You looked up in surprise. At first, you were confused. A custom dress? You had no memory of ordering one. But then it hit you—this was Yohan's roundabout way of telling you your body had been retrieved.

"It's ready...?" You asked in disbelief.

That was quick. The 'taylor' must have been referring to the founder.

He nodded but was interrupted by his phone ringing. With apologetic smile, he and Louyi took their leave. You watched them walk away, your eyes lingering on Yohan, feeling that familiar ache of loneliness begin to creep in. Before it could take root, you turned your attention to Hollis. Surprisingly, he’d been unusually "obedient" compared to his first meeting with Louyi.

"It's upsetting," Hollis muttered, his tone sharp with distaste. "You're always so calm and composed around me, but I see that you can make that kind of face when it comes to your brother."

You don't know how to respond to that.

He sneered, leaning in closer. "You don’t like him giving flowers to other people, huh? Tell me, darling, what’s your favorite flower?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, you managed a pretentious smile. "Me? Roses, I guess."

Hollis's fingers suddenly gripped your jaw, forcing you to look at him. His touch was threateningly cold, as if daring you to lie further. "I’ll ask again. What’s your favorite flower, darling?"

Your fists clenched at his persistence, the pretentious smile that you mustered was on the verge of slipping away. It wasn't just his insistence that frustrated you; it was the fact that your 'favorite' flower was a poisonous one.

"You wouldn’t know what it looks like anyway," you said. "It’s rare. It’s not the kind of flower you’d find on sale in the streets."

"That's not what I ask," he pointed out.

You hesitated but finally admitted, "Hell's Lullaby. Its scientific name is Datura Infernalis. It’s poisonous, so you wouldn’t..."

He let go. "Yeah, I've got no clue."

"See?" you said, exasperated, trying to regain your composure. "Let’s just go home. I’m tired."

"Not so fast," he said, grabbing your wrist. His tone shifted, softer but resolute. "You’re right. I don’t know much about flowers, let alone rare ones. But I know someone who might. He’s a collector—someone who loves flowers more than anything. If this Hell’s Lullaby exists, there’s a chance he has it."

You blinked, unsure whether to believe him.

"That... might not be possible," considering it's a poisonous type.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "We won’t know unless we ask, will we? Besides," he added, a knowing look to your face, "from the look of it, I’m guessing it’s been a while since your brother gave you a flower, huh? If that’s the case, let me take over for him. If that Datura exists, I’ll find it for you—even if I have to turn the world upside down."

You stared at him, dazed, as he led you out of the shopping mall and into his car. You didn’t protest, still processing his words. You can vaguely feel something that you can't comprehend bubbling inside you.

As he started the engine, you finally asked, "Do you really think this person would have it?"

"Why not?" he replied. "And if he doesn't, I’m sure there are places where it might grow."

You hesitated before answering, "Hell's Lullaby isn’t... normal. It thrives in sandy soil and warm climates—usually far away from civilization. It’s not something you just stumble upon."

Hollis glanced at you, a challenging, haughty look in his eyes. "So? We’ll just have to go off the beaten path, then. I’m up for a little adventure."

"Why?" you asked suddenly, confused. "Why are you so serious about this? Is this some ploy to ‘feed’ from me? To make me feel something for you?"

"It's not just about feeding. Have you forgotten? You may be my client, but you are also my lover," he reminded you. "So if a rare flower is what you want, then that's what you will get. Anything, as long as it is possible and doesn't require losing you in the process, I will grant all of it."

You were lost for words by his speech. Personally, you don't think he and you were that attached to each other to go this far for one another, but you assumed a 'lover' must have been an important thing for an Amorii like him.

"So if it weren't me, if someone else were sitting here as your lover, would you still grant her every wish?"

The escort took a moment to respond. "Yes, but don’t get me wrong. Not just anyone can be my lover. I chose you as mine for a reason, because I feel content when we're together, and I wouldn't take whatever we have lightly."

Content? "So... just because you feel happy with me?"

"Is that not enough of a reason? As of now, I can't feel that with anyone else except you." He took your hand, eyes still focused on the road. "What? Do I have to get on my knees, profess my undying love, and cry my eyes out for you to understand why I would go this far for you? Sometimes, a simple reason is all it takes. It’s not that complicated."

It is for you, though.

As a spirit, you can feel love, but you don't understand their version of love—be it human or Amorii. After all, spirits love recklessly, like a bird hopping from branch to branch, never settling, never staying long enough to last a decade. That's why you've always assumed that your love is light and fleeting, leaving no marks and carrying no weight. For you, the fleeting feeling of love pales in comparison to the solidity of the genuine bond you have with Yohan—something real, lasting, and far more tangible.

But now, after seeing Yohan today, you're not so sure anymore.

"Don't trap Yohan inside your small world. He's a grown man capable of running a company, not a small bird that you can keep in a cage under the guise of protection."

You smiled bitterly, silently admitting that Louyi was right, but what hurts more is that Yohan didn't deny it.

You glanced outside the window, the car passing by buildings and people. Right now, the world seemed peaceful enough. Sure, there are crimes happening here and there, but it's not to the point your existence is needed there.

So then, for what reason were you born?

If it's to protect Yohan, then it's all over; he doesn't need your protection now, so what were you supposed to do now?

"—explored what the world can offer, found relationships that you can truly cherish, and created memories that you can look back on fondly."

Yohan's advice lingered in your mind.

All of a sudden, your lover squeezed your hand in a tight grip, pulling you out of your deep thought. His warm hand a stark contrast to the cold temperature in the car, and frankly, it feels comfortable enough that you reflexively intertwined your fingers with his, smiling ruefully.

He glanced at you, as if asking why the sudden gesture? You didn't answer, simply murmuring, "It's warm."

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||HOLLIS'S LOVE STATUS||

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