Chapter 119
Chapter 119:
I turned to Priya’s parents. “I’ll grab a cab for you guys. I’ve got something to take care of p>
“Thank you so much!” her father said, waving me off with a grateful smile.
Ashton was standing by the car, a conspicuous bouquet of flowers in his hand. The sunlight hit his dark suit, making him look like some kind of strange, glowing creature.
For a moment, my heart skipped a beat. Then it slammed back into my chest, faster than before.
I jogged down the courthouse steps, heading straight for him.
Ashton handed me the flowers. “I couldn’t get away earlier. How did it go p>
“She got three years.” I breathed in the subtle floral scent of the bouquet. “Priya’s testimony went smoothly. She was really brave p>
Ashton reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. He leaned down slightly. “You were brave too p>
My pulse quickened as his clear blue eyes locked onto mine.
I held the flowers tight, feeling the paper crinkle beneath my fingers. “Why the flowers p>
“A win deserves celebration p>
“What if I’d lost p>
“Then this is consolation p>
I grinned. “You have an answer for everything p>
“I also have a lunch reservation at La Vache Dorée.” Ashton held the car door open for me. “Your spicy steak frites are waiting. And chocolate mousse p>
My mouth watered. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go p>
Ashton got into the car and signaled for the driver to take off. He turned to me, watching as I cradled the hyacinths in my lap.
I found a notecard attached to the bouquet:
Dearest Mirabelle,
When hyacinths rest in the cold of night,
They wake with spring and reach for light.
Let shadows fade, let new days gleam.
Walk on with fire, chase every dream.
-A.
“You wrote this?” I looked up at him.
“I’d love to take the credit, but no, I had help p>
“Still, it’s nice. Thanks p>
His faint smile disappeared altogether. “Like I said before, you don’t have to thank me for everything p>
“Right, forgot.” Changing the subject, I said, “Actually, I was pretty anxious earlier. It was my first court case, after all. Even as I walked out of that courthouse, everything still felt a bit surreal, but now I feel… settled. And I appreciate you sending Hannah and her team to help. They are extremely professional p>