Chapter 26: Ms. Rosie

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Once hearing his verbal approval, Maisy’s face lit up with a beaming smile instantly, which was a rare sight since she had arrived in the mansion. She was thrilled that she was finally getting a job, and she dressed up in her shirt and pants.

Since she was pregnant, she couldn’t apply for physically demanding jobs. What was left were easy, low-stress jobs that were good for killing time.

‘When she walked past a florist shop, she saw a “Now Hiring” sign for an assistant florist in the shop’s front window. It was a lowball job offer, but the job description was simple: the employee would arrange and tend to the flowers.

She swung the door open and stepped in, and the wind chimes clank together. The noise caught the shop owner’s attention, and he put down the roses. He turned and saw who it was, and he grinned like a Cheshire cat itself.

Maisy was surprised to find Collin in a florist’s, her big, wide eyes overflowing with curiosity and astonishment. Those who attended the event as Jay did were either rich or powerful, so the last thing she expected Collin to be was the owner of a flower shop, taking care of his delicate flowers.
“I’s been a while, Ms. Rosie,” Collin greeted.

She pointed in the direction of the shopfront sign as she closed the door behind her, the wind chimes clattering musically this time. The instant she tilted her head slightly, the beam of sunlight fell on the pale, flawless skin of her neck. He became lost in his thoughts.
“Tcame in because I saw the sign that you’re hiring. I didn’t know you’d be here,” Maisy explained.

He strode forward and past her, each step slow, steady, and without hurry. Following his pace was a light breeze caressing her face, lifting the scent of roses surrounding the room and bringing it to her.

She realized he must love roses. Though there were all kinds of different breeds in his shop, most were roses forming a glorious spectrum of bright and vivid colors. They captivated her.

Collin put away the sign at the window, looked over his shoulder, and revealed a warm smile on his face. “We won’t be needing this anymore since I’ve already found the perfect candidate for this position.”

She blinked as though digesting his words, and her eyes reflected only puzzle. He didn’t try to explain himself but rather flashed another wide beam, slipped a blooming rose out of the vase, and handed it to her.

Maisy waved her hands and clarified almost frantically. “I can’t take it. Please put it back.”

Collin chuckled. He touched the tip of her nose gently, and he teased, “What’s in that little head of yours? I’m hiring an assistant. I need to see your skills, of course. Did you think I was giving you a rose?”

Her face shot red in the brink of an eye. So she got the wrong idea. Collin was right in some way: unconditional love didn’t exist.

In haste, she took the rose from him. Then, she noticed the wrapping paper lying on the table. Her eyes returned to the stalk, which drops of water were still clinging onto its opened petal. She leaned in and smelled it, clean and delicious. It was only then she started wrapping it with care, her long lashes
casting dark shadows on her cheeks. Her tender fingers worked on it carefully like handling a fragile item. Before she finished, she tied a ribbon into a bow and showed it to Collin.

Delicate art required one’s utmost patience, and Maisy showed no signs of impatience. Collin had watched her work wonders from the start, but he somehow zoned out in the middle of the process. He took the flower from her and inspected it, the corner of his lips lifting into a curve. “Tlll take it as a gift
from you.”

Maisy’s eyes swept the room full of roses before returning to meet his. “You have a bunch already, and the one you’re holding is technically yours. Please don’t tell me you’ll make me pay for it.” She was here for the job, not as a customer. How could he do this to her? He acted like a street vendor, forcing
free samples to their customers only to request payment.

Collin put the rose away, and the grin on his face had never left. He breathed out a helpless sigh and poked her forehead with his finger. As Maisy had her back facing the window, all she could see was the shop full of flowers, so she had missed the Bentley parked across the street..