A Bloom of Thorns

Within milliseconds, Luke hurriedly shoved Holly away. Her head smacked against the car door, turning her face ghostly white as she winced from the pain.

Luke, looking all kinds of worried, quickly fixed his rumpled clothes and rolled down the window. His eyes darted to Cecilia standing outside.

Luke, who was usually cool-headed, sounded distressed, "Girlfriend? No way, Holly got hurt, I was just helping her out."

Holly looked up to Cecilia's gaze, which was cool, deep, and drop-dead gorgeous.

It was like comparing perfection to her mess and mortification.

She was the polar opposite of Cecilia. Holly was all curves and sweet innocence with a side of allure — a walking daydream for many guys. Cecilia looked like she was sketched by a goddess, she only had graceful lines and an air of untouchable grace.

Holly knew their history, Luke and Cecilia were childhood friends. They went to the same schools and even went abroad together.

To all the old folks, and Holly herself, before they were eighteen, Luke and Cecilia were known as the golden couple.

Somehow, on her eighteenth birthday, Luke picked Holly instead. Holly had figured Luke just was not into Cecilia's vibe.

Then, it hit her. All this time, he did not want to ruin the perfect picture he had of his untouchable goddess.

Cecilia watched Holly catch a beat, a small laugh escaping her. Then she dropped the bomb. "Isn't that Holly? The girl your family's taking care of, right? I get that you two are tight, but you better keep a distance.

"If people start talking, it won't just be a bad look for your folks – I'd lose respect for you, too."

Cecilia's offhand comment sent Luke into a tailspin.

"There's nothing going on between us, I'll never be with someone like her."

His words edged into me like a sharp knife.

Holly's hands were balled into fists so tight that her fingernails nearly pierced the skin of her palms.

Cecilia's face remained cold, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Luke turned back, his eyes pleading as he silently begged Holly for help.

Holly fought back the tears, forcing a strained smile that did not quite suit her.

"Ms. Porter, you've got it all wrong.

"Luke and I aren't dating. We're more like siblings than lovers, in fact.

"Besides, I'm about to get married, so there's no way I could be with him."

Cecilia's frosty demeanor softened for a moment at Holly's words.

Her smile warmed when she looked at Luke.

"Luke, it's been too long since I've caught up with your parents. I'll stop by your place later."

With that, Cecilia walked away, her silhouette graceful and dignified, leaving Holly with a mess of insecurities.

A sudden sharp pain snapped Holly back to reality — Luke was gripping her wrist too tightly.

Luke's frown showed his displeasure. "Holly, what's this about an arranged marriage you mentioned?"

Holly's face remained neutral as she gently pulled her hand free.

"It was just a cover story, don't take it to heart."

Luke let out a relieved breath.

Silence then filled the car, heavy and awkward.

Luke awkwardly coughed, ready to justify his earlier reaction. "I hope you're not upset. I just didn't want Cecilia spreading rumors to my parents, so I had to make sure we were on the same page."