Isabella's grin lingered as she watched the women lean in, laughing softly, teasing each other like children offered candy for the first time. The air buzzed with feminine excitement, the sweet scent of the mysterious flower now drifting between them like a shared secret. The women nudged and giggled, murmuring things like "She always smells like this?!" and "What do you think it'll do to the men, huh?"
Satisfied, Isabella turned on her heel, the flower still safely tucked in her hand, and walked toward Kian with the grace of a queen and the mischief of a cat who knew she had the upper paw.
Behind her, the women huddled closer, their voices low and teasing.
"She walked to him like that on purpose."
"Can't you see? She's trying to melt that face of his."
"Oh, she's bold. I'd never dare tease that man."
"You don't have to. He only looks at her."
Isabella let their whispers follow her like a royal train, each one warming her chest. But as she drew close to Kian, the air shifted.
