𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐳 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: The Broken Vows

Chapter 4: Lily's Bloom

Her fingers tapping rhythmically on the keyboard mingled with the hum of the fluorescent lights above her desk. Victoria was so focused on the pile of paperwork in front of her that she hardly paid attention to the outside world. The approaching deadline served as a continual reminder of her unwavering will to be successful.

She was surprised by a soft tap on her shoulder. Her brow was furrowed as she raised her head. “Yes?”

Dahlia, her secretary, held a bunch of lilies and smiled sweetly. “Delivery for you, Ms. Victoria. No card.”

Suddenly confused, Victoria blinked. “Lilies? Who would send me lilies?”

Dahlia shrugged. “The delivery guy said they were for you. He didn't have any other information.”

The lilies' flawless white petals stood out against the clinical gray of Victoria's office as she gazed at them. Curiosity, confusion, and a glimmer of something else—something she couldn't quite put her finger on—were all mixed together in an odd way.

It couldn't be Thiago. She pondered, her thoughts returning to the week since they had first met. He hadn't given a call. She had convinced herself that it was best that way.

With their subtle scent, the lilies seemed to be telling a different tale. A tale that rekindled a longing she had forgotten and a glimmer of hope in the recesses of her heart.

Victoria inhaled deeply as the aroma of the flowers filled her nostrils. She was aware that she had to figure out who had sent them. The idea that threatened to shatter her well-built defenses, however, popped into her as she stared at the fragile blooms: What if it wasn't a mistake after all?

She was startled out of her thoughts by the buzzing of the phone on her desk. She didn't recognize the number. She hesitantly took up the receiver.

“Hello?”

A deep, familiar voice answered. “Victoria? It's Thiago.”

A beat skipped across her heart. The phone call, the lilies, and the sudden wave of emotions swirling inside her.

“Thiago,” she managed, her voice a whisper. “What's going on?”

He said, “I wanted to see you,” with a note of desperation in his voice. “I know it's been a while, but I couldn't stop thinking about you.”

Victoria's thoughts were racing as she attempted to make sense of the unexpected call and the week-long stillness that had preceded it. She stutteringly said, “I... I thought you weren't interested,”

“I was a fool,” Thiago said, his tone becoming softer. “I let my fear get in the way. I was afraid of what we had, afraid of what it might mean.”

With her heart thumping against her chest, Victoria questioned, “What do you mean?”

Thiago added, “I mean... I want to see you again,” with a hopeful tone in his voice. “I want to get to know you, really get to know you. And... well, I want to see those lilies in person.”

Victoria's hand automatically reached for the blooms on her desk as their sweet scent filled her nose. She was unable to ignore the attraction she felt for him and the way his words made her heart skip a beat.

“I... I don't know,” she said, her voice barely a murmur. “It's been a long time.”

“I know,” Thiago said, his voice gentle. “But I'm willing to wait. I'm willing to try. Just tell me where to meet you.”

Victoria hesitated, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

“There's a cafe near my office,” she said finally, her voice gaining a newfound strength. “The one with the outdoor patio? I'll be there in an hour.”

“I'll be there,” Thiago promised. “And I'll bring you more lilies.”

With her heart racing, Victoria hung up the phone. Looking at the lilies, she saw how their delicate beauty represented the unexpected direction her life had gone. She was unsure of what was into the future, but for the second time in a long time, she experienced a thrill of anticipation that made her heart skip a beat.

She looked at her own face reflected in her office glass as she got to her feet. She noticed a glimmer of something more, along with a sense of doubt. Something adventurous and bold that suggested the possibility of something fresh and lovely that could potentially develop into something more than a one-night stand.

The usual symphony of clinking cups, chatting voices, and the soft whir of the espresso machine filled the cafe. The midday sun was an enjoyable distraction from the cold air conditioning in Victoria's office as she located a table on the patio. Her eyes wandered across the cafe, looking for a familiar face as she nervously straightened the wrinkles out of her skirt and sat at one of the chair.

She felt an overwhelming feeling of warmth as she saw Thiago approaching with a fresh bunch of lilies. In daylight, he appeared different, the sunlight softening his face. His dark hair was disheveled by the wind, and he was dressed simply in pants and a white shirt.

With a warmth that sent a chill down her spine, he stopped in front of her and met her eyes. “Victoria,” he uttered in a deep, low voice. “You look beautiful.”

Victoria's heart pounded in her chest as she blushed. She whispered, “Thank you,” as she looked down at the lilies he was holding. “They're lovely.”

His eyes wrinkled at the corners as he smiled. “For you. I hope they remind you of what we have.”

Victoria's chest tightened with breath. “What do you mean?”

With a whispery voice, Thiago drew closer. “I mean, I want more than just a one-night stand. I want to get to know you, really get to know you. I want to see where this goes.”

She uttered, “I... I don't know,” in a hardly audible murmur. “It's been a whirl.”

Thiago responded, “I know,” as he reached out to hold her hand. “But I'm willing to take things slow. I'm willing to wait. I just want you to know that I'm not going anywhere.”

Victoria met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest.

She said, “Okay,” just over the chatter of the cafe. “Okay, I'll give it a chance.”

Thiago's eyes gleamed with happiness as his smile brightened his face. He leaned forward, his lips touching hers in a hesitant, gentle kiss. A delightful reminder of the unexpected turn her life had taken, the taste of lilies lingered on her lips. She closed her eyes and relished the moment, the warmth of his touch, and the possibility of a future that felt hopeful for the first time in a long time.

Victoria only saw Thiago, whose eyes were full of love that had the potential to blossom into something lovely, as the cafe bustled around them. Even though she was aware that the road ahead would be unpredictable, she was willing to take a chance and let her heart bloom beneath the tender scent of lilies and the warmth of his eyes.