He came in, holding different colored flowers and I smiled.

"Drove by a flower garden, the lady was so nice and let me pick flowers for you." He set his things down before coming and handing them to me.

I smiled, my heart buzzing with something I've never felt before.

"Wow. They're gorgeous." I took them from him, immediately placing them in a vase with water.

"What're you making?" He asked, leaning on the counter as he tugged me to stand in front of him.

"It's a secret." I smiled.

"Ahh." He cupped my face, pressing his lips to mine and I hummed, feeling incredibly relaxed.

I hugged him, my head on his chest.

"I probably smell like tears and old men." He mumbled.

"Tears?" I asked.

"Victoria, don't be mad, but I shredded my contract with your father." He held me tighter, like I was about to leave.

"Why?" I whispered.

"He used my savings that I had placed in my business to try to build his buildings globally. He's still trying to beat me but he's using my money to do it. I saved that money for years." His hand moved up my back and into my hair, massaging my scalp like he was coercing me into staying.

"I'm sorry he did that." I frowned.

"Don't be upset with me, I know that means we don't have to be married or together anymore but-"

"It's fine." I mumbled and he let my head off his chest.

"Yeah?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Do you want the papers or-"

"Shh." I hummed, unbuttoning his shirt and loosening his belt. It wasn't anything sexual, just more of a "you're home now".

"I don't want the papers. I don't care for my father enough. He threatened that didn't he?" I asked, setting his shirt on the counter as my hands found his, our fingers intertwining.

He nodded, looking down as if he were either shamed or sad.

"He's old. His marriage failed 20 years ago. She stays for the money. He doesn't know healthy, my love. I'm not leaving you." I told him and he looked at me, with hope.

"Besides, who else will pick me flowers or do the straps of my heels?" I teased.

"I'm not sure." He played along.

"Go shower." I ran my hand down his abdomen.

"Okay." He stood.

I turned, checking on the lasagna.

"Victoria?" He called and I looked at him as he reached over the island, grabbing his shirt.

"Mmhm?"

"You're the best thing that's happened to me in a very long time." He told me before making his way up the stairs.

Little did he know he was the only good that had happened to me ever.