The Grand Floral Apology

## Hazel's POV

Monday morning arrived with its usual chaos. Leo had spilled orange juice all over his dinosaur pajamas, the coffee maker decided to malfunction, and I was running behind schedule. Despite everything, I was determined to maintain my composure.

"Bye, sweetie. Be good for Mrs. Garcia," I said, kissing Leo's forehead at the babysitter's doorstep.

"Will Liam come play today?" Leo asked, his eyes bright with hope.

My heart squeezed. "Not today, baby. Maybe soon."

I hurried to the office, my mind replaying Friday night's events. Liam's declaration echoed in my head: "I will never give up on you. I love you!" My friends had bombarded me with texts all weekend, demanding details and offering contradictory advice.

"Make him grovel," Thea had insisted.

"Don't punish him for loving you," Chloe countered.