Promises and Shadows

Chapter 6

“I hope you liked my surprise.” He grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck like a shy puppy.

“I love it!” I was practically bouncing around like I’d just been handed a lifetime supply of chocolate.

Little did Victor know, this was the first surprise anyone had ever pulled on me. I was feeling so many emotions that even Shakespeare would be scratching his head, trying to find the right words. All I could tell was that I was happy.

Then a burning question bubbled up in my mind, specifically about the ring that looked like it had been crafted by a team of unicorns and fairies.

“But—”
Victor cut me off, eyes wide.

“Oh no, it looks like Mother Nature is about to throw one of her epic tantrums! Quick, let’s run!”

Before I could even process his words, he grabbed my hand, and we dashed off into the rain, giggling, while running through a cemetery. You know, typical romance stuff.

Once we managed to hop into the car, we realized we were half-drenched. Victor turned on the heater, and I swear it was like stepping into a sauna, but it at least helped to dry out wet clothes. He glanced over at me, an idea sparking in his eyes.

“So, Leila, you told me you want to be a children’s story writer… Do you still want to do that, or have you switched gears to become a lady boss in a high-rise office?” he asked.

“Stop teasing me! As tempting as it sounds to wear power suits and sip overpriced coffee, I’m really more into making kids giggle with my bed time stories.”

He nodded thoughtfully, like a philosopher contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

“Fair enough! But have you actually written anything? Because let’s be honest, writing a novel seems easier than crafting the perfect bedtime story. Have you thought about that?”

“Well, I adore kids. To be honest, My life plan has always been to find the perfect guy, fall head over heels in love with him (preferably one who isn’t involved in any shady business), pursue my dream job, marry the love of my life, and have adorable mini-us versions running around. I just thought if I shared that this morning, you’d think I’m aimless, so I threw out the writer thing as a distraction. Honestly, I want to be a mom and give my future kid everything I missed out on!” I spewed all of that in one breath while he listened like a patient therapist.

“Wow, thank you for sharing that. And seriously, don’t you dare say you lack ambition! You’re like a rare museum piece—who dreams of being a mother in this generation? You should wear that badge with pride!” He looked amused.

A huge grin broke across my face at his words.

***************

Later, back at home, during dinner, Victor popped a question that made me choke on my food.

“Victor, you really need to stop asking life-altering questions while I’m eating. I don’t want my obituary to say, ‘Died choking on mashed potatoes.’” I said.

“I just asked you on a date! You’re acting like I just announced the apocalypse.” That innocent look of his? One day it was going to be the end of me.

“It is a big deal! It’s not like I have a long list of suitors knocking down my door!” I threw my hands in the air.

He frowned dramatically.

“Okay, fine, I have never dated before. Do you really believe what I said earlier? My child, there is no guy who’s brave enough to ask out a girl followed by two bodyguards?”