Chapter 2

Whispers of Spring

Lily finally reached her apartment, letting out a long, tired sigh as she stepped inside. After a quick shower and a simple home-cooked dinner, she settled at her desk, her eyes instantly drawn to the half-finished drawing in front of her. The warrior. Her perfect creation.

Time slipped away unnoticed as her drawing pen danced across the tab, adding delicate lines and shadows. When she glanced at the clock, it was already 12:15 a.m. The day’s exhaustion was slowly catching up to her, and her eyelids grew heavier with each passing minute. She tried to fight it, frustration bubbling up as she realized she wouldn’t be able to finish the drawing tonight.

But the warm pull of sleep was too strong. With a reluctant sigh, Lily carefully shut the laptop and crawled into bed, promising herself she’d complete the drawing tomorrow.

Morning arrived with its usual pace, pulling Lily into the rhythm of a new day. She rushed through her daily routine and left for her research work. Today’s schedule involved a site visit — long hours of observation and note-taking — and by the time she wrapped up her tasks, it was already 3:00 p.m.

Without wasting a second, she hurried to the flower shop. The moment she pushed open the glass door and heard the familiar chime of the bell, her tense body softened. A small, content smile curved on her lips.

In a city full of rush — crowded streets, blaring horns, and the constant noise of life — the flower shop was her little sanctuary. The soft fragrance of blooms, the gentle hum of the music, the warmth of the place… It was like stepping into a peaceful world, one that made her forget all her worries.

And it made her day.

After her shift ended, Lily decided to take a small detour before heading home. With the weekend just around the corner, she thought a quiet walk in the park would be the perfect way to unwind. The park was a 15-20 minute walk from her apartment — a mid-sized haven of towering, old trees, some nearly a hundred years old.

Spring had transformed the place into a dreamland. Blossom trees stood proudly, their branches heavy with delicate pink and white blooms. The setting sun painted the sky in soft, breathtaking colors — orange, pink, lilac, and blue blending seamlessly like a watercolor painting.

The breeze carried the sweet scent of flowers, brushing against her skin with its cool but comforting touch. Birds returned to their nests, their gentle songs merging with the rustling leaves. As the wind danced through the trees, it sent a flurry of petals drifting through the air, creating a magical shower of pink and white.

Lily stood mesmerized by the beauty around her before finally settling on a nearby bench. There were only a few people left in the park, and the peaceful atmosphere stirred her creativity. She pulled out her sketchbook and let her pencil move freely, capturing the gentle charm of the evening.

The moment felt like a scene from a romantic song — soft, slow, and filled with warmth. A quiet hum escaped her lips as she sketched, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days.

Lily had always been a kind, bright, and courageous person. But love had never been kind to her. Her past relationships had left her hurt, each one more painful than the last. And no matter how hard she tried, she always ended up blaming herself.

Still, there was a small, stubborn hope in her heart — a tiny sprout of belief that somewhere out there, someone is waiting for her. Someone who would understand her, love her, and stay by her side. Someone who is meant for her.

The mere thought of finding that kind of love made her cheeks flush with warmth. She glanced around the park, half-expecting to see someone there… but the place had grown quiet. The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, and the gentle hush of night had settled in.

When she checked her watch, it was already 8:00 p.m. Startled, she quickly gathered her things and made her way out of the park, the quiet rustling of petals following her as she walk.