A Bloom of Thorns

Holly did not say a word. She closed her eyes and feigned to be asleep, releasing an air of exhaustion.

Luke fell for the act and realized she was not mad at him. He let out a breath of relief and, with a thoughtful gesture, draped his jacket over her.

Unseen by him, a tear traced a silent path down Holly's cheek.

They arrived back at the Hoffmans' house to find that Cecilia had already made herself at home. She had been openly welcomed by Luke's parents, Ronald and Melissa Gilbert. Melissa could not resist a jab when she saw Holly walk in.

"Look at that, Holly. Luke and Cecilia are just perfect for each other, right?"

Cecilia's eyes flicked to Holly. "You don't look too happy, Holly. Is it because you don't like me, or because you don't like me being with Luke?"

Her words were like a bait, pulling all eyes to Holly, whose face lost a bit of color.

Melissa chuckled, playing peacemaker. "Oh, come on, Holly's the most understanding person here. Way more than Luke.

"And besides, she's already involved with someone from Yverland...

"Hi, Ms. Gilbert," Holly cut in, her voice tinged with urgency, "I'm not feeling well. I think I'll go upstairs and rest."

Melissa's eyes softened, and she nodded. "Of course, dear."

As Holly made her way up the stairs, she could hear Melissa politely suggesting Cecilia stay longer.

Cecilia quickly declined. Luke, on the other hand, was desperately trying to convince Cecilia to extend her stay.

A smirk curled at the edge of Holly's lips.

Whenever Cecilia was around, Luke had eyes for no one else.

So the days rolled on, a full week slipping away.

Luke was pretty much glued to Cecilia's side, but he had not forgotten about Holly. Every night, he would text her, trying to smooth things over.

[Hey Holly, don't be mad. My folks just think Cecilia needs a tour guide since she's new in town.]

He would write on and on.

[Once she's gone, we'll spend some time together. Remember that cool place abroad you wanted to check out?]

[Holly, you're my number one. Always. This thing with Cecilia? It's just for show, for my parents' sake.]

[And hey, you promised not to go to the Ocean Sonata Cup, right? Stick with that. Stay home and we'll have our own time.]

[Holly, I love you.]

Holly had been on the balcony when she read that. If she had not seen Luke tenderly pick up a flower that slipped into Cecilia's hair and tucked it away like a treasured keepsake, she might have kept fooling herself into believing Luke still cared for her.

Holly could not just stay still. She had been out and about with the Hoffmans, getting all her travel documents in order, even personally picking up her certificate.

Melissa and Ronald were really pleased with how well she was handling everything. They were treating her upcoming marriage like she was their own daughter, full of gifts.

Luke did not bat an eyelash when Melissa invited Cecilia to go hiking, even with Holly right there. Melissa, ever the peacemaker, chimed in, "Let's bring Holly along. It'll be good for her to get out before the big day."

With Melissa weighing in, Luke could not exactly say no. So, they left the room together, a reluctant trio.

Holly had thought about playing it cool, making up some excuse to bail. However, there she was, stuck in the middle of it all.

Luke's grip on Holly's wrist was sudden and firm. He pulled her into a hidden corner away from prying eyes.

"Holly…" Luke's voice was urgent, his body radiating a nervous heat as he leaned in close. His voice quivered, betraying a hint of fear, "Are you upset with me? There's nothing going on with Cecilia, I swear. It's all for show, to keep my parents off my back. You believe me, right?"