Chapter 551

Alexander acted on his ideas immediately. Within a week, following their conversation, he prepared everything for Lily. He provided her with a personal lab, ensuring adequate staffing and facilities. According to Alexander, her only concerns should be her brand name and its public launch. Her brand would remain under the Rebirth umbrella, whose reputation was rising; it had recently been named the leading branch of the La Beaute Group.

Lily was busy with her new project, and although she enjoyed it, it was tiring. Her new workplace was far from Rebirth, but a nearby garden appealed to Alexander. He chose the location because he knew Lily needed a space to assess materials and find inspiration.

Alexander's thoughtfulness and kindness were well-known to Lily. Looking around her new workplace, she felt closer to her dream. She recalled her family's opposition to her perfumery studies, their estrangement after she began dating Nathaniel, and her self-doubt following a competition loss, which led her to withdraw from the world and work anonymously. Now, her life was improving; she knew her goals and how to achieve them.

By the time she left her lab, it was dark. Her workplace, outside the city center, lacked bright streetlights, making the stars appear brighter. A cold breeze blew as Lily tightened her coat and walked to her car.

Suddenly, headlights from an oncoming car blinded her. She shielded her eyes and saw a man exiting the car and approaching. Though she couldn't clearly see his face, his silhouette revealed his identity: Alexander. Lily laughed; what was he planning? As he drew closer, she saw a massive bouquet of roses.

Alexander seemed awkward; usually calm and collected, he appeared stiff and uncomfortable. He approached her, saying stiffly, "This is for you."

Lily was surprised by the large bouquet. They were close, like comrades, but he’d never given her flowers before. "Was today our anniversary?" she mused. They'd married recently, less than a year ago, and it wasn't their first meeting or anyone's birthday. Was it her new workplace? But they hadn't publicly announced it. Or was there a rose sale? She pondered the possibilities.

Instead of accepting the flowers, Lily asked, "What's the meaning of this?"

"Giving you flowers," Alexander replied, extending them.

His obviousness baffled him. Didn't women appreciate flowers? He was confused by her unpredictable reaction.

Lily tilted her head, her hands still behind her back. "I know you're giving me flowers, but why? Is today special?"

Alexander frowned. "Must it be a special day? Why can't I give them to you anytime? Just take them!" He looked uncomfortable carrying the huge bouquet.

He took her hands and placed the roses in her arms, forcing her acceptance. Lily laughed uncontrollably, amused by his eagerness to be rid of them. He was so unlike himself. She was grateful their marriage was quick and secret; a public proposal would have been something else entirely.