Chapter 42: Stage 1 Complete

Ash's heart skipped a beat as he took a seat opposite Emma, his eyes never leaving her face. He couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement every time he saw her smile or heard her laugh. She was like a breath of fresh air in his otherwise mundane life.

"Thanks," Ash said with a charming smile as he took a seat, his gaze lingering on Emma as she made her way to put the flowers in a flower vase.

Quiana watched how Ash's gaze never left Emma behind the card she was holding with a knowing smile. 

She had always suspected that Ash had feelings for Emma even if he hadn't outrightly admitted it, but seeing the way he looked at her now confirmed her suspicions.

'Stage 1 complete. Now, to stage 2.' She thought, her mind already conjuring up elaborate plans to bring them closer together.

Quiana shot up from her seat and approached Emma who was trying to break the bouquet into smaller bunches as they couldn't fit the vase all at once.