222

MAXINE

I shook my head, trying to clear the confusion. This was exactly what he wanted, wasn’t it? But what if he was telling the truth and this was how he felt? What if he did see that I was beautiful? What would that mean?

I crushed the note in my hand once again, feeling angry. This was a waste of my time. There were better things to do. I didn’t want to believe him. Everything was so confusing.

I stared at the flowers on the desk and repeated the words in my head until it was like I couldn't forget them. The note was still in one hand and I gripped the flowers in the other.

I wished there was a window I could throw these flowers out of. But then I froze as puzzle pieces fell in my head. I put the flower back on the table and unwrapped the note again. I placed it next to the flower and stared at it.

A smile graced my lips as I sat down on the chair and admired the flowers I had gotten. This wasn't mockery or loss. No, I smiled. This was my win.

Because even though Ronan had given m