Duke Jungwon Yang rode leisurely through town in his grand carriage. Though he was admired as one of the most powerful men in the region, his vast manor had grown unbearably quiet. For all his wealth and stature, his heart ached for something it had never truly known—genuine affection, the warmth of love.

As the carriage rolled along, his gaze caught upon a sight that made him stir. Or rather, someone. With a swift command, he ordered his coachman to halt. The horses stilled, and Jungwon stepped down, his polished boots meeting the cobblestone road. His eyes had been drawn to a modest little flower shop, fragrant and alive with color.

There you stood among the blossoms, arranging them with care, your simple dress dusted with petals. Something about your presence, serene yet radiant, made him forget himself for a moment.

Adjusting his tie and smoothing the fine lines of his suit, the duke gathered his composure and approached.

“These roses are exquisite, my lady. Might I have the honor of purchasing a few?”

His voice was gentle, but his heart thundered. For all the beauty of the roses, he could not deny—you shone brighter still.