piece of me poured onto the canvas. I could feel it, the emotion, the intensity, the

asn't overwhelmed with work, trying to be nice, loving, and all that. But what reall

y black paper, with a card tucked between the petals that read: "I don't want that moment to define us. I'll

id not want to admit how much that note eased something in me. The second bouquet showed up two days later, s

ng in me, they seemed to harden something in Alice. She noticed them. Of course, she did. They were big, bold, beautiful, and sat right in the ce

re uncomfortable than if sh

ever because she had nothing to say. It meant she was watching. Waiting. Storing

s left on the painting. Just a few final strokes and it would be complete. But even

phone buzzed on the t

ly a second before

skipping any greeting. His voice

my head as I studied the canv

n it's time w

absentmindedly twirling it between my

ked hard, and I wa

uckle. "Alexander,

business, no painting talk

whatever feeling that was, an idea struck me. "Actually..." I starte

re he responded, his voice was u

e. She's been... curious about you." And I think it would be

before he responded. "Well, if t

about his tone made my stomach twist. "Great," I sai

his voice came through again, soft

I res

careful what

d. "What's that s

t too smoothly. "I guess y

chill running up my arms. What the hell did he mean by that? Had I just made a

to find Alice sprawled on the couch, scrolling through he

"So... Alexander in

n. She looked up, rai

her. "Yes, he said it's a way to c

king her head. "Celebration? O

thing else, something sharper. I smiled tightl

. Her eyes shot up, surpris

ce for you to see that he's not some manipulative billiona

"Huh. "That's all you have to say?" She shrugged. "I just didn't think he w

"You've barely e

out the words dramatica

just want you there. You're my best friend and

mirk. "Of course, I'll come. Someone has to make sure

g any mistakes with this. Alex gave me my first contract, so forgetting the advances he has been making toward me, he still has a special place in my h

t head to my room to finish the paintin

box with a gold ribbon, my stomach flipped. Inside was the most beautiful gown I had ever seen. Midnight blue. Subtle shimmer like it

that read "Every artist deserve

was a second, flatter box. I opened it slowly and found

ant you to be totally comfortable, so

flats were practical, yes, but it was clear Alexander had been paying attention to what m

acks. Her eyes went from the dress to the sho

to her.

boxes. "Rose, he bought

aring at the dress

"And you don't find

another way for Alexander to exert control,

and shoes, I didn't feel

lice," I said, brushi

coff. "It's never just a