UNTIL DEATH ( Love should Never be this deathly )

CHAPTER 5

**The Morning of an Unfortunate Day**

On that fateful morning, a young woman of twenty-four sat alone on her balcony, nestled in the heart of the city's bustling residential district, cradling a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She had risen earlier than usual, stirred not by restlessness, but by a gentle anticipation that lingered in the air.

The soft, filtered sunlight, diffused through a veil of clouds, painted the world around her in hues of gold and gray, eliciting a smile that danced upon her lips. She had always cherished this kind of weather, for it whispered of rain—an intimate promise that today would be spent in the warm embrace of loved ones.

Her family, though unconventional, was her pride and joy: a spirited group of children from the local orphanage. In truth, she too was an orphan, a fact that had shaped her life in profound ways.

Abandoned at the tender age of two, she had been left on the doorstep of the very institution that had become her sanctuary, swaddled in a soft pink blanket. A small piece of paper, fragile and worn, bore only her name: ROSA ANDREW and date of birth. This simple act of identification hung over her like a delicate thread, binding her past to her present as she prepared to make the most of the rainy day ahead.

She settled comfortably into her wooden chair, the soft contours of the seat cradling her as she sipped her coffee, her gaze drifting upward to the sky, which was adorned with large, fluffy white clouds that floated lazily by. Just as she lost herself in the tranquility of the moment, her phone rang, breaking the serene spell.

With a gentle sigh, she reached for the device and answered the call. "Hello, good morning," she greeted, her tone imbued with warmth and politeness.

"Good morning, my love. I hope I didn't disturb your slumber," came the pleasant voice of a man, laced with affection.

"No, not at all. I woke up early this morning and am currently enjoying my coffee," she replied, her voice cheerful as she inquired, "How about you?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary—just woke up, and you were the first thought on my mind," he responded, his tone light and sincere, filling her heart with warmth.

"Mmm..." she murmured, momentarily at a loss for words. The truth was, her thoughts were not consumed by him, making it difficult to echo his sentiments.

"You know I can't wait to marry you... don't you think six months is simply too long? How about we tie the knot at the end of this month? What do you think?" he asked, his voice alive with excitement, as he eagerly awaited her enthusiastic affirmation.

Rosa felt a wave of shock and confusion wash over her. She understood that it was far too soon for such a significant step. While her heart fluttered at the prospect of their future together, her mind was anchored in reality—she was enrolled in a teaching course for children at the orphanage, a commitment that would occupy her for another four months. The thought of being swept into the whirlwind of wedding preparations made her uneasy.

"It's too soon, Dylan. I won't be able to shoulder the stress of last-minute arrangements all on my own," she replied, her voice steady but filled with concern. "I also want to honor Mum and Dad's last wish; they dreamed of us getting married on their anniversary date."

"Rosa... Rosa... Rosaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," he called out playfully, a smile spreading across his face as he chuckled. He adored her nurturing spirit and the respect she held for elders, particularly his late parents, whose memory remained dear to him.

"Mmmm... let me finish my breakfast, and I'll see you in two hours. I need to check on Michael's recovery at the hospital," she replied, her tone warm yet focused.