85| More Than Just Bouquets

Sophie and Lily were hard at work, crafting beautiful bouquets in the quiet of the shop. There weren't many walk-ins today—just pre-ordered arrangements and flowers that needed to be delivered.

Mia lounged nearby in a chair, flipping lazily through a magazine, her occasional dramatic groans filling the air.

Then, the familiar chime of the flower shop's bell rang.

Sophie glanced up just in time to see the delivery man step inside.

At the same moment, the order machine beeped, signaling yet another online delivery request.

Mia let out a long, exaggerated sigh, tossing the magazine onto the table. "Again? How many deliveries is that today?"

Lily, who was arranging flowers at the counter, didn't even bother looking up. "I swear, if this is another order from Ethan, I might actually scream."

She tore the receipt from the printer and scanned it, groaning. "Oh, look! Surprise, surprise. Another bouquet from a man named Ethan Sinclair to... wait for it—'his beautiful wife.'"

She waved the paper around with mock exasperation.

Sophie chuckled, shaking her head as she took the delivery boxes from the man at the door and signed for them.

"Don't blame me. Blame Ethan," she said, her eyes twinkling.

Lily was still staring at the slip like it had personally offended her. "Seriously, Soph, I'm happy you two made up, but if I see one more flower order that needs to be delivered to you, I might just pull my hair out."

Sophie set the boxes down with a grin. "Well, it would be rude for him to order from another florist. And besides, he knows how much I love flowers."

Lily gave her a flat look. "Then why doesn't he just make them himself? He's literally living with the best florist in town."

Mia piped up from the back. "We all know how much you love flowers, Soph. But this? This is getting ridiculous. What's he trying to do—build a greenhouse in your honor?"

Sophie laughed, opening the boxes to reveal the gifts inside. "He hasn't gone into work since that fight with his father. He's ignoring all their calls—even Jessica had to contact him through me."

She sighed. "So now, he's got way too much free time, and apparently, he's developed an online shopping addiction."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and you're the lucky recipient of that addiction. Five bouquets a day. From you... to you."

Mia smirked. "And don't even get me started on the random packages. One of these days, I swear I'm going to walk in here and find a pony standing outside with a delivery tag."

Sophie chuckled. "It's sweet, though, right?"

She repeated it, quieter this time, as if trying to convince herself.

Lily groaned dramatically, eyeing the unopened box she was holding. "What is it this time? Matching jewelry to go with the flowers you're making for yourself?"

Sophie laughed and pulled out the contents—a set of matching Tiffany bracelets.

"Well, you might not want to complain too much. He got something for all of us."

Mia immediately perked up, sitting upright. "Wait, what? For us?"

Her eyes sparkled as she reached for the bracelet. "Okay, maybe I spoke too soon. Keep the deliveries coming, Ethan."

Lily snatched hers with a smirk. "All right, he's redeemed himself... for now."

She held it up to the light before snapping a picture for Instagram.

Sophie smiled, slipping on her own bracelet.

But deep down, something didn't feel right.

She knew Ethan was trying—too hard, maybe.

The constant deliveries, the endless stream of random gifts—it wasn't just about spoiling her.

It was a distraction.

A way to fill the void that had been left after cutting ties with his father and the business that had defined his entire life.

"I love having him home all the time now," Sophie admitted, twisting the bracelet around her wrist. "But... he's struggling. Yesterday, I came home to boxes piled up in the hallway. He's buying everything—gym equipment, gadgets, even a wine-making kit."

She sighed. "I think it's getting out of hand."

Lily and Mia exchanged glances, their playful banter fading into concern.

"Is he okay?" Mia asked softly.

Sophie nodded, then hesitated. "I think he's feeling a little lost. He's never had this much free time. It's like he doesn't know what to do with himself."

Mia ran her fingers over her bracelet. "He's going to have to find a way to channel all that energy."

"Yeah." Sophie exhaled. "I just hope he finds what he's passionate about soon."

The order machine beeped again.

But this time, none of them rushed to grab it.

********

Later that day, Sophie carpooled home with Mia.

Ever since the accident, her friends never let her out of sight, always making sure she was safe.

When she arrived, Sophie had to shuffle several delivery boxes out of the way just to get inside.

More packages.

She sighed, nudging a suspiciously large one aside with her foot before stepping in.

Inside, she found Ethan in the kitchen, assembling yet another gadget—this time, a sushi conveyor belt machine.

His face lit up the moment he saw her, a boyish grin spreading across his face.

"Sophie! Why didn't you tell me you were done with work? I said I'd pick you up."

Sophie smiled at his excitement. "Mia was heading my way, so she dropped me off."

Then she eyed the contraption he was working on, hands on her hips.

"Okay... what exactly is that?"

Ethan gestured to the sushi machine with genuine pride. "You know those conveyor belts in sushi restaurants? I love those. Figured I'd make one for us tonight—thought it'd be fun."

Sophie smiled warmly, but beneath the affection, she could feel his restlessness.

Her gaze flickered to the stacks of unopened boxes crowding the hallway.

"I see you've ordered more stuff," she noted gently.

Ethan's grin faltered slightly, his expression turning sheepish.

"I know. I told you I'd stop... but the ads online are just so tempting. And honestly?" He let out a breath. "I don't know. I can't seem to stop."

Sophie didn't say anything—just walked over and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her cheek against his back.

"Do you want to go back to work?" she asked softly.

Ethan sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"I don't know, Soph. I must have gone overboard. It's just..."

His voice trailed off, frustration flickering in his eyes.

"I've never had this much free time before. I don't know what to do with myself. I have no hobbies, no real passion outside of work. I thought I'd figure it out, but I just feel... empty."

Sophie gently turned him to face her, her hands resting on his chest.

"I understand, Ethan. And I don't want you to feel pressured to go back."

He shook his head, a sad, almost tired smile tugging at his lips.

"No, it's not that. I just—" He hesitated, his voice quieter now. "I don't even know if I want to go back."

His jaw tightened. "The office reminds me too much of my father. And when I think about how he risked everything—including you—for power, I just can't stomach it."

His fingers curled slightly against her waist.

"I don't want to work for that company anymore, Sophie. I can't."

Sophie's heart ached for him.

She pulled him in closer, her voice gentle but sure.

"You don't have to, Ethan. You don't owe anyone anything. Especially not your father."

He exhaled, pressing his forehead against hers.

"But maybe getting out of the house might help," she murmured.

Ethan pulled back slightly, his brow furrowed.

"What do you mean?"

Sophie smiled, her fingers tracing small, reassuring circles against his chest.

"Our flower shop association is organizing a charity campaign."

Ethan listened, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"We're visiting three children's hospitals, delivering fresh flowers to the kids every day for a week. And at the end of it, we're throwing a charity ball to raise money for their medical bills."

She tilted her head. "Maybe you'd like to come with me? Help out?"

For a second, Ethan said nothing.

Then—for the first time all day—he truly smiled.

"That actually sounds... nice." He let out a breath. "Maybe it'll help me get out of my own head for a bit."

Sophie kissed his cheek, whispering, "You don't have to do this alone, Ethan. We'll figure it out together."

His arms tightened around her, holding her just a little longer.

After a moment, he pulled back, a teasing glint returning to his eyes.

"So... you'll still try the sushi on the conveyor belt, right?"

Sophie grinned, arching an eyebrow. "Heck yeah."

Then she glanced at the towering pile of boxes.

"But make sure to return it after."

Ethan chuckled, pulling her into his arms again. "Yeah, yeah. I'll think about it."

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