His Little Flower (Felix and Flora)

Chapter 42

Liam shrugged, “He’s kind of rude, yes,” Liam rolled his eyes, “I’m just here for the money. And my mom likes him, for some reason. You headed home?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m really tired. I’ll see you tomorrow?

He smiled. “Sure, Flora. Thank you for the meal, it was lovely.”

I drove back home slowly, letting myself process the events of today. Felix had recognized me, acknowledged me, but for some reason, it didn’t feel like a victory at all. 6tyh7

I made a stop and smoked a few cigarettes with a Red Bull. I liked the rush it gave me. The exhilaration.

When I finally parked in front of my house, I was excited to see my Dad. Maybe we could have dinner together.

As I walked inside, the front door slammed shut behind me, the echo reverberating through the empty hallway as I stepped into the dimly lit house. The faint smell of whiskey filled the room, and I knew that my father was already well into his nightly routine. Oh no. A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach as I tiptoed further into the house, praying for a moment’s peace.

My footsteps creaked on the old wooden floor, each sound piercing the silence like a guilty admission. As I rounded the corner, I spotted my father slouched on the worn–out couch, a glass in hand and the flickering television casting a dim glow on his face

“Flora,” he slurred my name, his gaze barely registering my presence. His voice was a mix of anger and despair, the kind of sound that sent shivers down my spine. “Where have you. been, hub

My heart quickened, and I tried to keep my voice steady, “I was at work, Dad.”

“Work?” He scoffed, his eyes narrowing. “You’re late. Stop lying to me. Who were you out with, huh?”

I watched as he struggled to sit up, and the venom in his tone sent a chill down my spine. This was scene, one that had played out too many times before

a famili

I took a step closer, trying to reason with him, to prevent the inevitable. “Dad, I promise, I was at work. Really. I’m late cause…there was traffic.”

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He war on his feet me. The glass slipped from his hand, crashing to the then in splinters Shapes of glass scatterest on the Boon Caress who would be cleaning that up

You think I’m a 64 Pha? His word were a wiht burst of anger, all the room like A story accusatory Binger pointing towards m. You’re a whore, Flora Youre ust

hite your mother”

“Dad phase I imgstores, tears welling up in Phase Avs have dinner. I’m sorry I’m late”

He staggerst closer, his face contortest in a mixture of anger and misery, I could smell the stench of alcohol on his breath as he toomest over me, his eyes blazing with a fury that seemed to have no end. In that moment, I wishest I could escape, rum far away from here. It bad already been a bad day.

“Flora,” he seethed, his voice venomous, “You’re just a fucking disappointment. have been

I whispered, “Dad, please, I just want to make things right.”

But my plea was met with a cruel laugh, a laughter that seemed to tear through the very fabric of my being.

“Right? You think you can make things right?” He bellowed, his rage boiling over. “You’re nothing but a burden, Flora. You were a mistake, just like your mother. You shou

have died, too.”

The words hung in the air like a noxious cloud, choking the life out of me. I couldn’t take it anymore. The pain, the anger, the guilt, all of it was too much. In a moment of desperation, pushed past him, my eyes blurring with tears, and made a beeline for the front doo

“Flora!” he roared, stumbling after me. “Get back here!”

But I couldn’t bear to stay in that house. I flung the front door open and fled into the cool night air. The slamming of the door behind me was the final, resounding note in a sympho of chaos and pain.

As I stood on the porch, my heart heavy and my tears blending with the rain that had started to fall, I watched my father through the window. He was shouting something, his fists pounding against the glass, but his words were lost to the noises outside. I knew he was

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Ha hands wtapped around my throat; he’d kiss me with the force of a lover possessed. And then he’ll softly caress my lace, place soft kissesim my cheek.

Oh, the thought of him. I don’t know how long lay in bed thinking of these things, but when I woke up, it was noon. I rushed to take a shower and made some breakfast for myself. Toast and some eggs. Then I watched The Crows for a while. The new season seemed promising.

Around three, I decided to drive to Lexi’s. I wore a simple pink top with jeans and went over to her house. It didn’t seem like Gray was home, when Lexi opened up and hugged me hello. And I was glad for that. I couldn’t risk him getting suspicious. It would be best for me not to interact much with him. The lesser people knew about me, the safer it was.

inking into the plush cushions of Lexi’s living room, I couldn’t help but marvel at the familiar warmth that enveloped me. The autumn sunlight filtered through the open curtains, casting a soft glow on the mix of vintage and modern decor that adorned the space. She had decorated really well. I remembered the time I’d visit her in her studio apartment in the bad. part of town. I was really glad she had made it out.

energy.

Lexi, a vision of excitement and anticipation, flitted around the room with boundless Her hazel eyes sparkled, and the curve of her lips hinted at the joy bubbling within. Her and Gray’s wedding loomed just around the corner. Less than two months, in fact. I was so excited, too. But I wasn’t excited to pay for the expensive bridesmaid’s dress.

“So, what do you think about the floral arrangements?” Lexi held up a palette of colors that seemed to capture the essence of a summer sunset.

I leaned forward, studying the swatches. “They’re gorgeous, Lexi. Classic yet vibrant. Like you seem to be these days!”

A laugh escaped Lexi’s lips. “You always know how to boost my confidence, Flora. I’m so glad you could make it today. Wedding planning is no joke, and I could use a second opinion.”

I smiled. “I’m a bridesmaid. Its part of the job. Is Gray involved at all?”

Lexi rolled her eyes. “He is, but our opinions don’t really match. I want something classic and elegant, and he wants to go all out. I guess we’ll both have to compromise. Him more. Maybe if you meet him, you can convince him on my behalf. And really Flora, I know work must be really hectic. So, thanks a ton for helping with this on your one day off.”

Grinning, I crossed my legs on the comfortable couch. “You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Besides, who else would help you choose between peonies and roses?”

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As the mirth subsided, Lexi settled into the seat heross from me, her eyes reflecting a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

I cant believe it’s just a few weeks away,” Lexi mused, twirling a strand of her auburn hair between her fingers. “Sometimes it feels like I’ve been planning this forever, and other times, it’s like it’s happening too fast.”

Inside, understanding the whirlwind of emotions that came with impending nuptials. Maybe not understanding, but only imagining. imagined my own wedding a lot, too. “It’s perfectly normal to feel that way, Lexi. This is a big step, and it’s okay to have mix feelings about it, or be nervous.

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