Chapter 48
Her teammates crowded around her, all talking over each other as they asked about her recovery.
Some brought her flowers, while others handed her expensive healing balms.
The overwhelming warmth and support instantly lifted the heavy fog that had settled over her heart these past few days.
Just then, the office doors swung open again.
The chatter died instantly.
Jarred stood in the doorway. His sharp, impeccably tailored suit was completely at odds with the casual, lived-in atmosphere of the precinct.
He held a massive bouquet of purple hyacinths, their rich color striking and intense.
Amidst the standard carnations and lilies scattered around the room, the vibrant blooms looked incredibly exquisite, instantly stealing the spotlight.
Everyone subconsciously held their breath.
They all knew Jarred’s temperament. He was famously aloof and never the type to join in on group celebrations.
For him to show up here—holding flowers, no less—was completely unexpected.
The team exchanged wide-eyed glances, not daring to make a sound.
The smile faded from Sienna’s face.
They hadn’t seen each other since their disastrous parting at the hospital. Seeing him here now only made a suffocating weight settle over her chest.
Luna’s gaze darted to the purple hyacinths first, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
She knew better than anyone that they were Sienna’s favorite flowers, and that purple hyacinths symbolized an apology.
She glanced at Sienna’s tense profile, then back at Jarred.
Leaning in close, Luna muttered just loud enough for Sienna to hear, “He pulls all that absolute garbage, and he thinks a bouquet of flowers is going to fix it? As if p>
Sienna didn’t respond. She just stared at Jarred, her expression blank.
The moment their eyes met, the air in the room practically froze.
It was the middle of summer, but the palpable tension radiating from the two of them sent a chill down everyone’s spines.
Director Holden was perceptive. Sensing the heavy atmosphere, he quickly stepped in to smooth things over, waving his hands. “Alright, alright, show’s over. Let Sienna rest for a bit. We have a briefing this afternoon, so get back to work p>
With that, he ushered the rest of the team out the door.
Luna shot Jarred a venomous glare before reluctantly leaving the room.
Now, it was just the two of them in the office.
“For you,” Jarred said, holding out the flowers. “I’m sorry. I was supposed to pick you up from the hospital today, but something came up at the last minute and I couldn’t get away p>
The fresh scent of the bouquet drifted toward her—it was a fragrance she used to adore.
But she didn’t so much as blink, let alone reach out to take them. “There’s no need. You had no obligation to pick me up, so there’s nothing to apologize for p>
Her icy detachment made Jarred frown.
He noticed the faint dark circles under her eyes, knowing she hadn’t slept well over the last few days. She was visibly drained.
Like a magician, he produced a small, elegant box from behind his back.
Inside was a champagne cake from that wildly popular bakery across town. Wrapped in gold foil, the smooth frosting gave off an irresistible, sweet aroma.
His tone softened into a low, coaxing murmur. “Haven’t you been craving this? Have a bite. It’s your favorite flavor p>
Sienna’s gaze fell on the familiar packaging, and a sharp pang struck her heart.
It was from an old-school bakery on the west side of the city, several districts away from where they lived, and they didn’t do deliveries.
In the past, she only had to casually mention a craving, and no matter how late it was or how busy he was, he would drive all the way across town to get it for her.
He would bring it back, hand it to her with a smug little smirk, and say, “You’re the only one who makes me break all my rules. I’m the only guy in the world who’d spoil you like this p>
Back then, she had truly believed that his boundaries were torn down just for her—that it was his unique brand of devotion.
But it had been two months since the last time she told him she wanted one.
Until last night, when she had scrolled past Celeste’s social media post.