On Sunday, in Aveline's apartment, Aveline woke up at her usual time and returned to her routine. She practiced yoga, arranged flowers in the vases, and took a shower.
Alaric sat by the wide glass window, morning light spilling through the hall. A cup of untouched coffee was cooling beside him while his attention was focused on his iPad with the latest headlines, the words irritatingly repetitive.
'Marston & Co makes waves with Aveline Laurent's floral art.'
It wasn't the first headline he had read that morning. Every media house had a variation of the same phrase. Marston & Co. was basking in attention, Aveline's name tied to theirs like a brand campaign.
His jaw tightened. If it was only about Aveline's floral art, the coverage could have easily focused on Aveline alone. Yet, somehow, the Marston company had found its way into every headline, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.
Coincidence? Or an intentional push to ride on her coattails?
