The year Catriona saw the shooting star, she was in her second year of high school.
On that quiet night, she looked up at the shooting star streaking across the sky and made two wishes.
First, to be accepted into Capital University.
Second, to earn enough money after graduation to treat her grandmother to fine food and take her on trips.
Only the first wish came true.
And that wish, once fulfilled, had long been cast aside.
After her grandmother passed away, everything lost its meaning.
After finding out she was pregnant, her only thought was to earn money, and over the years, she had drifted far from anything related to school.
People her age had already graduated and found jobs.
Return to school? She had never considered it. She had given up long ago.
"Our cub's life won't be affected. I'll handle the pick-ups and drop-offs. Hire a manager to take care of the flower shop."
Catriona pressed her lips together, listening to Roderick's casual tone.
If that were the case...
Wouldn't that mean she'd have to live with him until she graduated?
She was about to leave Luna Palace.
She... had already started counting down.
"No need." Catriona replied calmly, "Thank you for the offer."
She looked up at him, her tone indifferent. "Mr. Nightblade, good night. I need to rest as well."
Roderick looked at her, surprised by her sudden defensiveness, his brows furrowing. In the end, he decided to drop the topic.
"Tomorrow, the old mansion is hosting a family dinner. They all hope you and the cub can come."
Catriona didn't think much of it and agreed with a nod.
"Just as well, I'd like Cedric to get more familiar with his family too."
So...
The next day.
Catriona dressed her son in a cute and comfortable outfit, carefully brushing his short black hair, smoothing down the wild, tousled strands. She washed his little face clean, making sure there was no trace of dirt. Considering that werewolves didn't like any extra scents, she refrained from spraying any fragrance on him, keeping him as natural as possible.
As for that stubborn tuft of hair, she gave up.
She'd press it down, but it would spring up again. Oh well, it would have to stay as it was.
She wore a white cinched-waist dress and put on light makeup.
She brought out a few small gifts, nothing valuable. Having opened a flower shop, she enjoyed creating little things with flowers.
In her spare time, she would make resin flower specimens, preserving the beauty and framing them in small palm-sized frames.
"This is a red rose. You'll give it to Auntie."
"Sunflower, for your uncle."
"This is a red maple leaf, isn't it pretty? Give it to your grandpa."
"Red carnation, for your grandma."
She and her son tied a pretty bow, packaging the little gifts.
Roderick looked at the bag in Catriona's hand and asked, "What's this?"
Cedric raised his chin. "Gifts for Grandma and the others."
"Gifts?"
Catriona replied, "Just some flower specimens I made before, nothing special."
Roderick's lips pressed together. He wanted one too, something handmade by her.
But it was clear she hadn't intended to give him one.
His family had just come down from the mountains, and they were already receiving gifts from Catriona.
After a brief hesitation, he spoke up, his deep voice sincere. "What about mine?"
With his chiseled features, he looked at her. "Catriona, I want one too."
"Uh..."
It wasn't anything valuable, and she had more in her room.
She said, "I'll give you one when I get back."
Roderick replied, "How about now? I want to be the first to get a gift from you."
"..."
Was it really that important?
Was he being a little childish?
It was just a plant specimen.
She turned and went back to her room, grabbing one at random.
A tulip.
As she handed the tulips to Roderick, she suddenly remembered. Tulips...what was their meaning again? Something like: eternal love?
Did Roderick even know this kind of thing? Surely, he wouldn't overthink it?
Taking it back now would seem too deliberate.
Watching the tall man's lips curve into a smile, she silently kept her mouth shut.
A werewolf—what would he know about flower meanings?
