chapter 18: Nature's Serene touch

Kenan arrived at his suite, stepping out of the car just as his secretary rushed toward him.

"Sir, you're finally back. You have an online conference scheduled with the Chairman of Grayson Law Firm."

Kenan nodded as he shrugged off his coat. "I'll handle that. In the meantime, fetch the jardiniere from the car trunk."

"S-Sure, Sir..." The secretary hesitated, his gaze lingering on Kenan's pocket where the hibiscus peeked out.

Kenan raised an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"N-No, Sir!" The secretary straightened, though his eyes flickered to the flower again.

Kenan ignored him. "Take Agent Ron with you. And remember—" His sharp gaze met theirs. "I don't want a single scratch on any plant pot."

Asaph nodded immediately. "Understood, Sir."

Without another word, Kenan strode into his study for the conference, while Asaph and Agent Ron made their way toward the car.

As they reached the trunk, Ron let out a loud yawn. "I don't think you need my help just to carry a bouquet."

Asaph shot him an unimpressed look as he pulled out the car keys. "I don't know how you became a secret agent. You're always lazy and yawning." With that, he unlocked the trunk—and froze.

His jaw dropped as he stared at the sight before him.

"Agent Ron..." His voice trailed off. "I think I do need your help."

Ron, confused, leaned closer to peek inside—and immediately mirrored Asaph's expression of shock.

"What the—"

His eyes widened at the sheer number of plants and flowers stuffed into the trunk.

"Is the Chief planning to open a plant shop?" Ron muttered, still gaping.

The two agents stood there, dumbfounded, as they took in the overflowing greenery, wondering just when exactly their ruthless Boss had developed such a passion for plants.

[Next day]

The next evening, Kenan stopped his car near Charlotte's cottage once again.

This time, he didn't hesitate. Instead of waiting at the front door, he went straight to the greenhouse—he had grown quite fond of that place.

And as expected, she was there. She was carefully arranging flower pots, completely immersed in her work.

"Good evening, Ms. Aldrich," Kenan greeted.

She flinched slightly, her hand pausing mid-air before pressing against her chest. "You scared me." she exhaled deeply.

Kenan chuckled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Charlotte crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously. "What's the reason for your visit today?"

He hesitated before offering an almost sheepish smile. "Umm… I want more plants."

Charlotte's lips twitched as she suppressed a smile.

"I didn't know you were such a plant enthusiast," she mused, walking toward the door.

"To be honest, the greenery, the flowers… they're just so refreshing," Kenan admitted, following her. "In the city, all you see are tall buildings and never-ending traffic. But here… the scent of flowers, the sound of birds, the fresh air—everything is just so beautiful."

She nodded, gently touching a flower with admiration. "That's true. Cities may have more conveniences, but places like these remind us how breathtaking the world really is.”

Kenan wasn't looking at the scenery anymore—his eyes were on her. "You're right… The world does feel more beautiful now."

Charlotte turned to him. The sunlight filtering through the greenhouse glass and casting a golden glow on her face. Her autumn-colored eyes met his, and for a moment, Kenan felt a warmth settle deep in his ches

"Come with me," she suddenly said.

"To where?"

"To show you a beautiful place."

Kenan smiled. "Sure, Lead the way."

She started walking toward the backyard, and Kenan followed, his hands casually shoved into hispockets.

After a short walk, they arrived at a small field filled with tulips swaying gently in the breeze.

Kenan's lips parted slightly as he took in the sight before him.

Charlotte ran her fingers along the delicate petals. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

He exhaled slowly, a genuine smile forming on his lips. "It's divine."

She turned to him. "You can look around while I pick some flowers."

Kenan gave a nod, still admiring the view as she crouched down with a basket.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone, capturing a few pictures.

Charlotte subtly glanced at his phone from the corner of her eye, 'I need to get his phone.'

Kenan clicked a few more shots before tucking the mobile into his pocket. "I'll send these to my mom. She's going to love this place."

She continued placing pink tulips carefully into her basket, handling them with utmost delicacy.

Kenan crouched beside her, peering into the basket. "Need any help?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I love my flowers, and you might damage them."

Kenan chuckled. "Fair point. I've never done this before." He sighed and settled down on the grass, resting his hands on the soft blades.

"Can you wait some more time, it's almost done." She looked at him.

He hummed in approval, focused on her work, observing her every movement.

With each passing second, he found himself sinking deeper into something unfamiliar—something he wasn't quite ready to name.

She glanced at him, sensing his gaze. The moment their eyes met, he quickly looked away.

"Were you peeking?" she asked, amusement lacing her tone.

"No… I was just… looking around." He rubbed the back of his neck, feigning innocence.

She smirked but let it slide. "If you say so."

Kenan pressed his palms against the grass, feeling its texture. "Hey, this is so soft and soothing."

Charlotte chuckled. "You're acting like you've never seen grass before."

He scoffed. "I see it when I go jogging. But I never actually felt it like this." He ran his fingers over the tiny flower buds hidden between the blades.

"And besides, the grass in the city is different. This one feels… more alive."

Charlotte laughed, shaking her head.

Kenan tilted his head. "What's funny?"

"Finally, you know the difference between something," she teased. "Usually, you get confused."

Kenan raised an eyebrow. "Like?"

"For starters, you can't tell the difference between a daisy and chamomile."

He rolled his eyes. "That's botany, and I was never a science student."

She smirked. "And you also don't know the difference between mascara and eyeliner."

Kenan scoffed while his gaze fell on a ladybug in her hair. "That's because I don't use them."

Charlotte smirked playfully. "As if your girlfriend has never left her makeup in your bag or on your table."

His expression remained calm, but his gaze turned sharper. He leaned in slightly, closing the space between them.

"No," he said in a low voice. "No woman has done that yet."

Charlotte's breath hitched.

Kenan's voice softened, yet held a certain weight. "But I'm waiting for the day when my wife will put her make-up stuff on my dressing table…"

His nearness was intoxicating, his deep voice echoing in her mind. The air around them felt heavy, thick with something unspoken.

Her heart stammered as his scent enveloped her—warm, crisp, and utterly intoxicating.

She closed her eyes for a brief second inhaling his fragrance, taking in the moment—when suddenly, she felt his fingers brushing her hair.

Her eyes fluttered open.

Kenan held out his hand, a tiny ladybug now resting on his fingertip which was on her hair some moments ago. "Even this little creature looks beautiful now…"

His gaze remained fixed on it, but Charlotte was looking at him. Something about the way he said it made her heart clench. She quickly stood up, brushing off imaginary dust from her dress to hide the warmth creeping up her face.

"L-Let's go," she stammered.

Kenan smirked knowingly but didn't comment as he watched her turn away—cheeks just a shade pinker than before.

.

.

.

To be continued

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***