chapter 19: first seat beside her

Chéri quickly rose to her feet holding her tulips basket, turning away to hide the warmth spreading across her cheeks.

"Let's… let's go." Her voice was softer than usual.

Kenan tilted his head slightly, watching her with amusement, but he didn't say anything.

She grabbed the basket of flowers. "I'll ask Jiri to help carry the plants to your car."

Before she culd take another step, Kenan reached for the basket handle. "Let me do it,"

Chéri tightened her grip. "No, it's fine… it's not heavy at all, I can pick this."

"I know you can," he replied smoothly. "But I still want to do it for you."

For a moment, she hesitated. Then, glancing at their hands, she quietly let go.

Kenan smirked slightly and carried the basket as they walked toward the garden. But before they could take more than a few steps—

"Meow"

A tiny figure leaped out from the branches above.

Kenan raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the same kitten from before?"

"Mhm." Chéri gently scratched behind the kitten's ear.

"You brought it here?"

"Well, after that day, she started following me around the seashore, so I decided to take her home."

Kenan watched her, an amused glint in his eyes. "You always manage to surprise me."

She looked up at him. "What's so surprising about this?"

He shook his head with a small smile. "You wouldn't understand."

Before she could question him further, Jiri appeared.

"Jiri, we got another order again," She said, throwing a playful glance at Kenan.

Jiri chuckled. "Again, plants?"

Then he turned to Kenan with a raised brow. "You're starting a garden or something?"

Kenan simply shrugged, his hands shoved into his pockets as usual.

As Kenan stepped out of his car, Asaph approached him.

"Sir, I—" He paused, eyes immediately landing on Kenan's pocket.

Once again, small flowers of different colors peeked out from the fabric—delicate, colorful, and unmistakably placed there by someone else.

Without acknowledging Asaph's curious stare, Kenan handed him the keys. "There's more in the trunk. Take care of it with yesterday's plants.”

Then, without another word, he strode inside.

Still in a daze, Asaph unlocked the trunk. As soon as it popped open, his jaw nearly hit the ground.

"Agent Ron," he called, still staring. "I think I need your help again."

Ron, who had just stepped outside, yawned lazily. "What now? It's not like Sir filled the trunk with plants again."

But the moment he peered inside, his expression froze.

"Damn...!"

The trunk wasn't just full—it was overflowing with plants. But this time, there were wild varieties: aloe vera, cacti, thorny succulents… a complete contrast to the delicate flowers before.

Ron exhaled in disbelief. "Sir has definitely gone crazy for that woman."

Kenan found himself returning to Chéri's place every single day.

Even after completing his legal work, his first priority was seeing her.

And so, the routine continued—

More plants, more excuses, and more stolen moments in the midst of greenery.

[One Afternoon in the Fields]

Chéri strolled through the flower fields, the sun casting a golden glow over her off-white dress, patterned with tiny yellow blossoms.



"You should take these too," she mused, running her fingers over the delicate petals of the jasmine. "Morning Glory and Night Queen are also lovely. Their fragrance is amazing."

Kenan chuckled. "Even the names sound cute."

"Jiri, take this jasmine plant as well," she instructed.

"Got it, Sister." Jiri carefully carried another pot to the car.

Kenan, meanwhile, casually shoved his hands into his pockets. "By the way, Ms. Aldrich, do you know any good tea cafés around here?"

Chéri arched a brow. "Why?"

Kenan sighed dramatically. "Because I'm guessing you won't offer me chamomile tea again. So, I thought I should find somewhere else to drink it."

At first, she just blinked. Then—

She burst into laughter. A pure, heartfelt laugh that lit up her entire face. Kenan froze. His breath hitched. For a moment, he could only watch her.

"You… You should've seen your face," she wheezed between fits of laughter. "You're so dramatic! Who would believe you're actually a Prosecutor General?"

Kenan exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… I don't know when I became like this either."

Still chuckling, she shook her head. "Alright, fine. Come with me."

He tilted his head. "Where?"

"To my home," she said with a teasing smile. "Today, I'll make a special tea just for you."

And without waiting for his response, she started walking. Kenan, of course, followed obediently. Because at this point, how could he not?

[In her kitchen]

As Chéri busied herself in the kitchen, Kenan stood nearby, leaning casually against the counter, watching her work.

"You can sit over there," she said, motioning toward the lounge. "I'll bring the tea when it's ready."

He shook his head. "I'm fine like this."

She hesitated, then glanced at him with slightly furrowed brows.

"But… I feel uncomfortable."

Kenan immediately straightened. "Uncomfortable?" His voice held a hint of concern.

"Umm… not in that way!" she rushed to clarify, waving her hands. "I mean… I–"

She bit her lip, then exhaled. "The way you keep watching me… it makes me nervous."

Kenan smirked. "But I was looking at the kettle."

She pouted slightly. "Still…"

"Alright, alright. I'll sit."

With a chuckle, he finally walked toward the lounge.

A few minutes later, Chéri walked in with a tray.

"Here comes the tea."

Kenan reached for a cup, but before he could take it, she stepped back.

"Not here."

He raised an eyebrow. "Then where?"

"Follow me."

He smirked. "As you say, Milady."

Obediently, he followed her through the house until they stepped onto the terrace.

The moment he saw it, a low chuckle left his lips.



The space was beautifully serene—full of vibrant flowers, the soft rustling of leaves, and a cozy little couch nestled under the shade of intertwining green vines.

"This is my favorite place," Chéri said, stepping toward the couch. "I always sit here whenever I want some time to myself."

Kenan took a deep breath, taking in the scent of fresh blossoms. "It's beautiful… and cozy."

She patted the seat beside her making a space for him on that two-seater cozy couch. "Come, sit."

"Thank you." He sat down, still looking around in admiration.

A pause.

Then, she spoke softly. "You know… you're the first man to sit here."

Kenan's gaze snapped to her face.

She didn't look at him. Instead, she stared straight ahead, as if trying to conceal something.

"Not even Jiri," she continued. "He knows this place is special to me."

Kenan lowered his gaze to his cup, feeling a strange, ticklish sensation in his chest.



"I guess I really am a lucky man, then. "He lifted the cup and took a sip. A familiar taste—warm, rich, and soothing.

"Divinely refreshing as always," he murmured, closing his eyes briefly to savor the flavor.

Chéri turned her face away, but he caught the small, pleased smile playing on her lips.

Kenan leaned back slightly, savoring the warmth of his tea. The rich, floral aroma wrapped around him, blending with the faint scent of the flowers surrounding them. The atmosphere felt lighter than usual—calm, peaceful, almost as if the world had slowed down just for them.

Just then, his phone rang. He exhaled and pulled it out. "Excuse me."

She nodded with a warm smile. "Sure."

With a soft smile, he answered. "Yes, Dad... how are you?"

Chéri's smile flickered.

.

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