Chapter 71: Passionately

Chapter 71: Passionately           Healing wasn't a straight path. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't quick. And Valerian never expected it to be.   It took days, weeks, months, before Noelle could truly breathe without the heaviness of the past pressing on her chest. Months before her laughter wasn't something forced, before she could look at herself in the mirror and not see the remnants of the woman Adrian had broken.   And through it all, Valerian was there.   He never rushed her and never demanded anything from her. He never once forced his feelings on her, even though it was obvious to anyone who looked at him that he had already given his heart away.   Instead, he let her rebuild herself piece by piece.   Noelle had returned to her flower shop, immersing herself in the familiar comfort of arranging bouquets and tending to delicate petals. It was a peaceful life she had always longed for.   Alexei remained a constant presence that often came running through the shop and 'helping' in h