Page 108 of Wisteria and Cloves
I glanced back down at my phone, where the comment notifications kept pouring in. I tapped on a few to read them more closely.
“Your words gave me courage today. Thank you for sharing.”
“Finally, someone who isn’t afraid to be real. Keep blossoming, Wildflower.”
“That forget-me-not is such a beautiful symbol. I’ll be following your journey for sure!”
Each message felt like a small gift, a thread connecting me to strangers who believed in what I was doing. It was strange—andwonderful—to realize how something as simple as a photo and a few honest words could ripple out into so many lives.
Christopher leaned back, grinning. “See? You’re already a light for people. That’s not something everyone gets to be.”
Miles nodded, but his eyes were serious. “The important thing is that you keep control. You decide what you want to say, and when.”
I bit my lip, still trying to quiet the nerves. “What if someone leaves a nasty comment? Or tries to get personal?”
Julian was quick to answer. “We filter. We protect. And we don’t let negativity take root. You’re not doing this alone.” The words wrapped around me like a shield. I realized then that this wasn’t just a new beginning for my social media—it was a new beginning for me. For my voice, my choices, my story.
I slid my phone into my pocket and looked up at the three of them. “Thank you. For believing in me.”
Miles smiled, a softness in his gaze that made my heart flutter. “We always will.”
Nicolaus nodded, eyes filled with quiet pride. “You’re growing Lilianna. And we’ll be here every step of the way.”
After breakfast, I helped Miles with the dishes, our hands occasionally brushing in the warm soapy water. Each touch sent tiny sparks through my fingers that I was slowly getting used to—not because they were less intense, but because I was learning to welcome them rather than fear them.
"What time are you and Julian leaving for the conservatory?" Miles asked, carefully drying a delicate teacup.
"Around four," I replied, glancing at the clock. "He said we'd have dinner there."
Miles nodded, his green eyes warm as they met mine. "The orchid section is breathtaking this time of year. Make sure you look for the lady slippers—they're rare, but worth finding."
"I will," I promised, handing him the last plate. Our fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary, and I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "Any other recommendations?"
"The butterfly conservatory," Miles said softly, his thumb tracing over my knuckles where our hands still touched. "It's connected to the main building through a glass corridor. If you're lucky, they'll land on you—they're drawn to gentle souls."
I felt my breath catch at his words, at the way he was looking at me like I was something precious. "That sounds magical."
"You are magical," he murmured, so quietly I almost missed it. Then he cleared his throat, stepping back with a slight flush coloring his cheeks. "I should get going. I am supposed to be at soccer practice soon.”
I watched Miles gather his things, the way he moved with such quiet grace even when he was clearly flustered. There was something endearing about seeing him lose his composure, even briefly. It made him feel more real, more human.
"Have a good practice," I called softly as he headed toward the door.
He paused, turning back with a smile that made my heart skip. "Enjoy your date, Lilianna. You deserve every beautiful moment of it."
After he left, I found myself with several hours to fill before Julian and I would leave. Christopher had disappeared to his own training session, and Nicolaus was sequestered in his office with what looked like important work. The house felt peaceful in their absence, but not lonely—more like a comfortable exhale.
I settled into the sunroom with one of my new books, curling up in the cushioned window seat that overlooked Miles's garden as I distracted myself until it was time to leave.
Chapter Forty
Lilianna
I sat looking at the menu as I twisted my hands in my lap. It was my first official date, I was nervous, I knew there was no real reason for it, but I was. The restaurant inside the conservatory was more intimate than I'd expected - a small space with glass walls that seemed to float among the exotic plants. White tablecloths, soft lighting from pendant lamps that looked like glowing seed pods, and the constant gentle sound of water from some hidden fountain. Julian sat across from me, looking impossibly handsome in a dark blue button-down that made his hazel eyes appear almost golden in the ambient light.
"Everything looks wonderful," I said, trying to mask my nervousness with enthusiasm as I studied the menu. The dishes were sophisticated but simple - seasonal ingredients paired with herbs grown right in the conservatory gardens.
Julian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Choose whatever appeals to you. The chef here is remarkable."
