The Florist's Dominance

Chapter 3

Not only were their accusations cruel and baseless. Their gazes were like daggers cutting mercilessly.

In the midst of that freeze, one of Elysia's friends randomly blurted out, "Or could it be that you're separated twins?"

All eyes now examined Adrian like checking an imitation item. At first glance, that guess made sense to all of them because the similarity between the two was 99%.

Adrian's eyes looked just as dark, his sharp eyebrows, his pointed nose, his firm jawline, and his tall, slender body. The two were only distinguished by hair color because Alistair dyed his black hair.

Suddenly that possibility became very terrifying, but ridiculous enough for them to acknowledge. According to them, it was impossible for the Rios family to adopt just any foster child. Besides, no one had ever heard that Alistair Rios had a twin brother.

One woman standing closest to Elysia said irritably, "Shut your mouth! Stories like that only exist in soap operas!"

"Don't just talk nonsense! Alistair was the son of the Rios family! One of the three most influential families in Vecredal city! It has nothing to do with the Reid family that nobody knows!"

They all nodded in agreement. Instantly, the idea that Adrian Reid was Alistair Rios's twin brother felt very stupid.

Elysia could no longer contain the rumble in her chest, a sharp pain suddenly stung when she looked at Adrian's face, which was exactly the same as her dead ex-boyfriend's face.

Still with tears flowing, Elysia shouted, "I told you to stand up!"

That voice startled everyone, even a bird that happened to perch near the fountain flew away in fright. Everyone fell silent, staring at Elysia while holding their breath.

Slowly, Adrian stood up and closed the ring box again. This time, the two of them stared at each other with looks that were difficult to understand.

In a firm tone, Elysia said, "Enough of the games, Ad! We're done and don't need to deceive each other! You don't need to pretend you can always help me! I can always do everything myself without your help!"

"Elys—"

"Enough! We'll never succeed without hurting each other, Ad!" Without waiting for an answer from Adrian, Elysia ran away from the crowd and ignored the bouquet of flowers in her hands like throwing away trash.

Both of Adrian's hands clenched tightly. Elysia's voice, which usually made Adrian enthusiastic, now sounded like a thunderclap. He wanted to chase Elysia. But he knew Elysia wasn't someone who made careless decisions. Her choice was very clear and painful.

A man patted Adrian's shoulder. "Come on, come on! Wake up from your beautiful dream. Didn't you see earlier that she looked at you like she was seeing a ghost?"

"Be self-aware, Adrian! Be self-aware!"

Adrian brushed off that hand somewhat roughly.

The man glared, "No need to be so angry. She's already chosen. And her choice isn't you!"

Someone in the crowd laughed mockingly. "Did you really think a florist could marry into her world? That's the funniest thing I've heard all year!"

Another voice chimed in, "At least Alistair had class, had money, had worth! You? You're just a cheap knockoff trying to wear a dead man's face!"

"Pathetic," a woman sneered. "You borrowed his face but couldn't borrow his bank account, could you?"

"You should thank her for the charity she showed you these past two years. Most girls wouldn't have wasted their time!"

"Face it, Adrian! You were nothing but a rebound from a dead man. And even a ghost has more to offer than you!"

The crowd immediately dispersed and left Adrian standing alone by the edge of the fountain and the scattered bouquets of flowers. In his solitude, he felt tremendous pain.

His device vibrated again, this time a call from a contact named Everett Bradly. Adrian accepted the call from the most luxurious restaurant in Vecredal city.

The voice on the other end of the phone spoke friendly and enthusiastic, "Hello, Adrian, congratulations on your graduation! I'm glad you graduated from Vecredal University. You must have gotten cum laude!"

Light laughter could be heard on the other end of the phone. Adrian answered flatly, "Yes, finally a bachelor's degree holder. Thank you."

Still in an enthusiastic tone, Everett Bradly continued his words, "By the way, how did your proposal go? Did your girlfriend like the ring my grandfather gave?"

"As a thank you for treating my grandfather, I've prepared an exclusive dinner for you two tonight at Golden Queen restaurant. Are you willing?"

This should have been good news for Adrian on the day he had long awaited. But in reality, that dream evaporated faster than water on a stove. Adrian answered flatly. "No need, we've broken up. But thank you for your offer."

The voice on the other end of the phone became silent for a while, realizing Adrian was heartbroken. But then Everett spoke again, "I'm sorry to hear that. But you can still come tonight, alone is also fine. I want to meet."

Adrian nodded. "Okay."

Everett spoke softly as if trying to comfort Adrian, "Being alone while eating good food isn't that bad either. See you tonight."

Again, Adrian nodded. "Yes. See you later."

Adrian ended the call with a wry smile. The fact was, no matter how deeply Adrian was heartbroken, life after being released from student status had begun.

Adrian immediately took off his graduation gown, put the black robe into his bag as if folding up the past. Calmly, Adrian walked away from the campus area.

When he was in front of the Vecredal University complex, Adrian sat on an empty bench under a maple tree. His hand reached for his device to order an online ride.

However, before he could successfully place an order, a five years old boy ran toward him and hurriedly hid under the bench.

The boy was panting and said, "Daddy, help me! They're going to catch me!"

Adrian's gaze shifted from his device to the boy crouching right below him. The boy appeared to be wearing expensive shoes and clothes. Adrian bent down slightly and asked, "Hey, kid, what happened? Who are they?"

The boy looked at Adrian through the gaps between Adrian's long legs. "Mean! They're mean! Anyway, Daddy, you have to take me far away!"

For a moment, Adrian straightened his body, the word "Daddy" was quite shocking for him who had just broken up. But that wasn't the point. Immediately, Adrian looked around to scan for the threat the little boy feared.

Unfortunately, in the distance, Adrian saw two men in black suits and black sunglasses who appeared to be looking for something or someone. Occasionally, they appeared to be communicating through earpieces as if they were coordinating for a very important search.