distance

I stormed outside, my anger boiling over. "What the hell do you want, and how did you find me?" I yelled.

Ryder's expression remained calm, but his eyes gleamed with amusement. "If I were you, I'd watch my tone while speaking to me, unless..."

"Unless what?" I spat, my heart racing. "You'll kill me, huh?"

Ryder's smile grew wider. "Unless you want your mom to be thrown out of this hospital."

My eyes widened in horror. "What the fuck did I do to you? Why would you do that to my mother?"

Ryder's smirk deepened. "Well, you did a lot of things, like insulting my guest. And I don't spare anyone who insults my guest the way you did."

He raised my chin, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Then what do you want?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ryder's eyes glinted with amusement. "Marry me."

My eyes opened wide in shock. "What? I can never marry a person like you."

Ryder chuckled darkly. "Well, do you think I want to marry a low-life like you?" His words cut deep, and I felt a sting of hurt.

"I'll explain the details when you see me in my office," he said, handing me his card. "Come and see me, unless you want your mom to get thrown out."

With that, he turned and left, leaving me feeling gloomy and angry. I vowed to never let him get away with this.

I took a deep breath, calming myself before re-entering the ward. My mom looked up at me, concern etched on her face.

"Honey, who was that man?" she asked.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "No one, Mom. Just an old friend."

She nodded, seeming to accept my explanation.

"Doctor," I said, acknowledging Andrew's arrival.

"Hi Ashley," he replied with a warm smile.

Andrew approached my mom's bedside and began checking her pulse. "How are you feeling today, Lia?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, remembering my mom's earlier declaration that Andrew had a crush on me and would make a perfect son-in-law. She had even instructed him to address her by her first name, Lia.

My mom's response was laced with her usual humor. "You know, strong like a bull."

Andrew chuckled, and I couldn't help but smile too.

Andrew checked my mom's vitals, his expression serious. "Ash, can I speak with you for a second?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Oh, I see you want some space," my mom chimed in, a sly grin spreading across her face. I rolled my eyes, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks.

"Mom," I whined, playfully.

Andrew smiled and turned to my mom. "Yeah, Lia, we just need some space. I'll take her outside, if you don't mind."

My mom nodded, a knowing glint in her eye. "Sure, why not?" she said, and I shot her a mock glare.

Andrew led me outside, the cool air a welcome respite from the hospital's antiseptic scent.

"So, what's up?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Andrew's expression turned somber. "Ash, your mom's situation is getting dire. We need to get the surgery done as soon as possible."

I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me, but I steeled myself. "Don't worry, by the end of this month, I'll pay the remaining bills. Just give me a little time."

As I re-entered the ward room, my mom's curiosity got the better of her. "So, what happened between you and Andrew?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Mom, nothing happened," I insisted, trying to reassure her.

My mom chuckled, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Well, that's what I told my parents, and look what happened – I had you!"

I playfully recoiled, laughing. "Ewww, Mom, don't say things like that to me!"

Here's a revised version:

"Whatever," she said, rolling her eyes weakly, and I smiled.

"Gosh, you're acting like I'm older than you," I teased.

But her smile faltered, and she looked at me with an intense gaze. "I love you, you know that, right?" she asked, her voice trembling.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Yes, I know that."

Tears pooled in her eyes, and I couldn't help but feel my own tears fall. "If I don't survive this, just know you did your best," she whispered, her hands cradling my face.

I sobbed, shaking my head. "No, Mom, you're going to survive. I can't lose you."

She smiled weakly, her eyes shining with tears. "And you won't. I'll always watch over you."

I cried harder, feeling my heart break. "Don't overstress yourself, okay?" she whispered.

I wanted to protest, but she placed a finger on my lips. "Shh, and promise me, Ashley."

I knew I couldn't refuse. "I promise, Mom."

She smiled, seeming to relax. "Good. Now, come lay down."

As I settled beside her, she adjusted the drips connected to her hands, her movements shaky. I cautioned, "Careful."

She nodded, and I lay down, feeling her arms wrap around me. She stroked my hair, her touch weak but loving. "I love you."

I replied softly, "I love you too."

As we held each other, our tears slowly subsided, and we drifted off to sleep.

After leaving the hospital at noon, I headed to my shift at the flower shop. Juggling multiple jobs was exhausting, but I was determined to pay off the hospital bills and get my mom the surgery she needed. I couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

As I arranged a display of fresh blooms, a dark-haired woman entered the shop. Her back was to me, but when she turned around, I was taken aback by her stunning beauty. Her curves perfectly hugged her long white dress, and her subtle lip gloss added a touch of elegance. Her long lashes framed her bright eyes, and I found myself momentarily captivated.

"Good day, ma'am. What can I get you?" I asked, trying to sound professional.

"Oh, hey," she replied, her voice as lovely as her smile.

"I'm looking for blue roses," she said, and I nodded, leading her to the relevant section.

"These are gorgeous!" she exclaimed, and I smiled in agreement.

As she purchased the bouquet, we exchanged pleasantries, and I thanked her as she left the shop.

"Ash," Miss Rina called, her weary voice carrying across the flower shop.

I looked up to see the elderly lady approaching me. "Yes, ma'am?"

Miss Rina's eyes, lined with age and exhaustion, locked onto mine. "There's an important customer at the back. Please attend to him. I'm afraid I'm not feeling well."

I nodded sympathetically, guiding her to a nearby chair. Her grayish hair fell loose around her face as she sat down, releasing a deep sigh.

"Just sit here, Miss Rina," I said, concern etched on my face.

She smiled weakly, her Southern accent thick and soothing. "Go on, now. He's waiting."

I smiled back, grateful for the opportunity to repay her kindness. After her husband's passing, Miss Rina had taken a chance on me, offering me a job when I needed it most.

I closed the reception door and made my way to the other side of the building, where the flowers and the important client awaited. As I approached, I noticed a familiar figure standing with his back to me.

He turned around, and our eyes met. Dark brown eyes, belonging to the person who had left me restless since yesterday, sparkled with amusement. His smirk bloomed on his face, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Funny to see you here, Miss," he said, his tone humble, but his eyes betraying a hint of mischief.

I attempted to maintain a professional tone. "What would you like to purchase?"

His gaze lingered on mine, making it increasingly difficult for me to avoid staring back. I felt a flutter in my chest, which I quickly suppressed.

"Aren't you going to be feisty today?" he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. He tilted his head, and a stray strand of hair escaped his perfectly styled locks. I begrudgingly admitted to myself that it only added to his appeal.

I shook my head, clearing the unwanted thoughts. "I'm just here to help you with your purchase," I replied, trying to sound detached.

He raised an eyebrow and sighed. "Very well then. Give me your finest flower."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "Well, if you give me an idea, I'll get you the perfect flower."

He smiled mischievously. "I want to know your taste, Miss Feisty."

I did roll my eyes this time. "If the flower is for a girl, I'd recommend a red rose."

"What about you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I hesitated, sensing he was flirting again. "Sir, I'm just here to give you your flower and leave."

He chuckled. "That wasn't the question."

He walked closer, closing the distance between us. His face was inches from mine as he leaned in, his voice low. "What flower would you choose, Feisty?"

My heart skipped a beat. I gulped, my voice barely above a whisper. "Tulips."

The word escaped my lips abruptly, as if I'd confessed a secret.