Axel's Daisy

48 • Destiny

  The get-together was cozy as soon as West showed us the way. Lena was stunning in a white dress adorned with lavender flowers, and she immediately approached me with a smile as bright as her dress. Indigo and Zac chatted behind her, while the elite florists gestured animatedly with their hands.

  This was my alternate life, the one without Axel. I had envisioned him by my side, showcasing our love to others, a ring on my finger and a baby at my hip, supporting him as he thrived. It pained me, and tears welled up at the corners of my eyes, but I willed them away by blinking faster.

  Destiny, he doesn't want you anymore. The harsh reminder made me stand a little taller. I wasn't going to mope around on the most crucial day of my life. I had my aspirations mapped out: get promoted, own a flower shop, and live life to the fullest.

  I was going to achieve that with or without him. I imagined dancing with my dad in my shop, and a dazzling smile spread across my face.

  "Hey, love. Long time no see. How's work going for you?" Lena asked keenly, her mesmerizing smoky eyes and huge grin showing off her pearly whites.

  "Oh, yes, it's going great. A lot of people loved your work on the flowers," I praised her, and she gave me a hug.

  "Thank you, love. I'm sorry I don't get to see you often. I'm burnt out with so many meetings. I don't even have time to scratch my head or grab lunch," she exaggerated with widened eyes.

  "No, it's really okay—I understand," I said sympathetically, and we hugged again before she told me to enjoy the party and wandered off to rejoin her group.

  Jade went to fetch us drinks, and West didn't miss the opportunity to approach me. He was dressed in an elegant all-black suit that accentuated his sleek figure, with silky smooth hair. The tattoo of a purple flower on his neck was prominent.

  "Are you doing alright?" He asked.

  "Yeah, this looks great," I gestured to the lively crowd, each person wearing gigantic smiles and expensive makeup.

  Somewhere deep inside, I felt like an outsider. These people were posh—like they had stepped out of a magazine, their slithering gazes aimed at new business collaborations.

  He eased a smile onto his precise oval face. "Let me introduce you to some friends." He led me to the exuberant group. "Gladice, this is Destiny Sanders, the florist I've been telling you about."

  I blushed deeply as my cheeks flushed in front of the wealthy ladies. My dress suddenly felt itchy, and my body screamed for freedom. My feet ached from the black stilettos.

  "Hey, it's nice to meet you. West here has babbled so much about you," Gladice said.

  "Good things, I hope," I squeaked out.

  She chuckled and nodded, tilting her head to examine me.

  Gladice Hunder was an exquisite leader in the flower industry. She was at the top of the social ladder in the rose empire, with a million trophies from around the world. Her work was always luminous. I bet she saw the hearts bursting in my eyes as I internally fangirled.

  We talked about the delicate intricacies of dandelions, bouquet wrap techniques, and our personal experiences in discovering our talents. Jade joined the conversation, looking squeamish about flowers—likely because of how much I had talked about them.

  "Here's my number. I have to get going, but it was nice to meet you, Destiny," Gladice said as we shook hands. I saved her number.

  "It's nice to meet you too," I replied, my smile stretching from ear to ear.

•••

  West took the stage with a drink in his hand. Jade nudged me, her mouth gaping at the stunningly enormous flower cake beside him.

  "Hello, girls and guys. Tonight we make dreams come true. There was a time when I felt let down by my ex and stumbled into a flower shop—a very fancy one, might I add," he chuckled into the microphone. "It was Lena's flower shop," he continued, glancing at me, which made my stomach drop, "and there was a beautiful girl who intrigued me with her passion to make customers happy. She made me reconsider liking purple flowers. Her name is Destiny Sanders."

  Everyone applauded, some gazing at me with admiration. Jade proudly gave me a side hug and squeezed my hand.

  West Samuels looked directly at me as he said, "Sorry, Lena, but I need her on my team. I'm happy to announce that Destiny got a big promotion to be the owner of one of my flower shops in Bayside."

  "Oh my God."

  "Oh my God," I repeated after my awestruck best friend.

  I was immobile, speechless. My hands felt frosty, and my legs nearly gave out.

  My heart raced, and my blood pressure felt low as the stage lights hit me. Jade pushed me towards West and took out her camera, which she never went without.

  As she snapped photos, West's arm snaked around me—a hand I wasn't used to. Axel's hands were warmer and felt like a perfect fit for my figure. West's hands felt out of place.

  I breathed in and out in the slightly tight dress. West handed me a knife to cut the cake, and I avoided eye contact with him as the photos were taken.

  It was a long-held dream of mine, but why did it feel colorless?

  The answer was in the shadows at the edge of the party. The familiar golden eyes were watching me.