His name was Nathaniel

68

It had been a long few weeks of exams and assignments, but finally, Adaliya was on semester break. The moment she stepped off the train and onto the familiar streets of her grandparents' village, a sense of calm washed over her. This place had always been her escape—a quiet, peaceful haven where time seemed to slow down. And now, with the added bonus of being closer to Nathaniel, her break felt even more special.

Her grandparents welcomed her with open arms, their warm smiles and loving embrace making her feel instantly at home. "You've grown even more beautiful," her grandmother cooed, cupping Adaliya's face in her hands. "It's so good to have you back."

Adaliya laughed, hugging her grandfather tightly. "I've missed you both."

They spent the next hour catching up, sharing stories about her time in college and her grandparents filling her in on the latest village gossip. It was comforting, being here with them, away from the chaos of city life and all the responsibilities that came with it.

Later in the afternoon, after settling in and unpacking, Adaliya decided to take a walk around the village. It had been a while since she had last been here, but everything was just as she remembered—quaint cottages, narrow cobblestone streets, and the scent of fresh bread from the local bakery.

As she strolled through the familiar streets, memories of her teenage years flooded back. She couldn't help but smile to herself as she thought about all the times she had snuck around the forest near the Donovan Mansion to meet Nathaniel. Back then, they had been just teenagers, seeking refuge from their vastly different lives. Meeting Nathaniel in that secluded area had always felt like their secret, a world away from the pressures of his family and her own life.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from Nathaniel.

Nathaniel: How's everything going? Are you with your grandparents?

Adaliya smiled, typing out a quick response as she continued her walk.

Adaliya: Just got here. They're already spoiling me with food. 😊

She paused for a moment, thinking about Nathaniel. He had been acting a bit strange lately—not in a bad way, but different. It wasn't like him to be so vague or secretive, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was scheming this time. There was always something with him, and knowing Nathaniel, it likely involved some extravagant gesture that she wasn't entirely sure she was ready for.

Still, she was curious. There was something about the way he had been acting that made her feel like something big was on the horizon.

As she wandered through the village, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice calling her name.

"Adaliya!"

She turned around to see Lola, her childhood friend, waving enthusiastically from across the street. Adaliya's face lit up as she rushed over to her.

"Lola! Oh my God, it's been forever!" Adaliya exclaimed, pulling her friend into a tight hug.

"I know!" Lola said, laughing as they embraced. "I didn't expect to see you here. What brings you back?"

"Semester break," Adaliya explained as they began walking together. "I needed a break, so I came to stay with my grandparents for a bit."

They caught up as they walked through the village, sharing stories about their lives. Lola had been busy with her own career, working as a freelance photographer, while Adaliya filled her in on her college life and, of course, the latest updates on her relationship with Nathaniel.

Lola listened intently, her eyes wide with curiosity. "So... you and Nathaniel, huh? I can't believe it. You guys have known each other since we were teenagers! I always thought it was wild how you two kept sneaking off to meet near the Mansion. Guess it makes sense now."

"Yeah, we were just kids back then. It feels like a lifetime ago, but things are... good. He's just been acting a bit strange lately, like he's planning something. I don't know what it is, but I'm sure he's up to something."

Lola raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin on her face. "Nathaniel Donovan, planning something? That sounds dangerous."

Adaliya laughed, though a part of her couldn't help but feel wary. Knowing Nathaniel, whatever he was planning was bound to be grand—and expensive. She wasn't necessarily fond of surprises, especially when they involved Nathaniel spending large amounts of money on her.

As they walked, the conversation flowed naturally, and before Adaliya realized it, they had ended up at the secluded spot near the forest where she had first encountered Nathaniel all those years ago. The quiet clearing, surrounded by trees, held so many memories—nervous glances, stolen moments of laughter, and the first stirrings of something deeper between them.

Adaliya paused, staring at the spot with a soft smile on her face. "I met him here, you know. The first time we talked... it was right here, near the forest."

Lola grinned, nudging her playfully. "The beginning of a love story, huh?"

Adaliya rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help the warmth that spread through her chest. "Something like that."

Later that evening, Adaliya settled into the bathtub, the warm water soothing her tired muscles. She had always loved taking baths—it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day. As she soaked in the lavender-scented water, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Nathaniel calling.

"Hey," Adaliya greeted, holding the phone to her ear as she leaned back in the tub.

"Hey," Nathaniel's voice came through, sounding warm "How's your evening going?"

"Pretty relaxing," she said, her eyes closed as she rested her head against the edge of the tub. "Just having a bath, trying to unwind. How about you?"

"I'm good," Nathaniel replied. "I wanted to ask—what's your schedule like for the next few days?"

Adaliya frowned slightly, sensing the direction this conversation was headed. "Why do you ask?"

"Well," Nathaniel said, and she could hear the smile in his voice, "I have a little surprise for you."

Adaliya's eyes snapped open, her heart immediately sinking at the word surprise. "Nathaniel... what kind of surprise?"

"Don't worry, it's nothing crazy," Nathaniel assured her, though his tone was teasing. "Just something I thought you'd like. How about we meet up in a couple of days? I'll show you then."

Adaliya bit her lip, her mind already racing with possibilities. She wasn't necessarily fond of surprises, especially when they came from Nathaniel, because they often involved lavish gifts or extravagant plans. And knowing him, this surprise was bound to be expensive.

"Nathaniel, if this is some over-the-top thing..."

"It's not," he interrupted gently. "I promise. Just... trust me, okay?"

Adaliya hesitated, still feeling wary, but ultimately, she couldn't resist. "Alright. I'll meet you. But if this surprise involves you spending a ridiculous amount of money on me, I'm not going to be happy."

Nathaniel chuckled softly. "Noted. I'll see you soon."

As they ended the call, Adaliya sighed, sinking deeper into the bath. She wasn't sure what Nathaniel had up his sleeve, but something told her that this surprise was going to be more than she expected.