Yesterday's Future 2✔️

4. The perfect potion.

21:56,
Santos' rooftop.

Finally, they emerged onto the rooftop, greeted by a cool breeze that carried the scent of blooming flowers. The rooftop garden sprawled before them, a lush oasis amidst the concrete jungle of the city. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the surrounding fences, casting a warm glow over the space. The roses and flowers were a glorious blend of pleasant scents, enhanced with colors that only Mother Nature herself can create.

Rosie gasped in delight, her eyes wide with wonder. She wandered through the garden, taking in the sights and smells with childlike awe. Adam followed behind her, his expression softening as he watched her marvel at the beauty around her.

The refreshing breeze danced through the leaves, lifting the weight from her heavy heart.

Adam nodded, his gaze sweeping over the lush surroundings. "I know, right. Santos tends to every plant himself. He's obsessed with this place. Rarely lets anyone up here unless it's a special occasion."

"Wow," Rosie murmured, her curiosity piqued.

"Yeah, he's got a whole history with this place. Him and his wife used to live here before she passed away. He's always talking about her, like she's still here with him." He stooped to pick up a smooth white pebble, turning it over in his hand.

Rosie nodded, impressed by the depth of emotion. "He sounds like a true romantic," she remarked, stepping closer to Adam as they strolled among the pots and plants. The parapet beckoned, offering a panoramic view of the twinkling city below.

"Absolutely," Adam agreed, a grin playing on his lips. "He's seen a lot in his travels. Always has a story to tell. But don't let that fool you, he's got a silly side too."

Rosie chuckled, the sound light and airy. "Like thinking you brought me here as a potential love interest," she teased.

Adam laughed, a warm sound that echoed in the quiet night. "Exactly that."

"I find him intriguing," Rosie admitted, her gaze lingering on the stars above.

"Can't argue that," Adam's expression softened, his eyes searching hers. "On a more serious note, Rosie, what happened with your... 'potential love interest'? You two seemed to hit it off. I had high hopes for you guys."

"He's a jerk. That's what happened," Rosie spat out, her tone laced with bitterness and hurt.

"Well, that's not news. I never liked the dude in the first place, but you were really into him, and seeing you like that at the store earlier... it was shocking," Adam said, concern etched in his features. "You know you can talk to me about it? I mean, that's why we're here."

They found solace on a long wooden bench beside a towering vase, the dim lights casting shadows around them as they sank into its comfort, their glasses of paloma clinking together between them. Rosie's expression dulled again as she recounted the painful memory.

"I told you, they were doing some nasty things behind my back on her laptop, in Kate's room. She didn't know I was in the bathroom because she had her noise-canceling on. I heard and saw everything. They were on a live chat, and Kate was fully naked... It was terrible, Adam," Rosie confessed, her voice trembling with raw emotion. "And when I confronted them, Ian broke up with me, called off the wedding... like I was going to marry him after all that."

"Damn! He's really a jerk. Who fucking does that?" Adam exclaimed, his blood boiling at the thought of Ian's betrayal. He imagined the scenario in his head, the betrayal and deceit too cruel to fathom. He didn't know Kate, but he knew Ian, and he never liked him. Ian, with his golden hair and chiseled features, always carried himself with an air of superiority, making Adam's skin crawl. Being the mayor's first son, he was a dreamboat, and Rosie was the envy of many. Adam couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Rosie; she used to flaunt her relationship with Ian, but now, it must be so hard for her with the breakup.