Chapter 107

The car journey was filled with a comfortable silence. ‘Thanks. Good night,’ Elodie said as the car came to a stop outside her house. ‘Wait,’ Ari interjected just as she reached for the door handle. With a flourish, he produced a large bouquet of roses from the backseat of the car, holding it out to her like a midnight offering. The roses were a vibrant pink and adorned with glistening dewdrops. Sensing her reservation, Ari quickly explained, ‘No ulterior motive, just thought they’d be fitting for the occasion. Congratulations on the big successful opening.’ Elodie accepted the bouquet. ‘Thank you, Ari. This is truly thoughtful.’ She leaned over and planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. As the car door closed behind her, Ari’s gaze lingered on Elodie. He wondered what put those shadows under her eyes. He knew there were things about her life that she hadn’t shared with him, just like there were things he had kept from her. But it was okay; he had patience. He’d never spent this long wooi