The Flower

As I approached the hidden greenhouse, nestled away from prying eyes, questions buzzed in my mind like bees around a hive. Why would Lance, who had no interest in plants, have a greenhouse here? It was a mystery begging to be unraveled.With cautious curiosity, I took my first step towards the abandoned structure. Surprisingly, the door yielded to my touch, but its surface was cloaked in a veil of neglect, draped with dust and adorned with cobwebs, like forgotten whispers of time.As I attempted to push the door open, a spectacle unfolded before me. Spiders, their delicate legs moving in an eerie dance, seemed to guard the entrance. Normally, I would have recoiled in fear, but a strange calmness enveloped me. Still, my gaze was fixated on these arachnids, their movements almost hypnotic."Focus, Kiera," I reminded myself sternly, pushing aside childish instincts.Summoning courage, I plucked a slender branch from a nearby tree and swept away the cobwebs, clearing a path into the unknown.The moment the door creaked open, a breath escaped me in awe. "Wow," I murmured, stepping into a world I never expected.The interior was a riot of colors and scents, a testament to nature's artistry. Roses, like the ones captured in a photograph I once saw, sprawled in untamed elegance. Despite their wild growth, their blooms painted a picture of serenity and beauty. In the soft light filtering through the glass panes, the roses gleamed with an ethereal glow, their petals seemingly infused with magic.I couldn't tear my eyes away from this unexpected paradise, a secret garden hidden from the outside world. Who tended to these roses? And why did Lance keep this sanctuary concealed? The air hummed with unanswered questions, igniting a spark of curiosity that would lead me deeper into a mystery waiting to unfold.As I wandered through Lance's enchanting garden, a burst of color caught my eye. Amongst the lush greenery, a single Red Juliet Rose stood out, its velvety petals shimmering in the sunlight. Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but wonder why such a rare and beautiful flower was hidden away.Though my mind buzzed with questions, I hesitated to ask Lance directly. Instead, I impulsively plucked the rose and hurried back to the villa. With determination, I set out for the nearest flower shop in the bustling city.At the shop, I presented the exquisite bloom to the experienced florist, hoping for answers. His eyes widened in recognition as he delicately examined the flower."A Red Juliet Rose," he murmured, his tone tinged with awe. "These are incredibly rare, often associated with the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet. The red hue symbolizes love, romance, and deep passion."My thoughts swirled with newfound understanding. Juliet rose? Romeo and Juliet? Love and passion? The pieces of the puzzle seemed to fit, yet Lance's garden remained a mystery."Thank you for enlightening me," I thanked the florist, though my mind raced with questions.As I turned to leave, a familiar voice startled me. "So, you've discovered the secret of the Juliet rose," Jayden's voice, tinged with curiosity, floated towards me.I pivoted to face him, surprised by his presence. Jayden's knowledge hinted at a deeper connection to Lance's garden, adding layers to the mystery._ROSE_...