WRITER'S POV:
Ivy found the garden by accident.
It was tucked behind the east wing, hidden by marble pillars and tall hedges, like it didn't want to be found. A quiet pocket of green and white, filled with soft light and the smell of damp soil and judgmental elegance.
She hadn't meant to escape—she'd just needed air. Something that didn't reek of wealth, tension, or Gina's perfume.The garden was cool, shaded, symmetrical. Peaceful.
A gardener had handed her a small metal watering can with a nervous smile and no words, and Ivy had accepted it like a relic. She found herself moving slowly, carefully watering the flower beds just to have something to do with her hands.
White roses.Of course it was white roses.She was bending by the edge of a bed, watching water slip over the soil, when she heard the footsteps.
"So," a voice said, crisp and cold as dry champagne. "You're the girl."Ivy turned.Aurora.Cassius's mother stood at the edge of the garden path like a portrait come to life. Her pearls gleamed. Her heels didn't dare sink into the earth. Her gaze was exacting.
She paused outside the doorway.
Ivy stood, awkward. "Good morning."Aurora looked her over like a poorly written résumé. "Why are you with my son?"Straight to the point.
Ivy opened her mouth. "I—"
Aurora lifted her hand.The same motion Cassius had once used to shut her up.She exhaled, adjusting her pearls, then cleared her throat.
"I hope you're not one of those thirsty girls. Do you have a job? A degree? A tax form? I can't do two Ginas."
Ivy blinked. "I'm a flight attendant. Or—I was."
Aurora raised an eyebrow. Then, glancing down, she noticed the watering can.
"You like white roses?"
"Not really. I'm just watering them so I don't lose my mind."
Aurora gave a huff of laughter.
"They're mine, actually."
"The flowers?"
"The garden. It was my request. Cassius wanted a gun range. I said over my dead body."
Ivy tried not to smile.
Aurora stepped closer. Not warm. But... not entirely hostile.
"Yes.""Good. Gina didn't."
They stood in silence.
The roses swayed.
Ivy watered.
Aurora observed.
Occasionally, she sniffed, like she might catch the scent of failure.
"You're tolerable," Aurora said eventually.
Ivy arched an eyebrow. "Thanks?"
"Don't thank me. If Cassius catches me out here admiring you, I'll deny it and disappear for a month."
Ivy grinned.
Ivy stared,Aurora didn't.
But she stayed longer than she meant to.
And that, for Cassius's mother, was practically a hug.