65 Roses Condition Novels & Stories

“Is it me or does she seem a lot more relaxed around the customers nowadays?” I think for a moment about Ellis’ comment and watch her a bit better and I have to agree with him that she does seem more at ease in her movements. We continue to watch as the camera pans back to the entrance and the delivery guy opens the door with the bouquet in hand. The flowers are perfect. I requested two dozen natural red roses, but I also asked that they include a dozen blue fabric roses mixed in. I paid to have the thorns removed as well as I don’t want her to hurt herself when he gives them to her.

Inside, rows and rows of blooming roses stretched like a sea of red. The upper half of the glass roof reflected the deep blue of the night sky, while the warm lights inside lit the rose garden in dazzling color. “It’s for you,” Archer said quietly from above her. Aria looked up at him in shock. Was this man actually… being romantic? His face was unreadable, but the tips of his ears had turned a faint shade of red—not that she noticed. He spoke lightly, as if it was no big deal. “There are 999 roses in there. All red, all transplanted. I’ve got the housekeeper checking in on them, and I bring in a specialist now and then. Consider it a Valentines gift.”

I keep one arm securely clamped around her waist and turn toward the living room to guide her back, but my boots stop dead on the hardwood when I hit something. Jesus Christ. The roses. They are still here. I dart my eyes across the room, wide-eyed. And they are everywhere. I hadn’t factored in the square footage of the apartment when I demanded a florist deliver 2,555 roses. Fuck! It looks like a crime scene in here.

Yet she took it with a beaming smile. “These are one hundred and one roses which symbolize eternal love. According to the botanical terminology, they translate to LOVE THAT DOESN'T WEAR OFF NOR FADE. May the almighty bless your love. Have a blessed evening.” With that, the gentleman bowed and excused himself. Kenya stayed glued to the side watching the flowers as though they would talk, then chuckled and chunked them to the side. "This was not how I thought things would turn out." She mumbled to herself, but loud enough for me to hear. I mirrored her chuckle and relaxed a little in my seat.

The irony hit hard. As we drove further in, we stopped in front of the second villa. I stepped out and gaped—it was the most beautiful one of all. Painted soft white and pastel pink, with tall glass windows gleaming under the afternoon sun. Inside, the living room took my breath away. Gold and blush accents framed the walls, and the air smelled faintly of vanilla—my favorite scent. What a coincidence, I thought. A woman, probably In her early fifties, appeared from what looked like the kitchen. She smiled gently and spoke quietly with the assistant. I barely listened, too overwhelmed to focus on their conversation.

Sean said before he made a rose appear seemingly from thin air, “A beautiful rose for the even more beautiful Claudia.” At those words Claudia’s expression darkened and she stood up causing her black gown to swirl around her matching the stormy look in her eyes. “What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?” he said while wondering why Claudia wasn’t teasing him about being corny like she normally would. At that Claudia looked at him and took the rose from his hand but said as she pricked her finger with a thorn, “Yes, a rose is beautiful, but it is dangerous due to its thorns. Like the rose, I may be beautiful, but I am a predator of the night. A monster wrapped in a pretty skin.” As she finish

She blinked, adjusting to the light, and then— she gasped. Her hands flew to her mouth as she turned in a slow circle, taking in the sea of roses—red, pink, white—blooming in perfect harmony. The petals glowed under the sun, the garden alive with color and fragrance. "Rami…"Her voice was barely a whisper. "This is… for me?"

Towering trees formed a majestic canopy overhead, their branches reaching towards the sky, while delicate flowers carpeted the ground below in a riot of hues. As they ventured deeper into this enchanting oasis, their senses were captivated by the sweet scent of blooming roses, their petals unfurling like delicate kisses. The vibrant reds, pinks, and whites of the roses stood out against the lush greenery, adding splashes of romance to the scene. Amidst the roses, graceful lilies stood tall, their pure white blossoms exuding elegance and serenity.

I smiled. Rose had mud covering her clothes, with splashes of water on her top as well. "You should change your clothes, otherwise you will catch a cold." She nodded with a sheepish smile, "I went to collect water from the river but slipped over the rock and fell." I paused but continued stirring again...the river. "Can you add the final petals and stir this? I have some work to do." Rose looked at me in shock and to my surprise, she shook her head in a no immediately, "I can't do that, you shall always complete your work other..."

This isn't because of-" he shook his head, the smile not disappearing. "This was already planned, "Rose. I just needed an excuse to get you here," he admitted. "Do you accept my gift?" Thump, thump, went my heart. Without hesitation, I replied, "yes." I took the flowers out of his hand and placed them in the vase he provided. I noticed that they weren't fake and were indeed real. What a man to give a woman real flowers. A friendly man, I reminded myself. Nicolaus was just a friend. Even if his gesture seemed anything but friendly.