Surprise

Ethan gives me a serenity and respect that I've never experienced before. He's responsible, polite, treats everyone well, has enormous charisma and a big heart. The woman who belongs to him will be lucky, despite everything. I don't want to go through what I went through with Luck again. Being hurt and humiliated again... I wasn't ready, no matter what he wanted with me. Even though I knew that something in him showed me that he was very different from Luck and that he would never do anything to hurt me. Unfortunately, I couldn't risk it. For him, nothing was at stake. For me, everything.

- I think I'd better go in. I'm a bit tired... If you don't mind, I'm going to bed. - I gave a half-hearted smile and left. He politely accepted.

- All right, darling, I'll see you tomorrow.

He kissed me again on the forehead and left.

The next day was my birthday, and I found it strange that I had the two main meals with Ethan and everyone at the table, and he, who had made such a big deal of it the day before, didn't say anything today. Perhaps he was upset that I had pulled away before kissing him. Or he changed his mind because of my behavior with Caroline. He didn't really need to say anything nice, say hello, or anything else, since we didn't have anything. But I confess that I was upset by his drastic change in behavior.

At 7pm, when dinner was about to be served, I was surprised when I arrived at the table and found it empty. I walked around the house, looking for someone.

- Maria...Will...Ben...Mr. Colle...?

I walked until I reached the living room. After circling the house, I ended up back in the kitchen and then I found an envelope with my name on it, underneath a notebook. I opened the envelope. It read: Just open the video.

Strange, but okay. I opened the laptop and a video notification popped up. I pressed play. Vivian and Alice appeared on the screen. They were wearing party hats and "mother-in-law's tongues".

- Congratulations, little one! - they said in a chorus.

I smiled sincerely.

- We miss you so much. Unfortunately, we couldn't be there with you! But know that we love you! You're probably wondering where everyone is, but all we have to say is that there's a big surprise waiting for you. Now, I want you to go to your room and there you'll get the first hint. And also something for you. Happy birthday, Nicole!

Vivian held up a small cupcake with candles and they blew on it together. Then the recording ended.

My heart was pounding and my hands were sweating. I had never received a surprise before. Had Colle organized it? Or Vivian and Alice? My heart warmed at the thought that he could have done it for me. I went upstairs as normal, and when I got to my room, the dress I had worn to the party was there, hanging neatly on a hanger, along with another envelope. I took it off, the message was clear. I put it on and fixed my hair as I had done that night. Finally, I opened the envelope.

"Just go to the deck on the river" I walked nervously, and was surprised to see the path to the deck that connected the river surrounded by candles, which created a romantic atmosphere.

Oh, no.

I bite my lower lip to hide the smile that begins to form on my lips.

My eyes could already capture the image of Colle dressed socially. My ears began to be bathed in the music playing in the background. I saw Colle approach me as I walked, until we met. He bent down formally and kissed my hand. When our eyes met, he smiled so tenderly that I almost melted right there.

- Everything is so beautiful, Colle. Thank you, Colle.

- I can't thank you enough. It's your birthday, it has to be special. Besides, you owe me a dance. - And there was that mischievous smile. He leaned in even closer, dragging his nose across my cheek and my breathing hitched.

We walked out onto the deck, which shone brightly, both from the decorative lights and from the moonlight and stars; it was a romantic night. There was a table set up in the corner, and a place to dance. He walked with me to the center, then a song began to play, and I immediately recognized it, it was by Chantall, feels like home. Ethan stopped in front of me and guided me.

Something in your eyes makes me want to lose myself Makes me want to lose myself in your arms There's something in your voice that makes my heart beat faster I hope this feeling lasts the rest of my life If you only knew how lonely my life has been And how long I've been so alone And if you only knew how I wish someone would come And change my life the way you did The feeling is like home, the feeling of being home It feels like I'm right where I came from The feeling is that I'm home, the feeling of being home It feels like I'm right where I'm supposed to be A window breaks,

on a long, dark street And a siren goes off in the night But I'm okay, because I've got you here with me And I can almost see through the darkness there's light Well, if you only knew how much this moment means to me And how long I've waited for your touch And if you only knew how happy you're making me I never thought I could love someone so much The feeling is that I'm home, the feeling of being home It feels like I'm right where I came from The feeling is that I'm home, the feeling of being home It feels like I'm right where I'm supposed to be It feels like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

Everything he did was perfect, so romantic, so polite, and good for me. The way he led me in the dance, how we twirled together, his manly body so close to mine, we looked like the perfect pair. I rested my hands on his neck as I let myself be carried away by him. For a moment, I felt sad. Why hadn't I met him before? Why didn't our paths cross? Why didn't they? Everything I once wanted, he was giving me. The music continued to bathe our ears as we danced.

- You look perfect," he whispered in my ear.

I felt the hairs on my body stand on end at his voice.

- Thank you. You look beautiful too. And all this you've done... it's wonderful. I don't think I've ever received anything like it. Thank you so much, really. - I smiled sincerely.

- No need to thank me, I always want to be able to take care of you. - He moved a little away from me so that he could take a rectangular package out of his pocket. He opened it and it was a bracelet.

- Oh. It's beautiful," I said as I looked at it. He took my hand and started to put it on. - It wasn't necessary. - I smiled.

- This is my personal gift to you.

I admired the bracelet for a second. It was gold, with pendants in different shapes. There was a heart, some flowers, an Eiffel Tower, and various monuments and shapes.

- That's all I wish for you, and more. These here represent the places I want you to see. - He pointed to each one. - These flowers, friendships. And just one heart, so that you have true love. - And she gave that panty-lifting smile.

- It's beautiful! - I sighed. - And so authentic. But seriously, you didn't have to. You already do so much for me, this... I showed him everything I had organized with my hand.

- If you were mine," he said, "you'd have this every day, for your whole life. Because that's what someone like you deserves. - I didn't miss the flash of lust in his eyes.

I blushed. I smiled back. I stared at the bracelet like a fool. I felt like I was melting. Why was he so perfect?

- Come on! - He pulled me close to his body with a jolt. - I haven't really enjoyed the dance yet.