His name was Nathaniel

69

The sun was just beginning to rise when Nathaniel arrived at Adaliya's grandparents' house, his car rolling quietly to a stop outside the quaint home. The warm morning air carried the faint chirping of birds, and Nathaniel took a deep breath, feeling both nervous and excited about the day ahead.

When the door opened, it was Adaliya's grandmother who greeted him first, her face lighting up with a kind smile. "Nathaniel! It's so nice to see you again."

"It's nice to see you too, ma'am," Nathaniel replied politely, stepping inside as she ushered him in.

"Adaliya's upstairs getting ready," her grandmother said, her knowing eyes twinkling. "She's been looking forward to this trip."

Nathaniel smiled, a slight warmth spreading through his chest at the thought of Adaliya being excited. He waited near the doorway until he heard her descending the stairs, and when he looked up, his breath hitched. She wore a simple summer dress, light and flowing, her hair tied back loosely. She looked effortlessly beautiful, and Nathaniel couldn't help but smile.

"Ready?" he asked, extending his hand to her.

"Ready," Adaliya said, taking his hand as they walked out to the car.

As they drove into the village, Adaliya noticed they weren't heading toward any private airport or luxury destination. Instead, Nathaniel parked near the local bus station.

"We're traveling by bus?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, half-expecting this to be some sort of decoy.

Nathaniel chuckled. "And by train. I promised you something simple, didn't I? No private jets, no rented-out restaurants. Just us, seeing the sights like everyone else."

Adaliya stared at him for a moment, a mix of surprise and amusement crossing her face. "I didn't know you were capable of being... simple."

Nathaniel smirked, grabbing a small backpack from the trunk. "Stick with me. You might be surprised."

Their day unfolded like a perfectly planned adventure. They hopped from bus to train, weaving through bustling towns and picturesque countryside, exploring well-known tourist spots. Nathaniel was far more relaxed than usual, snapping pictures of Adaliya as she posed in front of landmarks, her laughter filling the air.

"Come here," Adaliya said, grabbing his arm and pulling him into frame for a selfie. "We need at least one picture of us together."

Nathaniel leaned in, his face brushing hers as she snapped the photo. When he saw the image, his usually stoic expression softened. "I look ridiculous."

"No," Adaliya said, smiling as she studied the picture. "You look happy."

The day carried on with more stops, more laughter, and even more pictures. By the time evening rolled around, Nathaniel led her to a small family-owned restaurant tucked away on a quiet street.

Adaliya looked around, half-expecting some extravagant surprise, but the cozy, homely atmosphere caught her off guard. "This... isn't like you," she said with a teasing grin.

Nathaniel shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I figured you'd like something less flashy for a change."

As they sat at their table, the aroma of freshly cooked meals wafting through the air, their conversation flowed easily. They talked about their day, reminiscing about the spots they had visited and the people they had seen. Nathaniel found himself smiling more than he expected, the usual weight of his thoughts momentarily lifted by her presence.

But as the evening wore on, Nathaniel's nerves began to creep back. He reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the small velvet box that held the necklace. This was it—the moment he had been building up to all day. His heart raced as he cleared his throat, trying to steady himself.

"Adaliya," he began, his voice softer than usual. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

She tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her eyes. "What is it?"

Nathaniel took a deep breath, his hands shaking slightly as he pulled out the box and placed it on the table. He opened it to reveal the necklace—a modest yet elegant piece that sparkled under the warm light of the restaurant.

"I... I want us to be exclusive," he said, his words tumbling out faster than he intended. "I want you to be your boyfriend."

Adaliya stared at the necklace, her eyes wide with surprise. "Nathaniel..."

"I know it's a lot," he added quickly, his cheeks tinged with pink. "But I saw this and thought of you. I'd really like for you to wear it."

She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the delicate chain. The gesture was overwhelming—thoughtful and beautiful, but also undeniably extravagant. "You didn't have to do this," she said softly, looking up at him.

"I wanted to," Nathaniel said firmly, his gaze steady despite his nerves. "You mean so much to me, Adaliya. I just... I want you to know that."

Adaliya's heart swelled at his words, and with a small smile, she reached for the necklace. "Alright," she said quietly. "I'll wear it."

Nathaniel's face lit up as he helped her put it on, his fingers brushing against her skin as he clasped it around her neck. When she turned to him, the necklace catching the light, he couldn't help but smile. "It looks perfect on you."

"Thank you," she said, her voice warm. "And... yes. I'll be your girlfriend."

Nathaniel exhaled, relief washing over him as he smiled at her. "You've just made me the happiest man alive."

After dinner, they walked along a quiet beach, the waves lapping gently at the shore as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the sand. They found a spot to sit, the soft breeze carrying the sound of the ocean.

Adaliya leaned her head against Nathaniel's shoulder, the events of the day replaying in her mind. She felt content, the worries of her life far behind her in this moment.

Nathaniel turned to her, his gaze soft as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I don't think I've ever had a day like this," he admitted, his voice low.

Adaliya smiled. "Me neither."

Before she could say more, Nathaniel leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. The world around them seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down her spine.

But just as the kiss deepened, Nathaniel pulled back, his breathing uneven as he rested his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I don't want to... rush anything."

Adaliya smiled softly, her cheeks flushed. "It's okay," she whispered. "This is enough."

They sat there together, watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon, their hearts full and the promise of something beautiful stretching ahead of them.