The Florist's Dominance

"Adrian, congratulations! Elysia Harris's name has been included in the VIT Innovators Under 35 finalist nominations."

"I'm very impressed with your colleague's research. AEON is truly a remarkable breakthrough. This will change everything for her!"

Adrian's lips curved into a smile as he heard the information from the secretary of the Vegruostein Institute of Technology committee, or VIT for short.

VIT Technology Review's Innovators Under 35 was one of the most prestigious awards in the technology world for young people. It was like a lifetime achievement for most people.

With this, his girlfriend would surely be very happy, and Adrian couldn't wait to see that smile.

The man on the other end continued his speech, "Are you sure you don't want to list your name? You made a significant contribution to this research."

Adrian smiled while shaking his head. "I just want to make sure her efforts get the right stage."

The man on the phone nodded. "Alright, I understand."

The phone call ended. But before Adrian could get up from the bench, his device vibrated once more. This time it wasn't a phone call, but a chat.

"Good afternoon, Adrian. There's good news. Your proposal for Elysia Harris has been accepted. Her name is on the final list of The Olympus Index, Science & Health category. The work and data you compiled were very solid. She truly deserves it. You've been a good bridge."

A deep and heavy breath escaped from his lungs. Two big announcements, two highest stages now opened for Elysia.

This wasn't just an achievement. This was a golden ticket, an access to global networks, instant credibility in the eyes of investors, international media coverage, and skyrocketing bargaining power, both for selling the AEON patent and for attracting further funding.

And all of this was his secret gift to Elysia because he knew Elysia wasn't someone who easily asked for help, including from her own boyfriend.

After receiving the message from The Olympus Index's Head of Researcher, Adrian's gaze turned to the crowd of graduates near the university fountain.

His eyes focused on a woman with light purple hair tied up neatly. Both her hands were full of bouquets of flowers, gifts from her friends. Some of the other gifts were even lying by the edge of the fountain because there were too many of them.

That beautiful woman was Adrian's girlfriend, Elysia Harris.

The sounds of joyful cheers filled the cool air of Vecredal University that afternoon. Everything seemed perfect, depicting a bright future that seemed to be waiting just ahead.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the lively graduation ceremony, Adrian Reid sat alone on a bench under an Oak tree. Beside him lay a black bag and a scroll with the seal of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Biology major, and his name.

No one came for him and no one congratulated him even though out of hundreds of students, he was the only one who received cum laude honors in his major.

Faintly, he could hear their joy in Adrian's ears.

"Congratulations Elysia, you successfully graduated and got cum laude. Your future is very bright!"

"Congratulations, you became the best graduate of Biomedical Engineering this year!"

"Honestly, I'm jealous, but what can I do? You're indeed a genius! Anyway, congratulations, Elysia!"

"By the way, how many companies have recruited you? Damn, I haven't gotten offers from anywhere. So maybe after this, I'll just intern at my dad's company. Hahah..."

"Oh, same boat! I'll also intern at my father's company in the capital! Hahah..."

"And about AEON, how much was offered for that technology patent? Have you decided to sell it? Or do you want to develop it yourself?"

Elysia only smiled faintly in response to her friends' chatter. "Thank you, friends. About AEON's future, I'm still thinking about it. There have been too many offer emails for AEON coming in lately. I have to be selective before making a decision."

Meanwhile, under the mahogany tree, Adrian reached into his pocket and found a box with a two-carat diamond ring, a gift from a tycoon he had once helped.

The diamond ring had a simple shape, but its authenticity was unquestionable. When Adrian looked at the sparkle of the diamond and then looked at Elysia's faint smile, his heart beat rapidly. In his heart, Adrian was already certain of his decision.

With confident steps, Adrian approached the crowd near the fountain. However, when Adrian arrived, the laughter and jokes suddenly disappeared as if he were a mangy dog whose presence was unwanted.

Adrian greeted gently, "Elysia..." then he approached the beautiful woman with light purple hair. He spoke sincerely, "You make me proud. Before long, your dream of saving more depression sufferers will come true."

Elysia stared sharply at the man as if thinking about something or hiding something. She answered flatly, "Thank you."

Adrian reached for the box from his pocket. His breath was briefly held. Around him, the gazes of Elysia's friends full of disdain, mockery, and a bit of curiosity were directed at him. Even for a moment, the sound of the fountain seemed louder than before.

Adrian knelt on the paving stones while extending the box containing the two-carat diamond ring. His dark eyes looked straight into Elysia's gray eyes, which suddenly widened as if seeing a ghost.

Calmly and clearly, Adrian continued his words, "Elysia, for the past two years, you haven't just been my girlfriend. But also the reason I believe the future can be better. And I want to continue being part of that future with you."

The eyes of Elysia's friends widened when they saw a two-carat diamond ring in Adrian Reid's hand. Their gazes were all full of suspicion. Not about the authenticity of the diamond, but about the fact that something that expensive was in the hands of a man who only worked as a florist.

"Oh my God, that ring looks real! It must be worth thousands of dollars! Where did you get that?"

"Don't tell me you stole it to put on a drama show on graduation day!"

"Adrian, you should know your place! Your reckless attitude is actually embarrassing to Elysia!"

"Are you trying to trap Elysia? What would happen if one day Elysia suddenly got arrested by the police for a stolen diamond ring?"

"That's very cruel, stupid, and irresponsible!"