Chapter 3: Tangled Webs

The sun had barely risen, casting a warm glow over the quaint town, when Yohan found himself once again in the presence of Rosemary. As he made his way to the local bakery, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, a coy smile playing on her lips.

"Yohan! What a pleasant surprise to see you this early," Rosemary greeted him, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.

Yohan felt a flutter of unease in the pit of his stomach, but he couldn't help but be drawn to Rosemary's alluring presence. "Good morning, Rosemary. I didn't expect to run into you here."

"Ah, yes, I'm an early riser. I find the quiet of the morning to be quite refreshing," she said, her gaze never leaving his face. "And what brings you out so early, my dear Yohan?"

"I, uh, I was just heading to the bakery to pick up some pastries," he stammered, suddenly feeling self-conscious under her intense scrutiny.

Rosemary's eyes sparkled with mischief. "How delightful! I was just about to do the same. Perhaps we could go together?"

Yohan hesitated, his mind racing. He couldn't help but feel that there was something more to Rosemary's sudden interest in him, but the allure of her company was too strong to resist. "I, well, I suppose that would be nice," he conceded, falling into step beside her.

As they walked, Rosemary wove a tapestry of conversation, expertly guiding the discussion towards Camellia and her relationship with Leo. Yohan found himself drawn in, captivated by Rosemary's words and the subtle way she planted seeds of doubt in his mind.

"You know, Yohan, I couldn't help but notice the way Camellia looked at you the other night," Rosemary said, her voice laced with concern. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I worry that she may have developed feelings for you."

Yohan's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. "Feelings? But she's with Leo, and they seem so happy together. I couldn't possibly..."

Rosemary placed a gentle hand on his arm, her eyes filled with sympathy. "I know, my dear. And that's why I'm concerned. Camellia is my sister, and I care for her deeply. I wouldn't want to see her heart broken, or for her to betray the trust of her beloved Leo."

Yohan felt a pang of guilt, his own burgeoning feelings for Camellia suddenly seeming like a betrayal. "I never meant to cause any trouble. I don't want to come between them."

"I know, Yohan, and that's why I wanted to talk to you," Rosemary said, her voice soothing. "I care about you, and I don't want to see you get hurt either. Perhaps it's best if you distance yourself from Camellia, for everyone's sake."

Yohan nodded, his resolve wavering. "You may be right. I should probably just... keep my distance."

Rosemary smiled, her eyes shining with triumph. "I'm so glad you understand, Yohan. You're a good man, and I know you'll do the right thing."

As they parted ways at the bakery, Yohan couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't help but wonder if Rosemary was right, if his growing feelings for Camellia were indeed a betrayal of her relationship with Leo. And yet, a part of him longed to see her again, to bask in the warmth of her smile and the light in her eyes.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Yohan, Camellia had been eagerly awaiting his return to the garden. She had been hoping to spend more time with him, to learn more about the intriguing man who had captured her heart. But as the hours ticked by and Yohan failed to appear, her heart sank with disappointment.