The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 184

The chime of the bell faded, leaving behind an eerie silence in the shop.

A few local customers browsing nearby glanced curiously at the door before turning back to the flowers.

Sophia stepped forward, ready to hand over a commemorative paper daisy, but a subtle glance from Annelise stopped her in her tracks.

Annelise handed the wrapped tulips to the young woman across the counter.

“Here you go,” she said, her voice perfectly level, completely devoid of emotion.

The customer paid, threw a bewildered look at the strange woman lingering by the entrance, and pushed the door open to leave.

Straightening up, Annelise let her gaze drift over the blooming displays until it rested on Clarissa's face once more.

She didn't move. She didn't speak. She just watched in silence.

Like observing an uninvited guest stumbling into a framed painting.

Standing by the door, enveloped in the shop's warm air and rich floral scents, Clarissa's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

She seemed to hesitate for an eternity before finally forcing her leaden legs forward, stepping toward the counter piece by piece.

She was a far cry from the sophisticated, powerful woman who used to command the Lehman household three years ago.

The harsh grind of life had carved ruthless lines into the face she had once been so proud of.

The child in her arms was Manuel.

He had grown taller but was alarmingly thin, his small cheeks entirely hollow, making his eyes look disproportionately large.

Annelise's eyes lingered on the boy's face for half a second before shifting away.

She turned to Sophia, who stood nearby looking utterly confused, and spoke in Norwegian.

“Sophia, take the boy to the back room and get him some cookies and warm milk.”

Startled, Sophia nodded obediently.

She walked up to Clarissa, bent down, and flashed a friendly, gentle smile at the boy.

“Hi there, sweetie. Want to come with me?”

Manuel glanced timidly at his mother. Only after receiving a barely perceptible nod did he hesitantly wriggle out of Clarissa's arms and reach out his little hand.

Sophia led the boy into the back breakroom.

Now, only Annelise and Clarissa remained in the main storefront.

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