The flower shop was quieter than usual.
Lian Hua moved slowly among the arrangements, her thoughts still tangled in the events of the morning.
Zhen Wei had left after a brief, tense conversation, but his presence still seemed to linger in the air.
Her hands brushed against the petals of a crimson lotus, and she couldn't help but remember his dark, unwavering eyes.
The bell above the door rang.
Chen Kai stepped in, smiling as usual.
"Good afternoon, Lian Hua," he said, leaning slightly against the counter. "I thought I'd stop by again."
Lian Hua's heart tightened.
"Chen Kai…" she began softly.
He held up a small bouquet.
"For you," he said. "No special reason. Just thought it might brighten your day."
She took the flowers, her fingers brushing his briefly.
"I… thank you," she said softly.
Chen Kai's eyes flicked toward the window, as if expecting someone.
Before she could ask, the bell rang again.
Zhen Wei entered silently, his expression calm but cold.
Chen Kai noticed immediately.
"Oh… looks like I keep running into you," he said lightly, though there was a hint of unease in his voice.
Zhen Wei's gaze moved to Lian Hua, then back to Chen Kai.
"Again," he said quietly, but the steel in his tone was unmistakable.
Lian Hua placed a hand on Zhen Wei's arm.
"Zhen Wei… please," she whispered.
He glanced at her, dark eyes softening for a brief moment.
"I'm not going to hurt anyone," he said quietly.
Chen Kai, sensing the tension, held up his hands.
"Alright… I'll leave," he said.
Before leaving, he gave Lian Hua a small, playful grin.
"I'll see you soon."
The bell chimed as he exited.
Silence returned to the shop.
Zhen Wei's gaze returned to Lian Hua.
"You don't have to worry," he said quietly.
"I know…" she replied softly.
He stepped closer, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
"But I do," he said simply.
Her heart skipped.
And she realized…
Zhen Wei's love was intense, possessive, and all-consuming.
Yet, somehow, she found herself wanting it.