Regret Came Too Late

The man was always like this-constantly pulling strings behind the scenes, grinding the gears of others.

It was no wonder no one liked him.

...

While things were tense on one side, Grace had already walked about half a mile along the narrow path.

The farther she went, the stronger the scent of magnolia blossoms became.

The snow was falling heavier by the minute, and she regretted not bringing an umbrella. After walking another thousand feet or so, she finally reached a flat clearing.

There, she saw the magnolia blossoms. They were even more beautiful than the ones she had seen beside the ruins.

She quickened her pace, planning to snap a few branches and leave. She had decided to bring some ancient calligraphy and paintings tomorrow morning to offer for the trade.

But just as her hand touched a branch, she heard the sound of footsteps- someone walking on snow.

The path lights dimmed. When she saw the familiar figure approaching, she was a little surprised.

"Ed?"

The man walked up and broke off several tall branches taller than she was-and placed them in front of her.

Grace felt like the snow had blurred her vision. She raised her hand to brush the flakes from her lashes.

"Why are you here?" she asked.

"I followed you. You passed by my house and didn't even stop to see me. Who are you picking flowers for?"

She was screwed.

jealous—and when he got like this, she knew she'd have to work hard to

places, did she have to run into him

I remember you like them

took the branches he had picked and

help with

and brushed the top of her head, his lips curving

"Liar."

picked a large

want to take too many. She was worried the manor's owner might be angry, so

more than enough. Let's hurry

dozen or so branches, she started

back

gone a few steps when

panicked and

you okay? Where

made her more anxious. She

the

reached for

wrist.

palm was burning hot. He cupped her face and

the branches in her arms might scratch him, Grace hurriedly threw all

kiss lasted several minutes. When she turned her head away, her voice

Are you hurt?"

Instead, he kept trying

noticed the wet feeling in her palm. She quickly touched his hand, and sure enough,

an injured hand to break off the