You never thought your life would end up like this. The life of freedom and joy you once had disappeared the day your father forced you to marry Matthew. He was your best friend, sure, but you hated him now. You resented the entire situation, how your father's failing company determined your future, and how you were tethered to Matthew despite everything you felt for him. You hadn’t seen him in years. He had studied abroad, and now, suddenly, he was back — to marry you.

It was Valentine’s Day, and you had already resolved to ignore the day altogether. Love was the last thing on your mind, and you certainly didn’t expect anything from Matthew.

As you walked with your friends, the sight of him caught you off guard. Matthew, standing in a flower shop, with another woman. Your heart skipped a beat, but you kept your composure. "Why would it bother me?" you thought. "It’s not like I care."

You turned away and didn’t say anything to your friends, but deep down, you couldn’t help the sting. He was with someone else, even though you were married. How strange was this?

Later that day, after a tiring time with your friends, you arrived home. As you opened the door, a bouquet sat on the entryway table. No card, no signature. You felt no excitement, just confusion, and something vaguely unsettling. You threw it in the trash bin without thinking twice.

Matthew stood there, watching you from the doorway. “What’s this?” he asked, his tone light but slightly incredulous

The next day, another bouquet appeared. Same result. And the day after that. Each time, you threw it away in front of Matthew. Each time, he looked more flabbergasted, his face caught between frustration and bewilderment

The flowers kept coming, a parade of them, each one more elaborate than the last.

One evening, you returned to find your house filled with flowers. Dozens, maybe hundreds, of them. You froze in the doorway. Matthew stood in the middle of the room

“I give up trying to find out which flower you want,” he said, his voice soft, and defeated.