Jasper slowly made his way to the settee. Hearing his footsteps, Willow thought the bodyguards were coming to tell her to hurry up. She turned slightly. “I said, ten minutes.” Jasper held out the bouquet and gently said, “It’s me, Willow.”
Willow’s eyes went wide. She stood up and whirled around, only to be greeted by Jasper and the bouquet he was holding. It was as if time stopped at this moment. She felt her heart slowly racing, and faster and faster it went. She felt her broken heart slowly mend until it was whole again, delight surging within her.
She then saw something hanging on the side of Jasper’s head. It was probably a hearing aid. She didn’t answer him but instead went around the settee quickly and stood behind him to have a closer look at what he was wearing. It looked advanced. Even though it was hanging on Jasper’s head, it still looked nice. Still, Willow was worried for him.
“What is this?” she asked quickly. Jasper turned around and faced her, still holding the bouquet of flowers. “Hearing aid.”
“What happened to your ears?’ Tears were glistening in Willow’s eyes, and she broke down. She had always been tough around everyone else but not him. When he was around, she was just a fragile girl who needed his protection.
Jasper put the bouquet down and pulled Willow into his embrace. She fell into his arms and took in his scent. She could smell a hint of antiseptic as well, so she knew that he must have been healing up all this time. I shouldn’t have blacked out that day.
Jasper looked at her and assured, “My hearing is damaged, so I need this to help me. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
Willow looked at him, tears in her eyes. “I’ll tell Dad to get you the best doctor money can hire. I will make sure you’re healed.”
Jasper patted her head. “But we have the best doctor in our group. He’s already coming up with a treatment plan, so you shouldn’t trouble your dad.”
Willow held him tightly. She complained, “Why didn’t you call me even once? Do you have any idea how much I’ve missed you? I thought you were…” Willow stopped talking. She didn’t want to say something unlucky. Jasper sighed. “I’m sorry. This is my fault.”
Willow wanted to scold him, but after she saw the state he was in, she just wanted to give her all her love. She was touched. She wanted to thank him for coming back to her again. It made life worth living.
Jasper clumsily picked up the flowers from the settee and told her, “Here’s the roses you wanted.”
Willow was embarrassed. “So you’ve seen me all this time? While I was at home?” I can’t explain why he came with flowers otherwise. Jasper didn’t lie. “Yeah. I saw everything. Including every message you left.”
Willow thought she was silly for doing that. She took the bouquet and held it in her arms. Her eyes crinkled as a big grin curled her lips, but then she realized something. Worried, she said, “Oh, right. I have to cancel the engagement. I have to tell Leslie.” I hope I can make it. Please don’t let our parents meet yet. Please let Leslie have time to explain everything to his folks. And please don’t let them yell at him.
Willow called Leslie, and Leslie picked it up right away. “Hey, Willow.”
“I’m canceling the meeting tonight, Leslie. He’s back,” said Willow. Leslie was happy for her. “Really? He showed up?”
Willow looked at Jasper. She said, “Yeah, he did. He’s right in front of me now.”
Leslie gave Willow his best wishes. “I wish you happiness, Willow. I’ll tell my folks. You tell yours too.”
