As they walked through the gardens, Adeline couldn't help but stare at every flower she saw. Whether it was the arches of wisteria that hung over them in the entrance, or the rose bushes and all of their thorns, she'd stop and take a look. She was curious about each species and its distinctive scent.
She didn't realize Elias had been observing her the entire time, with an intense gaze and occasionally standing towards the side.
Elias wondered if she knew how beautiful she looked. The sun danced upon her features, an ethereal glow to her petite figure. When she smiled down at the roses, despite its thorns, he felt a strange movement in his chest. She tucked strands of hair behind her ears and bent down to examine yet another flower.
"Why do you view our agreement as a marriage?" he finally asked. "We've never gone to the marriage bureau to have it properly verified."
