Love Like Roses, Hurt Like Thorns

I rolled my eyes. But their conversation continued.

"I like her chest area. It's attractive." An older pervert who is also our Company's advisor commented.

"Even if they're fake." He added. Kellan let out a jittery laugh as his eyes darted all over her, "You should see the scars that I've seen for implants then. She bears her scars well too. Unlike someone!"

My eye twitched.

"But your wife's a killer too. Marriage and pregnancy changed her. It's almost your fault." I took pride in what advisor said. But Kellan didn't. He rudely dismissed the senior member and halted the shoot.

My eyes widened when the advisor turned around and caught me snooping. I glared at him and he nodded. I was still in power and could fire from his decades old job.

When I saw Kellan kissing Zara intently again, I lost it. I turned around and left without anyone dropping me off.

I missed a route. It was lost for more than a few hours until it turned dusky. When I recognised the area a little, I walked into the convenience store to buy few cleaning supplies and instant food.

A woman bumped into me at the meat section,

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" The shrieked but juice was spilt all over the floor. I should've taken the trolley.

"Great." I mumbled and flailed my hands but the woman called my name.

"BOSS ASTRID!" She split my ear drums with her noise.

"It was such a lovely surprise to be working with you! I'm honored, tremendously! I've grabbed the one in a billion chance! I'd love to have your number. Here you go." She wasn't even asking. I punched random digits on her keypad and returned the phone.

"Mrs Kellan." I said and walked away to get more juices since she spilt mine.

Minutes later, Zara texts me with,

- GOTCHA! You think I'd miss out on this, boss? You're my inspiration. Of course I'd have taken your number from previous company records! -

I groaned sitting on the park bench. She just had to display her exceptional stalking skills now.

- Ah, the numbers must've been my other phones' -

I texted back and she bought the lie so easily.

- I know right! You're a busy, successful woman! -

She replied but I left her on read. she messaged me just a minute later.

- Mr Kellan and you are so lucky to have each other. Turns out, I prayed too hard and got the same luck! -

The audacity...

Good that she had no idea I knew about their dirty little secret.

The next morning, I woke up to a ton of voice messages from Zara. She was drunk, clearly.

She bragged about her 'boyfriend' buying new cars, new gifts and accidentally revealed about being gifted pieces of moon as well. I rolled my eyes at how obvious it was, who she was talking about.

I turned to look at Kellan who walked in reeking of alcohol. My head turned to the phone again.

- I will send you allll the flowers my boyfriend sent me because you deserve them! -

Funny how she thought I'd find happiness in used goods. I'm not like her. I don't use used goods or men.

"Baby...what is this? Don't tell me this was your dinner!?" He spoke worriedly, looking at chip packages and canned juices. I rubbed my nose, nodding.

Kellan sobered up at the speed of light and stirred up a nutritious meal, three course.

I walked into the kitchen and asked, "Why didn't you even give me flowers?"

He froze in place. How would I know about Kellan gifting Zara 3000 flowers right? He thought he blew his cover.

"Because you deserve more than flowers, Astrid. You're a flower yourself. The most beautiful one in my garden." He flirted.

"I must be a rose then. I grew thorns late." My response puzzled him. I walked away.

Half an hour later as we were eating, the delivery service showed up. I was puzzled and waited for Kellan to come back with...

"Juliet Roses. For the most beautiful, priceless woman on the planet." Kellan spoke grandly. My eyebrows threatened to jump in surprise. One rose must cost nearly 20,000$. He bought 777 of these.

"Thank you." I took the bouquet and smashed it to the ground, leaving Kellan speechless.

He slowly gazed up, disbelief and hurt covering his eyes with tears.

"Why trample over something I gave with such passion?" He voiced, breaking gravely.

"Because you'd do the same with mine. Except, it was with my heart." I said begrudgingly and walked away, leaving the lunch to get cold.

No matter how much he kneeled and begged in front of me, followed me around the house pleading, I didn't tell him.

What was the point?

He wouldn't understand no matter how loudly I screamed.

I clutched my belly and heard his cries from other side of the door.

I knew what I had to do next.