INEXORABLE

Liandra stood near her bedroom window, peeking through the curtain. Doubts plagued her mind. She regretted letting Ash leave that day, never imagining it would be the last time they saw each other. For three restless months, she had waited, hoping Ash would return, but not even a shadow of her had appeared. Frustration consumed her; she couldn't even send a letter since she knew so little about Ash. The ray of hope started to dim.

Yet, she couldn't give up. Deep down, she believed Ash was different—or perhaps she simply wanted to cling to the last shred of hope she had left. She will be back, Liandra lost in her thoughts.

"My Lady, someone is here for you," Ms. Hattie, the head maid, announced.

"Who? If it's not an important audience, I wish to be left alone," Liandra replied.

Ms. Hattie smiled warmly. "Why don't you meet her first and decide if she's important or not?"

"Her?" Liandra echoed the word, her interest growing.

Ms. Hattie gave a small nod, answering what is on Liandra's mind.

Not a single word was able to describe her feelings at that instant. She stood up swiftly and walked out through the hallway in a hurry.  If she was allowed to run, she would, but thinking of her image as a poised lady, she held back the thought. As she descended the staircase, she couldn't contain her emotions. She could not believe her eyes. Just a moment ago, she determined that Ash would be back and snap! She is here, standing in front of her.

"It's been a while," Ash greeted with a warm smile.

Liandra let out a sigh of relief. "I have been waiting patiently."

Peony Garden had been open for nearly two months, and business was thriving. Ash finally had a bit more time to herself, but the memory of opening day still left her feeling breathless. It was a hectic day.

Ash stood at the entrance of her newly established store, adorned with a vibrant banner displaying the store's name. The charming aroma of fresh flowers wafted through the air, inviting passersby to step inside and explore the world of Peony Garden.

As the doors swung open, a customer began pouring in. They marveled at the elegant displays of the rounded tin cases, each adorned with a blooming peony flower, showcasing the different shades of the rouge. Ash and her Peony Fairies welcomed everyone warmly, guiding them through the selection process. The reception had been overwhelming—customers rushed in like a swarm, undeterred by the queue system. Seeing Neil and Ruland, the charming and charismatic salesmen, only added to the frenzy.

Neil and Ruland's natural charm, combined with their passion for the products, captivated the customers. Their friendly and knowledgeable approach created an atmosphere of excitement and trust. Customers left not only with their desired rouge but also with a sense of being part of something special.

Rene, the manager, efficiently handled the inventory and oversaw the smooth operation of the store. Her innovative ideas for product design and marketing strategies kept Peony Garden one step ahead of its competitors. With her meticulous attention to detail, she ensured that every customer had a delightful experience.

Meanwhile, Theo, the brilliant young accountant, managed the finances with utmost precision. Despite his age, he proved to be a trustworthy asset, handling the money with integrity and ensuring that the business stayed financially sound. His sharp mind and quick thinking helped him navigate any challenges that came his way.

As Ash watched her team in action, pride filled her heart. The store bustled with activity as customers sampled the rouge, marveling at its exquisite shades and smooth, long-lasting formula. Word spread quickly, and Peony Garden soon became the talk of the town.