herself stepping into just another day with an unending list of merciless tasks waiting for her. Her mind was still a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, residuals from the torrid night she had just experienced. Every time she tried to focus on the tasks before her, she couldn't help but hear Alex's voice ringing in her mind with almost tangible clarity: "You're strong. I respect that." It was something that felt foreign, something she hadn't heard much or allowed herself to believe.
An energetic buzz filled the house with everybody rushing about in preparation for the exciting evening gathering that would take place soon. Given that Zoey had been assigned the key task of setting up, she found herself rather engrossed in affixing an array of colorful flowers in their allocated positions on a very long dining table situated beneath the very charming pergola. Now, quite a distance from where she was, there was Alex, making some talk with a caterer. His suit fit him best to make him look terribly shrewd and much improved—each movement he did, albeit with his back facing, drew her attention.
"Zoey!" Her focus was totally destroyed by the needle-like quality of Lily's voice.
Zoey immediately straightened up, quickly turning around to find herself only a few feet from Lily. The other girl was standing still, her arms tightly folded over her chest, the expression on her face or, rather, the scowl, plain to read at a glance—Lily was displeased.
"Why are these flowers so dull and lackluster? Do you want our visitors to think we are conducting a funeral or something dreary in nature?" Lily scolded.
Zoey though felt a little uncomfortable and clenched her jaw. But she was able to keep her voice calm and quiet. "I can change, Ms. Lily. May I ask what color you like?" Lily looked up at the sky and sighed heavily. "Did I do it all myself? Red and yellow to make it look elegant, not flashy." Without waiting for any answer from Zoey, Lily rushed herself and hurried out in frustration.
It was left to her friend to take on the task of demonstrating the large and complex event she had spent countless hours on. As soon as Zoey started spinning the flowers which began to hang down slightly Alex suddenly appeared next to her. She didn't know he was there. And his sudden appearance surprised her. "Is everything okay with you?" he blurted out, his voice acidic with a gentle tone filled with concern and interest. Zoey paused, her gaze turning thoughtfully in the direction Lily's fishnet shirt had disappeared to.
"I got it right and cleared up the issue," she replied, keeping her tone calm and neutral. Alex glanced at her. His eyes took on a little consideration before he leaned forward to pick one of the flowers she had left beside her. her carelessly "You are absolutely correct in your first conclusion, these flowers are truly wonderful." Zoey knew his warmth when he received a compliment. But he hurriedly returned to his work.
"Thank you, but fresh lilies are red and yellow." "You were so unclear and set the price for my effort and hard work that you put into all of this," Alex said with deep irritation in his voice. "That really doesn't suit you.
Zoey pulled the blanket around her shoulders and moved her hands with various movements. To avoid being difficult to meet his eyes. "It's just part of the job," she confessed. "You deserve better," Alex said firmly. Words fell and hung between them. Holding tight to the unsaid But it seems like I understand.
She raised her head fully, meeting his eyes, and looking from the muzzle of the gun She scanned him to understand or deduce what he really meant. But before she could answer the question Before she had time to think it all over. Lily's voice came from inside the house. and release all the tension into the air "Alex! Where are you?" Alex puffed out and scrubbed his face with one hand. "I have to go. Look at Zoey's profile one last time: "But remember what I saw." As he undressed and walked away from her.
Zoe felt her heart pound in her chest. and sound like a drum She found herself unwilling. Not sure what to think of the words he just said. Or the violent murder he committed on her. And left you with mixed feelings.
Special night This garden has truly become a miracle. A true pearl that haunts the senses. Hundreds of trees with shimmering yellow lights adorned the surrounding area. Shining like stars in the midnight sky along with wax Red and yellow poppies It was something Lily wished and hated to dream about.
The place in the dream was full of priests. Each dressed in their Sunday best. Displaying a kaleidoscope of colors that matched the scenery around them. Their laughter and cheerfulness mingled together and composed songs for the listeners to listen to. Zoey stayed behind willingly. and worked hard over many years to make sure everything ran smoothly.
She lowered her head willingly. and do not want unwanted attention to take away from their assigned work. But it was impossible not to notice Alex's commanding attitude. He works comfortably in the room. and incredibly balanced Stop talking to ghosts. and introduces everyone he comes into contact with with his funny personality.
But sometimes she found him staring at her. And every time her heart beats fast Later that day, while Zoey was balancing a board full of drinkers, Unexpectedly, she noticed a small conversation between Alex and Lily. "I will flirt with funny women. Everyone in here?" Lily spat. Her voice was deliberately low but filled with fervor. "I'm not flirting," Alex said in his tone of voice. "I am humbled. "Okay, you rub her neck with your eyes," Lily said sharply, her voice rising.
Zoey found herself frozen solid on the floor. Clutching her wrist tightly like a lifeline, deep down she couldn't really hear what was being said. But for some reason She felt like she couldn't move at all. "Lily, that's enough," Alex growled in a firm voice. "Is this the work time or place for this? "You're right," Lily said with a bitter laugh. "It was never the right time for you, was it?"
She backed away from the stage for a moment before they sensed her presence. As her thoughts raced with anxiety. The sheer tension that existed between Lily and Alex seemed to grow by the minute. And she clearly couldn't get rid of the insecurities of being stuck in the complicated dance of their relationship. Later that night The silence and stillness of the house finally settled in after the last breeze said it was goodbye and the long, sleepy dreams Zoey retreated into the small sanctuary. that you reserved It sits on the edge of the bed that belongs to her alone. Her eyes turned to the small blanket. Brightly beneath her dangling legs, her mind - what can you see when it begins to express conflicting thoughts and filtered feelings? She couldn't help but find herself week after week under Alex's powerful influence on her feelings. It filled her with confusion, horror, and inexplicable curiosity all at once. But she couldn't ignore the indisputable fact that he was engaged to Lily, who also happened to be her boss. You are incredibly strong. I have deep respect for your qualities. His words entered her mouth. And she felt a sudden sensation that she thought difficult to name or define. Zoe knew she had to keep her head on top. Her life here was complicated enough without feelings or anything to mix it up, but deep down she couldn't help but wonder if it was possible for Alex to treat her as more than just helping around the house, and in In this case, what does it mean to her?