A Bouquet of Promises

A Bouquet of Promises
Ashton’s POV

I was still stuck in the same room with Evelyn. What began as small talk about work slowly shifted into something more personal.

“Ashton, I’ve always been curious about your marriage with Lily. You married the daughter of your father’s enemy. A man suspected of killing your father. Isn’t that… ironic?”

I fell silent for a moment, letting her words settle in. I knew exactly where this conversation was going. A detective always has theories. I searched for the right words.

“Your instincts are sharp, Evelyn. Yes, I had a motive when I married her. I wanted to take David Taylor down. But…” I paused, letting out a soft sigh, “I fell in love with Lily. And I want to protect her.”

Evelyn offered a faint smile, one that lingered longer than it should. “But if David Taylor really is your father’s murderer… would you still choose to stay with Lily?”

It was a question I didn’t want to answer. A question I feared. Because I couldn’t imagine my life without Lily. There was no world in which I would let her go.

“If her father is guilty, it doesn’t change who she is. It won’t affect our marriage.”

“And what if Lily can’t accept what you’ve done to her father, Ashton? No matter what he’s done, David Taylor is still her father. And a father is always a hero to his daughter.”

I took a slow breath and exhaled. “Lily is fair. I believe she’ll see the truth for what it is. Yes, he’s her hero… but if he’s guilty, she won’t stand against the law.”

“You sound so sure,” Evelyn said with another smile. The kind that hid more than it revealed. Maybe she didn’t believe in Lily the way I did.

The truth was—I was afraid. I was afraid Lily would choose her father over me. That fear grew stronger with each passing day.

“If one day she walks away from you… if she leaves,” Evelyn’s words hung in the air. A quiet, haunting echo.

I didn’t want to think about that. But those weren’t unfamiliar words. I’d read them before—in a letter Evelyn left with my friend after graduation.

“I’ll always be a home you can return to, Ashton.” Her voice softened as she said it. That smile still lingered. But it wasn’t the innocent smile of the girl I used to know. It belonged to a grown woman now—gentle, but laced with something else.

“Do you know why I’ve never been with anyone?” she asked.

I shook my head. The air between us felt heavier now. I didn’t want to follow where this conversation was going. We had once been close friends who shared late-night talks and silent understandings. But things were different now. I was married. And that boundary mattered.

“Because I’ve been waiting for you, Ashton,” she said.

I was startled. But I held back, careful not to say anything rash. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I couldn’t let this go on.

“I’m married, Evelyn. Don’t wait for me. You deserve to find someone else.” It might’ve sounded harsh, but I had to be clear. I wouldn’t allow anything to put my marriage at risk.

“You’re not like those men who go home to their wives, only to chase other women behind their backs.” Evelyn smiled again, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. It felt like she was trying to tempt me.

“You know I’m not that kind of man.”

She let out a soft laugh. “Yes, I know who you are, Ashton. Tell me… am I good at being seductive?” She gave me a playful wink, her smile laced with mischief.

“Don’t tell me you’re testing me?” I narrowed my eyes.

Evelyn laughed again. “Maybe I need acting school. Yes, I was testing you. You love Lily, and I’m truly happy for you.” She smiled once more, but this time, it felt genuine.

I was relieved. The Evelyn I once knew wasn’t someone who flirted or spoke her feelings so easily. She was the kind who waited, quietly and faithfully.



The Manhattan sky always looked beautiful at dusk, even when it felt caged between towering buildings. It wasn’t a wide, open sky. And yet, after all these years, every time I left the city, I missed it.

Joe was driving me home. My eyes lingered on the window, taking in the view, the restless traffic, the flickering city lights, the never-ending rhythm of a place that never slept.

Once, my life was nothing but a dull routine—work, home, sleepless nights, the occasional drink with friends, random conversations at clubs. Now everything had changed. Now I had a reason to come home. I had no desire to waste time elsewhere.

I remembered... I had never taken Lily on a proper holiday. Not even a honeymoon. We needed that. We deserved that. I wanted her completely. I wanted her to be my world, the mother of my children, the future I’d always dreamed of.

I asked Joe to stop by the flower shop. I wanted to surprise her. Women love flowers, right? I thought a bouquet of soft pink roses would bring out that lovely smile of hers.

I picked out a beautiful arrangement. Pastel pink, delicate and elegant just like her. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face.

Back at the mansion, I hurried inside, guessing she was in the kitchen. She didn’t need to cook, of course. We had staff for that. But Lily was different. She loved cooking. She always made dinner for me.

“Hello, my wife.”

She froze at the sound of my voice, turning toward me with wide eyes and parted lips when she saw the bouquet in my hand.

“For me? You’re really giving me roses?”

I smiled. “For the one who’s always beautiful and warm.”

She took the flowers from me, her eyes glistening. Then she wrapped her arms around me. We kissed soft and short.

“You’re so sweet, Ashton. Thank you.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve been too busy… if I haven’t spent enough time with you.” I held her hand tightly, my gaze never leaving hers.

“We’ll find time. Just the two of us.” I smiled again.

Her smile bloomed, brighter this time. Her whole face lit up. I could see happiness dancing in her eyes.

“Thank you, Ashton. This is the best gift.”

We held each other close, letting go of all the feelings we often kept hidden. If I could give her the world, I would’ve done it right then and there. I would love her, always.