Chapter 2

Things never work out that easily.

Back then, they went out of their way to stand in my way, letting everyone trash me without lifting a finger.

Now that Michael was sick and they needed something from me, they suddenly acted all humble, hoping I'd help, as if life could be that convenient for them.

As I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed in my pocket.

It was a message from Sophie Hart.

It was Sunday, and she was home alone, playing by herself. Whenever it got close to the end of my shift in the afternoon, she'd text me, begging me to hurry home.

[Mommy, when are you coming home? It feels like there's something playing with fire in my tummy. It's empty. I think I'm hungry.]

I couldn't help but smile, and I typed: [I'll be back soon. Hang on a little longer at home, okay?]

Sophie quickly replied: [Okay.]

Yep. She was the daughter I brought into this world in secret five years ago.

After my family went bankrupt, my parents took my brother and left. They figured it was better for me to stay here and try to rely on the Lane family.

But after things fell apart with Michael, I realized I had no one left. No friends, no family, not even the person I loved.

That was when I started thinking about myself for once. After I had her, she was the only family I had left.

After packing up, I was in a good mood as I headed for the door.

But when I was about to leave, I ran right into Michael, who was hurrying toward me.

He slung his arm around my shoulder. "Did my mom come looking for you? What did she say?

"Whatever she said, ignore it. I won't bother you anymore. Sorry for intruding in your life."

I shoved him away, remembering how he used to act like I was some stranger. "So, you're not pretending you don't know me anymore?

"Relax, I don't care what anyone in the Lane family says. None of it matters to me."

With that, I strode off.

Michael kept his word and didn't show up at the flower shop again.

But did he really think he could hide in other stores, stalk me, and pass out, and I wouldn't notice even once?

The moment he woke up, I slapped him right across the face.

"If you want to die, go do it somewhere else. Who are you putting on this pathetic act for every day?" I said.

Michael's face went completely pale.

"Every time you want to see me, it'll cost you 3 thousand. No money, no meeting. So scram. Understood?" I added.

Michael immediately transferred 300 thousand, with a desperate look in his eyes. "Is it okay if I pay up front?"

So, from then on, Michael was my lunch buddy every day.

Since I didn't have to pay for lunch and was getting paid extra, I ignored how he deliberately lingered over every meal.

He looked a bit better than before, so I asked offhand, "Still not planning to get treatment?"

Michael's hand froze as he reached for another dish.

"Yeah, I'll go," he replied. "Thanks, Dorothy."

I said, not bothering to hide my indifference, "Don't get it twisted. I'm not worried about you. The shop's getting busier, so if you're off to the hospital, don't bother coming here. But if you insist on showing up, I'm raising the price."

Michael flashed a playful grin, his eyes sparkling. "Fine, charge me as much as you want."

After that, he vanished for a few days.

I didn't really know what would happen after getting sick like that, and when we finally saw each other again, he didn't bring it up, so I wasn't about to ask.

Over lunch, he asked about my plans for the future. "Are you still going to stick with the flower shop?

"Have you ever thought about starting a famous brand and taking your flower shop nationwide? If you want, I can hook you up with some pros in that field."

I shook my head.

This place was right for me. I had my hands full running the shop and taking care of my daughter, so I really didn't have the time to think about expanding.

After we finished eating, we wandered around the mall together.

Suddenly, a little kid came running and crashed right into Michael's leg.

"Hey, you okay there?" Michael asked, steadying the kid.

The kid mumbled a shy "thanks" and dashed off.

Michael watched the kid run back to his parents and said, "A lovely family."

"What, are you jealous they've got a kid?" I teased. "After all these years, shouldn't you have your own family and kids by now?"

Michael let out a sigh and gave a wry smile. "Dorothy, you know me. I'd only ever have kids with the one I love, and that's never changed."

Before I could react, he caught himself and quickly added, "Well, that's not it. I don't like kids. That's all."

I shot him a cold look and said, "Well, I actually like kids. Maybe you should try picturing what my future kids will be like."

Michael's gaze darkened, and for a moment, I could see he was genuinely hurt.