Chapter 13: Burning Bridges

Sunlight speared through the gaps in the curtains, dragging Flora from a restless sleep. It casted a warm glow over the interior of the penthouse suite.

She stirred from her slumber, her mind still hazy with the remnants of dream and desire. As she blinked away the last of her sleep, the events of the previous night played on repeat in her mind – the raw vulnerability she’d shared with Damien, the intoxicating of alcohol and attraction and the stolen moment of connection before reality intruded.

Disappointment gnawed at her. A part of her had been hoping to wake up to Damien by the window, the city skyline a backdrop to their newfound alliance. But the plush armchair was empty, the only evidence of his presence a single white orchid lying on the bedside table, its delicate petals mirroring the fragile hope blooming in Flora’s chest.

Beside the orchid lay a folded piece of paper. With trembling hands, she reached for it. Flora’s heart hammered against her