peony sat across from the wooden mirror, dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt as she gently combed her golden hair. A soft red peony was nestled among her curls, adding a delicate touch to her already radiant appearance. Her gaze flickered toward the neatly packed box of perfumes in the corner of her room.
Slowly, she walked over, picked up the box, and returned to her wooden stool.
Aside from being an expert at making perfumes, Peony was also skilled at preparing lunch boxes for the children at the orphanage. She feared the sea but adored the color it reflected in the evening sky.
Her lips curled into a delighted smile as the sweet scent of peonies filled the air. She loved all flowers—except roses. And yet, she couldn't explain why.
"Peony, come downstairs for breakfast!" Her mother's voice drifted up from the kitchen.
Jolted from her thoughts, Peony quickly set the box aside, fastened her belt, and hurried downstairs.
Their home wasn't grand or extravagant—it was a cozy, one-story cottage surrounded by an abundance of flowers. Her room consisted of a wooden bed, a simple dresser filled with dresses, and a small adjoining bathroom. It wasn't spacious, but she never once complained. As long as she had her parents, she had everything she needed.
"What are you thinking about, darling?" Mrs. Acosta asked as she set the food neatly on the table.
Peony smiled, stepping forward to hug her mother from behind before taking a deep breath.
"I'm just happy, Mum. Today, my perfumes will finally be auditioned for sale." Excitement laced her words.
"You should be, sweetheart. After all, it's thanks to your hard work." Mrs. Acosta patted Peony's hands lightly.
Peony shook her head. "No, Mum. It wouldn't have been possible without you or Dad. You both supported me when I sat for hours experimenting with different scents. And let's not forget how you stayed up all night watching me mix ingredients."
She grabbed two plates and set them on the table before adding with a teasing smile, "Or the times you scolded me for making a mess."
Her mother's eyes softened with a warm smile. She knew her daughter well—Peony was not only talented but also kind-hearted and resilient.
"Alright, alright. I get it," Mrs. Acosta chuckled. "I love you so much."
"I love you more, Mum."
"But you won't argue with me when I say it was also your hard work, okay?"
Peony grinned as she took her seat. "Okay, Mum. I understand."
She knew the family rule—no unnecessary chatter during meals. Bowing her head, she whispered a small prayer before digging into her food.
---
### **At the Orphanage**
The afternoon sun bathed the village in its warm golden light. Dust particles danced in the shafts of sunlight streaming through the orphanage windows.
"Thank you, Miss Peony!"
"Thank you so much!"
"You're amazing, Miss Peony!"
"Can I give you a kiss, Miss Peony?"
Peony's heart swelled as she handed out her homemade perfumes and groceries to the children. It wasn't just their excited reactions that filled her with joy—it was the realization that, after two years of setbacks, she had finally been recognized as the best perfumer in Orlando Village.
"Miss Peony, your hair is so pretty."
The soft, timid voice broke Peony's train of thought. She turned toward the sound and found herself staring at a fragile little girl dressed in a pink frock. Her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, and something about them struck Peony with an overwhelming sense of familiarity.
For a moment, she forgot everything else. A strange, fleeting memory teased at the edges of her mind.
The little girl tilted her head. "Miss Peony, I have the same dress as you! Do you like it?"
Peony smiled warmly. "What's your name, sweetheart?"
"Rosa," the girl answered cheerfully.
Peony ran a gentle hand over her soft cheek. "That's a lovely name, Rosa."
"Thank you, Miss Peony. But yours is just as pretty."
Something about the girl's bright blue eyes tugged at Peony's heart, as if pulling her toward a lost piece of herself. She bent down, giving the girl's hair a soft pat.
Rosa giggled, then suddenly threw her tiny arms around Peony's neck.
"I love you very, very much, Miss Acosta. And congratulations on your award!"
Peony's heart melted. "All thanks to my beautiful and charming friends." She playfully nuzzled Rosa's nose with her finger before turning to the other children. "Come here, everyone! Group hug!"
Laughter erupted as the children eagerly swarmed around her.
"You're here, Peony."
The familiar voice shattered her moment of warmth.
She turned, her smile widening when she saw Michelle standing a few feet away in a knee-length black dress, grinning from ear to ear. Without hesitation, Peony ran forward and wrapped her arms around her best friend.
"You did it, Peony! Finally! I'm so happy you never gave up."
Tears welled in Peony's eyes as she clutched Michelle tighter. "I can't believe it, Michelle. I got selected as the best perfumer in Orlando. My hard work has finally paid off."
Michelle patted her back. "I told you it would happen. Just a little patience, and look where you are now." She pulled back, holding Peony's hands tightly. "I can't wait to tell the whole world that the best perfumer in Orlando is none other than my best friend, Peony Acosta!"
Peony chuckled, wiping her tears. "Thank you, Miss Michelle Underland, for believing in me."
Michelle smirked. "And thank *you*, Miss Acosta, the infamous perfumer, for being my best friend."
---
### **Dragon Mansion**
The night sky was aglow with city lights, the crescent moon hanging like a silver claw above the horizon. A blanket of stars stretched infinitely across the heavens.
Asher, dressed in rose-colored pajamas adorned with a unicorn design, sat quietly across from her father at the dinner table. She picked at the last piece of omelet on her plate, staring hesitantly into his eyes.
Her voice was small and uncertain. "Daddy… will you read me a bedtime story tonight? Aunt Emma and Ashley went back to university, and Mommy is busy with work…"
Before her father could answer, a cold voice interjected.
"Your daddy is busy, Asher," Nora said with a frown. "I expect you to be a good girl and understand that."
Asher's hopeful expression crumbled. She shifted her gaze downward, muttering, "Okay."
Dragon's gaze snapped toward Nora, his eyes darkening with silent fury. The way he glared at her sent a shiver down her spine.
Dropping his fork, he sat up and moved toward his daughter, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders. He gently stroked her hair, his voice soft but firm.
"Do you want me to read you a bedtime story, Asher?"
"No, Daddy. I understand. You're busy."
Dragon shook his head. "Not too busy for you, sweetheart. I insist."
"But Daddy, I—" She hesitated, her fearful gaze flickering toward Nora, who was glaring daggers at her.
"Don't you want Daddy to stay with you tonight?" Dragon pressed, his tone gentle yet unwavering.
"I… I…" Asher's voice wavered, uncertainty clouding her teary eyes.
Dragon didn't wait for an answer. He cupped her tiny face with his hands and whispered, "It's decided then. Daddy will stay with you tonight and read you as many stories as you want. Okay?"
A small, tearful smile formed on Asher's lips.
And as Dragon pressed a light kiss to her forehead, Nora sat frozen, seething with barely concealed rage.
---