I nodded. “He did say those words. But I don’t know if it was just a coincidence. Maybe he didn’t even know what he was saying?”

Did he really?

“He even said he cares for you and his behavior was strange,” Beth stated, then her hazel eyes lit up with realization. “Maybe he saw you last night and lost his heart to you? You know, love at first sight?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Shut up, Beth! Achilles Valencian isn’t a man to fall in love with someone at one glance. Of all these years, did you see him with even a single girl around him?” Cassie scoffed. “Some even think he could be a closet gay.”

Not even a single girl? I thought if he wasn’t with Tess, then there must be another girl in his life.

Something burned in my chest at that thought. I ignored the feeling. It wasn’t possible. He must have someone in his life.

“He isn’t and that I can guarantee you,” Beth retorted. “Did you forget the amount of girls he used to tag along at school?”

Cassie flipped her middle finger and slumped back on the couch. “We don’t know everything. Maybe he changed his preference after he’d gone to England for two years, right after Em left for New York?”

I heard about him going to England to pursue some degree. And in those two years, he didn’t return home even once.

“Whatever. And you said you moved on, right? You like Warner. Then why do you care what Achilles Valencian does?” Beth queried.

I was out of answers. “Of course I moved on. And I do like Warner very much.” I raised my chin in confidence. “And I don’t care what he does or doesn’t do. I was just sharing what happened last night.”

They gave me a look, not convinced at all. I shifted my eyes to the television.

The doorbell rang, breaking the awkward situation. I sighed in relief as both of their gazes turned to the door.

Cassie went for it, and a minute later she walked back in.

“Well, I think it’s now a considerable matter for you to care about,” she commented, with a bouquet of white roses in her hand.

“Whose is it for?” Beth raised to her feet.

Cassie’s eyes locked with mine. “Guess who?”

Leaping up, I grabbed the bouquet and took out the note.

A beautiful day should start with those beautiful flowers. Hope you like them.

-A

My heart raced.

“Who sent them? And who is ‘A’?” Beth asked, frowning.

Cassie rolled her eyes. “You should guess it by the letter.”

Beth’s eyes went big as realization set in.

“So, he sent flowers for you.” Her tone was teasing. “I didn’t know people send their family friends good morning messages and flowers without any reason. But why white roses, though?”