**Blake's POV**

"This bouquet is my best work today!" the florist beamed, nodding toward Audrey.

"Your girlfriend has a great eye," the florist told me with a wink. "For both flowers and men! See how they complement her?

My gaze fell on Audrey. In her simple white outfit, she stood holding the vibrant crimson roses against her chest. Her newly cropped hair framed her face, creating a striking contrast with the deep red blooms.

*The flowers do suit her.*

During our marriage, following my grandfather's advice, I'd given her bouquets cut from his garden. Though perhaps not as beautiful, they were made with my own hands and heart.

I'd never given her roses this vibrant.

For some reason, at this moment, I suddenly had an urge to hold her in my arms.

I shook my head quickly, fighting the unwelcome thought. "They're ordinary," I said, taking out my wallet to pay.

Even as I spoke, another impulse struck me. I wanted to buy another bouquet for Laurel, leaving these roses for Audrey. But I had no justífication for doing so. These were meant for Laurel, no matter how perfect they looked cradled in Audrey's arms.

The florist enthusiastically took the roses from Audrey's hands, preparing to wrap them.

"Miss, your boyfriend is handsome and doting!" she said with a wink.

Before I could say anything, Audrey frowned. "He's not my boyfriend."

"Not your boyfriend?" The florist laughed. "Must be your husband then!"

She wrapped the flowers efficiently. "I've seen so many couples over the years. Before marriage, they're all romance and weekly flowers.After?They vanish."

She tied a ribbon with practiced hands. "Most think once they're married,the chase is over. No need to fake being in love..."

The florist handed the bouquet back to Audrey."I"s rare to see married couples who still have that spark!"

"We're divorced," Audrey said flatly.

The florist's hands froze mid-gesture, her smile faltering.

Audrey thrust the flowers into my hands. "I'm just helping him buy flowers for his girlfriend."

She walked out,leaving me awkwardly holding the bouquet.

The florist's eyes widened, her mouth forming a perfect "O" of shock. I frowned and apologized quickly before following Audrey outside, the roses awkward in my grip.

Back in the car, I took the passenger seat. The roses lay in the back,their scent filling the space.

"Audrey," I said, buckling up. "The florist meant well. Why tell her all that?"

She didn't look at me. "I don't like being misunderstood."

I couldn't help a cold smile. "You never corrected anyone about your college friend or that young student. Why explain only when it's about us?"

Audrey started the engine. "You're different from them."

"How?" I asked, surprised by how much I wanted to know.

**Audrey's POV**

I kept my eyes on the road, feeling Blake watching me. In the mirror, the roses seemed to mock me from the back seat.

"They're single," I said, refusing to look at him. "And by the way, people online still call me a homewrecker in your relationship with Miss Rose."

I guided the car into traffic. "I'm tired of being misunderstood."

Blake checked his phone, his expression darkening as he scrolled.

"I'll handle these messages," he said.

I couldn't help a sarcastic smile. "Thanks so much, Mr. Parker."

Ethan and I confirmed last night that the accounts stilI attacking me after our divorce still came from his troll farm group - the one connected to Parker-Rose Studio.

Yet here Blake was, pretending ignorance, offering to "help" with something he'd orchestrated.

At a red light, I turned to him. "Taking acting classes with Miss Rose lately?"

Blake's frown deepened. "No. Why would I?"

I faced forward again. *He's still sharp. Noticed my sarcasm immediately.*

"Audrey." his voice hardened. "Do you think I'm putting on some kind of act?"

His piercing gaze made me shift uncomfortably. I coughed.

"You haven't told me where they are," I said, relieved when the light changed.

Blake gave me the address, and I made a U-turn. During the drive, I felt him watching me but didn't acknowledge it.

At the high-end dress shop, I followed Blake inside, noticing the elegant gowns in the window.

When we first married, William wanted to bring me here for a custom wedding dress and grand ceremony. I refused.

Blake was in a coma then, and Parker Group was in chaos. Nobody knew what would happen. Plus, I wasn't into extravagance, and our marriage didn't feel like something wonderful.

William promised that once things stabilized or Blake woke up, he'd bring me here for a wedding dress, then hold a perfect ceremony.

After Blake woke, William suggested the wedding again. Blake refused,saying he didn't love me enough for a wedding, but would host a birthday celebration to thank me for caring for him.

William chewed him out that day. Blake insisted the birthday party was his limit. Nobody mentioned it again.

Now we were divorced. No wedding, and no birthday celebration either.

If Blake hadn't brought me here today. I might've forgotten he ever promised me a birthday party. My birthday was yesterday, and he showed no sign of remembering. Did he even know when it was?

"Blake darling!"

Laurel's voice yanked me from my thoughts. She emerged from the shop in a light blue dress scattered with small diamonds that caught the light.

"You bought me flowers?" She ran to Blake, taking the bouquet. "And red roses! I love them!"

Thalia approached, eyeing us all. "That must be ninety-nine roses," she said with a smirk. "For everlasting love."

She stopped beside Laurel. "Since you came back from Europe, my brother's gotten so romantic!"

Her voice dropped theatrically. "Unlike before. He never gave *her* even nine roses!"

Laurel turned to me, eyes gleaming. "So you never received even nine roses,Miss Sinclair?"

I raised an eyebrow and nodded. "That's correct."

Thalia wasn't wrong. Blake rarely gave me flowers. When he did, they were always random blooms with no romantic significance,poorly arranged, and usually half-dead.

I'd sometimes wondered if he grabbed them from some roadside garden because he felt obligated to bring something home.

Noticing my response. Thalia turned to face me. her eyes full of contempt."I can't believe you actually showed up."

"Laurel said you'd be coming. but I thought you'd have more pride." Her eyes, enhanced by colored contacts. looked me up and down. "What, did you enjoy being our servant yesterday?"

1 shrugged. "Mr. Parker made the deal with my company while you were there,Miss Parker."

"I'm here because it's my job."

"Your job?" Thalia laughed. "Drop the act, Audrey."

"My brother only hired your company to humiliate you. And you're just taking it?"

I didn't aruge. "It's just for the money."

At this, Thalia's smile turned cruel. "Regretting that divorce now? Need cash?"

"If you're that desperate, there's ana easier way." She pointed at the floor."Just kneel and bow to me and Laurel. If we're feeling generous, we might throw you a few bills."

Blake's face darkened instantly. "Thalia! Enough!"

Seeing his expression. Thalia backed down. She pressed her lips together and muttered. "Just telling the truth..."

"Miss Sinclair." Laurel glanced at Blake's angry face, then at Thalia's pout

before turning to me with fake kindness. "You know how Thalia is. Don't take it personally."

Then she lowered her head to smell her roses. "But really, not even nine roses?"

"Well..." She reached for the bouquet, fingers hovering over the brightest blooms."What if I give you nine from Blake darling's bouquet?"