His Innocent Sera novel Chapter 22

What could be worse than this?

Sera was disgusted with herself. No matter how many times she cleansed her mouth with a cleanser, it couldn't wash away the filth that clung to her like an invisible stain. An ever-lasting taint on her dignity. Today, he had made her feel worse than a slave.

She was exhausted, sick to death of his cruel demands. She had been warned about the monsters that live under beds, but no one warned her about the monster that slept with her in her bed. That monster reveled in her pain, taking twisted pleasure in breaking her piece by piece. There was no one she hated more than him. He was the bane of her life. Her living nightmare. His mere mention was enough to make her gut clench with cold dread.

"A flower for your thought?" Giovanni's voice pulled her out of her reverie. She turned her head to look at him.

"Hi," he said softly, presenting the small violet flower towards her.

Sera's gaze flickered down at the unfamiliar flower. She tried to identify it but couldn't.

"It's Etna Violet," he answered her unasked question. Nudging the flower closer, he added, "a flower for a wildflower."

"I am not a wildflower," she stated flatly, making no move to accept the flower. Giovanni smirked, moving closer.

"Growing at the most unlikely places, blooming against all odds. You are a wildflower," he described, raising the flower between their faces. Sera was at a loss for a comeback. She didn't know how to respond, no one had ever described her like this.

"You are not from Spain, are you?" she asked instead, his accent was different.

"I am from Italy. Moved in here recently for work," he told her before pointing towards the flower in his hand, "have mercy on my arm and take the flower, please." He made a pleading face.

"I am sorry. I can't take it," she refused politely.

"How can you refuse something so beautiful. Look at it. The poor thing has already started to wilt from your rejection," he said with mock drama. She rolled her eyes while a small smile began to form on her lips.

She took the flower from him.

"I've never seen this flower before," she shared, examining the little bloom in intrigue. She was an earth child, her soul deeply woven into nature. Rare flowers were no mystery to her, yet this one looked familiar

"It's because this flower grows only in Italy," Giovanni explained, watching her fascination with amusement.

"You brought it from Italy?" Sera asked, confused. Giovanni chuckled.

"Look at it, Seraphina. Does it seem it can endure such a long journey? We are growing it here," he answered, smirking. Understanding dawned on her.

"You have an eye for nature's beauty, so I thought you would appreciate it too," he added a moment later. She looked up to meet his eyes, a gentle smile blooming on her face.