The clock on the wall ticked past noon, but Hermosa hadn’t moved from her bed. The curtains were drawn halfway, letting in just enough light to keep the room from drowning in gloom. Her throat still felt sore, and her body ached faintly with the remnants of fever. She had called the office that morning, her voice hoarse, informing them she wouldn’t be coming in due to illness. She hadn’t expected a response, certainly not the kind that came knocking at her door now.A soft knock interrupted her daze.“Yes?” she called out, her voice rasping slightly.One of the maids entered, balancing a medium-sized brown box, a bouquet of fresh tulips and daisies, and a smaller gift-wrapped box that unmistakably carried the scent of rich, imported chocolate.“These just arrived for you, Miss Hermosa,” the maid said with a curious smile, placing the items on her bed.Hermosa blinked in surprise. The packaging was elegant and thoughtful. She reached first for the card attached to the bouquet, her fing