Chapter 13 The day she left, Sloane wandered around the train station for a long time before buying a ticket at random. On that train, she met Elias Wynn. He was gentle. So gentle that at their first meeting, she thought she saw a shadow of her grandmother in him. Later, whenever this was mentioned, Elias would feign offense. "In all my life, no one's ever mistaken me for a grandmother before." Sloane could only laugh awkwardly, with nothing else to say. That encounter on the train felt like fate. Among the sea of strangers, he noticed her-hungry, broke, and lost-and handed her half of his bread. Later, they met again in Mistvale. Sloane chose the town because it reminded her of the place she once lived with her grandmother. If she couldn't find her real home, settling somewhere that felt familiar seemed good enough. The people in town weren't wealthy, but they were kind. They welcomed her, a lonely young woman, with open hearts. Many of the older women treated her like their own child, helping her whenever they could. But the one who helped her most was Elias. He gave her a job. He gave her a means to support herself. It was no exaggeration to say that without Elias, the Sloane of today would not exist. Eventually, he confessed his feelings. And she said yes. She felt grateful, on more than one occasion, that the numbness of those first twenty years hadn't destroyed her completely-hadn't stolen her capacity to love another person. Grateful that she had truly been granted a second chance. She loved flowers, so Elias helped her plant them, covering hillsides with blossoms. Together they watched the seasons pass-spring blooms, autumn moons, winter snow. Together they imagined a future. Elias supported her in everything. He supported her decision to stay in Mistvale. He supported her when she opened Meadow & Bloom. But ever since the shop grew busier, his heart ached for her, seeing her so tired. He wanted to shield her, to keep her safe under his wings. But Sloane didn't want that. She had lived long enough dependent on others. She valued the independence she now had. The freedom. That evening, the wind chimes hanging at the shop's door rang softly with the summer breeze. Chapter 13 8.55% Sloane turned automatically and called out lazily, "Sorry, sir, we're closed for today. If you need something, you could" The rest of her words died the moment she saw who was standing there. She froze, her thoughts scattering. Elias, puzzled by her sudden silence, turned his head too. "What's wrong?" The man at the door wore a tailored suit. Formal, sharp-but his appearance carried a certain weariness. His features were clean-cut, his gaze hard, and his eyes narrowed at the sight of Elias's hand resting on Sloane's waist. If looks could wound, Elias's hand would have already been severed. Sloane would never fail to recognize him, even if he stood before her reduced to ashes. Julian Shaw. The man who had imprisoned the first half of her life. "Sloane. Come here." His voice was cold and commanding, spoken to her but fixed on Elias with an edge sharp enough to cut. In his mind, she had been gone for only five years, and now here she was, tangled up with another man. But Sloane didn't move. A heavy silence descended upon the three of them. Julian's expression darkened. His eyes finally returned to Sloane. His face was tense, but he tried again, a desperate edge beneath the command. "Sloane. Come. Here." She frowned, confused at his sudden reappearance. "Why are you here?" The heir of the Shaw Group had no reason to cross half the country just to walk into a small-town flower shop. "Sloane," he said, his voice low. "I'm here to take you home." Chapter 13 8.55% Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!