Chapter 09: Flowers For The Wrong Girl.

Kael’s cold voice cut through the intercom like ice. “Lucas, tell whoever is there to get off my property right now.”

Elara pretended she hadn’t heard the harsh command. She turned to Lucas with a calm expression that barely masked her rising anger.

“What did he say?”

Lucas shifted uncomfortably, his handsome face showing clear unease. “He said you should leave right now, ma’am.”

Elara’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. “What the fuck?” she muttered, then raised her voice. “How dare he chase me away like some stray dog sniffing around his territory?”

She stepped forward, frustration burning in her chest. “I just need a moment with him. Even if he doesn’t want me to take his measurements or discuss his designs, I still need to speak with him.”

Lucas sighed heavily, looking torn between sympathy and duty. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but he’s not the type of person you can convince once he’s made up his mind. He gave a direct order and I would appreciate it if you leave. You’re putting me at risk here.”

Elara moved closer to him, her eyes pleading.

“Lucas, please. This isn’t even about the clothes anymore. There’s something important I really need to tell him. Can you just let me see him? even for a second?”

Lucas studied her face for a long moment, his brows furrowed with conflict. He let out another deep sigh. “I’m sorry… but maybe you can tell me the message, and I’ll pass it on to him.”

Disappointment washed over Elara’s features. Her shoulders slumped slightly as she shook her head. “No. I need to talk to him myself.”

Before Lucas could respond, a deep, authoritative voice echoed from inside the building.

“What do you want?”

Elara’s head snapped up. Kael stepped out, and the sight of him stole the air from her lungs.

He looked devastatingly sexy. The tailored black shirt hugged his broad, muscular chest and powerful shoulders, with the top buttons undone to reveal smooth, toned skin.

His sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong forearms.

His dark hair was perfectly styled, and those intense eyes carried the same dangerous glint she remembered.

He moved with the confident, predatory grace of a man who owned everything around him.

Elara swallowed hard, unable to stop herself from staring as heat crept up her neck despite her fury.

The man was magnetic, infuriatingly so.

“Are you ready to talk,” Kael asked coldly, “or do you need me to shut the door?”

Elara blinked, snapping out of her daze. She gave Lucas a meaningful look, silently urging him to leave.

Lucas hesitated briefly before nodding respectfully and walking away, leaving them alone.

Elara turned back to Kael. “Am I not going to at least come inside and get a glass of wine?” she asked, trying to sound composed.

Kael didn’t even look at her face, his gaze remained distant and indifferent. “So what do you need from me? Do you want to take my measurements and prepare the designs? Or do you want to go without them? Either way, pick one. We’re doing it right here, outside.”

Elara’s mind reeled. Devastation and boiling anger warred inside her.

She was doing this for Jasmine... to protect their friendship, yet every word from him felt like a slap but she forced herself to stay calm.

“I called earlier regarding my friend..and..uh...” she paused and sighed heavily, keeping her voice steady even as her eyes kept drifting to his broad chest and strong arms.

She lowered her head slightly, staring at the ground to regain her composure. “Okay. Fine. I think I will focus better when I’m looking downward.”

Immediately, Kael stepped closer. His presence was overwhelming as he gently raised her chin with two fingers, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. “Why? Have you not met men like me in your life?”

Elara swallowed hard, annoyance mixed with an unwelcome flutter in her stomach. Even when she hated him, his touch affected her deeply.

She pulled her eyes away. “The thing is… my friend likes you very much. You know her, her name is Jasmine.”

Kael raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested. “And what’s your point here?”

Elara’s eyes widened in shock. “You asked her on a date. I called you last night telling you to let go because it doesn’t make sense why you’re after both of us. I wanted you to pick a struggle which was crazy from my end and I apologise for that.”

Kael sighed, then let out a low, mocking laugh that sent chills down her spine. “If you want me to pick one… there’s no need for struggle at this point.”

Elara’s eyes widened further. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kael looked at her for a long, heavy moment. “I’m picking her. Jasmine. I will pick her over anything else and anyone else. And you… you are the least of my concerns.”

The words hit Elara like a punch to the gut as devastation crashed over her.

She didn’t understand why it hurt so much, she had come here to push him toward Jasmine...but the rejection stung deeper than she expected, her chest tightened painfully.

“Oh… yeah. You’re right,” she said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Since you’re actually picking her, I think my job here is done.”

Kael tilted his head. “Are you not going to take my measurements?”

Elara shook her head, her voice strained. “No. Someone else will do that, I’m done here. It was nice working with you.”

She turned to leave, but after a few seconds of silence, Kael spoke again. “Wait.”

Elara paused, her heart skipping despite herself.

Kael disappeared inside for a moment and returned with a beautiful bouquet of roses and a small card, He handed them to her.

Elara stared at the flowers and card for a long time. Confusion and a flicker of foolish hope flashed across her face. “Flowers and a card? Wow. I didn’t expect this.”

Kael’s expression remained cold. “Give it to your friend, Jasmine. I figured out you’re her best friend. No need for me to stress myself coming to your workplace. Just deliver it.”

Elara’s face fell. A thin, bitter smile crossed her lips as shame and disappointment washed over her.

He had raised her hopes for a split second, only to crush them completely. She felt utterly humiliated.

“Oh… you wanted to come to my workplace to see her?” she asked, her voice tight.

“Yeah. I did,” Kael replied flatly.

Elara forced another smile. “Okay. We can go together...that way she’ll be more appreciative and look forward to the date. She’ll be happy if she sees you there.”

Kael stepped even closer. His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending unwanted shivers down her spine.

He leaned in, his voice low and dangerous. “I do not care if she is appreciative. What I’m very sure of is that she wants me… and she will do everything possible to get me. So save your energy and give that to her. I’ve done enough here. Have a nice day.”

Elara stood frozen, clutching the flowers tightly as he shut the door against her.

She wanted to say something cutting, but the words stuck in her throat.

She swallowed hard, staring at the card as she muttered to herself. "This man is a fucking beast!"