?Chapter 1108:


    Without thinking too much about it, she tucked the card into the deepest drawer beneath the register.


    Over the next two weeks, Ian returned again and again—always around the same time, always for lilies. With each visit, Jasmine’s curiosity grew.


    She had never seen a man buy flowers for a woman every single day.


    Jasmine had been growing a little bolder every day. One afternoon, as she wrapped Ian’s usual bouquet, she looked up and asked, “Mr. Hayes, have you ever thought about trying different flowers? Champagne roses, maybe? Or white ones—they’d make lovely gifts for someone special.”


    Ian paused by the counter, his smile warm and calm, like a quiet spring day. “You’ve got it wrong, Miss yton. These aren’t for a girlfriend. I’m actually still single.”


    Jasmine’s cheeks flushed instantly. “Oh! I’m so sorry, Mr. Hayes. I shouldn’t have assumed.”


    She wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.


    It had taken her forever to find the nerve to start a real conversation with him, and this was how she used it—by putting her foot right in her mouth.


    Ian only waved it off lightly. “No need to apologize. The lilies are for my mother. She’s in the hospital, but she loves your arrangements.”


    From that day on, Ian kepting by every day—always for his mother. As time went on, Jasmine found herself rxing around him. Their talks slowly shifted from polite greetings to small, easy conversations.


    When she learned his mother was fightingte-stage cancer, and that Ian spent every evening at her bedside after work, Jasmine’s heart tightened. “You’re so devoted,” she said softly. “Your mom must feel reallyforted having you there.”


    Ian gave a faint, almost weary smile. “It’s just what anyone would do. But you—running a flower shop at your age—that’s impressive.”


    Flustered, Jasmine stuck out her tongue yfully. “Actually, this shop isn’t really…”


    She stopped herself just in time, remembering Ste’s warning. When Ste handed her the shop, she’d insisted Jasmine tell people it was hers—even though Jasmine was really just managing it for her. And now, because she’d gotten toofortable around Ian, she’d nearly slipped.


    “Isn’t what?” Ian asked, curious.


    “Nothing!” Jasmine blurted, forcing a smile. “We just got fresh tulips today. Want to see them?”


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    He gave her a long, thoughtful look, but he didn’t press further.


    A weekter, Ian showed upter than usual.


    Jasmine was closing up, counting the day’s sales, when she saw him at the door. “Mr. Hayes?” she said, a little surprised. “Are you buying flowers tonight?”


    She’d honestly thought maybe his mother had been discharged and that he wouldn’t being by anymore.


    Ian shook his head, looking exhausted. “I just got out of the hospital. Needed somewhere to sit for a bit. You’re about to close, right?”


    Jasmine took in his tired face and felt a tug of concern. They weren’t just strangers anymore—they were friends now.


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