Healing In Love With You

Chapter 2: Petals of Affection

Lily jolts awake to the bright screen of her phone flashing "7:00 AM, WORK!" Groggy and disoriented, she quickly hops into the shower, the hot water waking her up. Under the anonymous pen name "Avery," she writes stories that capture the hearts of many, often from her cozy office nestled in a library that boasts a charming café.

By 8:00 AM, she arrives at her office and immediately dives into her work, fingers dancing over the keyboard. Hours pass, lost in her creative world, until a delivery man steps into the café, holding a bouquet of vibrant tulips.

"Delivery for Ms. Lily Smith," he announces.

"That's me!" Lily replies, approaching him eagerly. "Who's this from?"

"It's from Mr. Gabriel J.," he says.

"Oh, okay. Thank you!" A smile spreads across her face as she takes the bouquet, its sweet scent enveloping her.

Lily gazes at the flowers, her heart fluttering. How did he know I love tulips? she wonders. In a rush of excitement, she picks up her phone and dials Gabriel's number. It rings for a moment before he answers.

"Like the flowers, sweetheart?" he teases.

"Yeah, right! How did you know I love tulips?" she replies, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

He chuckles, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Well, it's not that difficult to get your best friend to talk, sweetheart."

Riley is going to pay for this, Lily thinks, rolling her eyes. "Thanks, Gabriel, but you didn't have to do this."

"Why not? It suits you. A beautiful bouquet for a beautiful woman like you." His words are smooth and flattering, making her stomach flutter.

"You're all talk. Boys are all the same," she retorts, trying to maintain her composure.

Gabriel's tone suddenly turns serious. "If I were you, I'd be careful with your words, sweetheart."

"Or else what?" she challenges, a playful smirk on her face.

"Or else nothing. See you soon, Ms. Lily." Just as she opens her mouth to respond, he hangs up.

"Very rude, Mr. Flirt," she mutters, glancing at the bouquet, her heart racing. A thought of Riley pops into her mind, and she quickly texts her: You bitch, are you selling me for Gabriel now? The message is delivered, but she doesn't expect a quick reply—Riley is likely busy with her cosmetics company.

As the clock strikes 4:00 PM, Lily closes the café and heads home after a hectic day. She showers and changes into comfortable clothes, brushing her teeth when her phone lights up with notifications.

"Ding!" It's a message from Riley and Gabriel. She opens Riley's first: I'm not selling you, honey. I'm helping you find your true love. Will you just thank me for that?

Lily laughs and types her reply: Thanks, I guess? But I'm not sure about him. You know how I am with boys. After sending it, she scrolls to Gabriel's message.

How's your day, sweetheart?

Her heart skips a beat at the word "sweetheart." She shakes her head, trying to dispel the fluttering feeling in her chest. But she can't ignore it. Sitting at her desk, she types back, It was a busy day, but I'm used to it. So, it's fine, Mr. Gabriel.

Just then, another message from Riley pops up. Are you okay, honey? Call me if something about him bothers you, okay?

Lily smiles, touched by her friend's concern. Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for everything, Riley. Good night and I love you.