"Alright," Arabella replied, looking at her enthusiastic friend. "Once we're done eating, take me over to your flower shop. I can toss a few ideas your way, too."
"Perfect, I'd love that!" Brielle beamed.
Over the meal, the two chatted about Brielle's plans for the shop, their conversation filled with excitement and hopeful dreams.
After lunch, they got into the car.
"So, Arabella," Brielle began as she buckled her seatbelt, "how's Matthew doing with his injury?"
"He's healing up well. Another few days of rest and he should be back to normal," Arabella answered.
Brielle let out a small sigh of relief. "That's good to hear."
"If you're worried about him, why not just go see him?" Arabella suggested.
"I don't really have the nerve," Brielle admitted, pouting slightly.
Arabella couldn't help but smile. "I never would've guessed you'd be scared of him."
"You haven't seen him when he's really mad—it's pretty intense," Brielle said with a slight shudder.
"Honestly, if you're this nervous around him now, are you sure you'd be happy if you two actually got together?" Arabella asked gently, a little puzzled.
She was so intimidated by Matthew—was entering a serious relationship really the right move?
"I think... maybe Matthew just needs time to get used to the idea of us. Once he does, he probably won't be so harsh anymore." Brielle's voice sounded unsure, as if she were trying to convince herself.
Arabella glanced at her friend, biting her lip lightly, but decided not to press further.
It wasn't like she had any great advice to offer on the matter anyway.
"Hey, Arabella," Brielle said, shifting the subject, "whatever happened with that whole mess the other day? I haven't seen anything about it in the news."
"The people behind it ended up where they belong," Arabella said simply.
Brielle nodded, relieved. "Well, that's good. As long as they're caught, you should be safe now."
Arabella stayed quiet for a moment. For some reason, her thoughts drifted to Freya and Calvin.
"Arabella? Everything okay?" Brielle asked softly.
Arabella snapped back to the present and shook her head. "Yeah, I'm fine."
A short while later, they pulled up in front of the flower shop.
Brielle enthusiastically walked her through the layout, sharing her visions and plans. Arabella listened closely, chiming in now and then with suggestions.
"Okay, let's go with that plan then," Brielle said once they'd talked it through.
She clasped her hands together, her eyes bright with excitement. "I can't wait to see how it turns out after the renovation."
"It's going to look amazing," Arabella said, a warm smile in her eyes.
Brielle nodded eagerly. "Definitely. Once we're open, I'm sending you flowers every single day."
"Every day?" Arabella raised an eyebrow, surprised.
"Yep," Brielle said firmly. "You've helped me so much, Arabella. I can never really repay you, but this is a start."
"Let's go," Brielle said, still in high spirits. She hummed to herself as she slid into the back seat.
*****
The campus of the flight academy was buzzing with energy for its anniversary celebration. Colorful banners hung between lampposts, and the sound of chatter and music filled the air.
Just as Arabella parked, a sleek Rolls-Royce pulled in beside her.
She was a little surprised to see Matthew step out. "Mr. Stewart, you came to the anniversary too?"
"Is that not allowed?" Matthew replied, his tone cool.
Arabella quickly shook her head. "No, it's just—I didn't expect someone like you to bother with a small college event."
Of course he could come. Who would dare tell him otherwise?
"Arabella, there you are!" Brielle called out cheerfully as she hurried over. Then she spotted Matthew and paused. "Oh—Matthew, you're here too!"
She took a small step closer. "How's your injury? I wanted to visit, but I was afraid you'd be upset with me, so I didn't..."
Listening to her ramble on, Matthew rubbed his temple faintly.
"I'm fine," he said in a low voice. "And keep your distance."
"Oh." Brielle stepped back. She shot Arabella a look that spoke volumes. See? So nasty!
"So you all made it," Lucas said as he walked over. His expression tightened slightly when he noticed Matthew. "Mr. Stewart, I didn't expect to see you here."
Matthew glanced at him. "Is there a problem with that?"

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