My Ex Walked Into My Flowershop After I Faked My Death Chaptre 01
Five years after I faked my death and went under the knife, Kael Thorne walked into my flower shop.
“A bouquet of white baby’s breath. Wrap it carefully. My wife was very particular about these things.”
My hands froze.
I’d just realized it was the anniversary of my funeral.
White baby’s breath. The language of flowers–hopeless love.
He used to hate these bland, pale blooms more than anything.
During our fights, he’d even mock me, saying I was as dull as these flowers, not half as alive as Lila Carter.
Now he was buying them to mourn me.
He turned to leave when Jax came trotting out from the back.
“Mommy, food time.”
Kael’s gaze locked onto the little face that was his spitting image, and his pupils constricted sharply.
Lila’s threats from five years ago flashed through my mind. I immediately shielded the boy behind me.
“This child never had a father. He’s shy. Please don’t scare him.”
I wasn’t exactly lying.
The Kael I’d loved was already dead.
Kael clearly didn’t believe me. His stare bore into me, full of suspicion.
I dropped my gaze, avoiding his eyes.
Glancing at my reflection on my phone screen, I remembered I looked nothing like my old self.
He couldn’t possibly recognize me.
But Jax…
Kael ignored my protest and knelt down, taking Jax’s small hand. His voice was urgent.
“How old are you, little guy?”
I yanked Jax back behind me, forcing a smile.
“He’s from my late husband. He passed away days after the baby was born.”
Kael froze. His expression was unreadable disappointment, maybe, or resentment.
He opened his mouth to press further when the shop door swung open.
“Kael, what’s taking you so long to buy flowers?”
Lila stepped in and looped her arin through his.
The second she saw my face, her expression shattered.
Lila knew what I looked like after the surgery.
My heart skipped a beat, remembering every threat she’d thrown at me five years ago.
Kael didn’t notice the shift. He pulled back just a hair.
He put an arm around Lila naturally, but his eyes stayed fixed on Jax.
“It’s windy out. Why didn’t you wait in the car?”
“I couldn’t wait any longer. I want to go talk to Elara soon.” She purred, her tone dripping with triumph.
“Today’s her funeral day, but it’s also the last day of our five–year deal.”
Lila tilted her head, eyes glistening–but I heard the brag loud and clear.
“You promised me once we hit the five–year mark after she left, you’d marry me. You didn’t forget, did you? Besides, we’ve been living like husband and wife for five years.”
She touched her stomach almost casually, cheeks flushing.
“All of Westbrook Heights‘ elite circles are waiting for our wedding. And this little one in my belly can’t wait much longer.”
I was stunned. After five years, they still weren’t married?
The air went thick and still.
Lila’s face tightened with impatience before Kael finally spoke, his voice rough.
“I didn’t forget.”
He laid two hundred–dollar bills on the counter.
“Sorry, I lost my composure. Keep the change. Your baby’s breath is lovely.”
“My wi–my ex–wife would’ve loved them.”
Kael picked up the flowers, took Lila’s hand, and left.
My gaze drifted to his thumb.
When he held mine, he always brushed the back of my hand softly.
Light, gentle, enough to make my heart race. I’d laugh and tell him it fickled.
Kael, did you do the same when you held Lila?
Right as he pushed the door open, Lila glanced back.
She stared at me with a cold, warning glare, then let her eyes cut meaningfully to Jax. The door closed. The shop went quiet.
I collapsed into a chair, clutching Jax tight to my chest.
I stared at the cash on the counter and smiled bitterly.
I understood her message loud and clear. I needed to move cities.