Sixty hearts blue 5

Stephen flipped through the files on his desk, his thoughts drifting beyond the numbers on the screen. His fingers worked efficiently, but his mind was elsewhere—on the evening ahead, on Roselle. Tonight was the night. The night he had been counting down to. The night she had fought to make possible.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he scrolled through the notifications on his monitor. His left elbow rested on the desk, his chin in his palm, while his right hand mindlessly clicked through the emails. He should have been focused on the deadline looming over him—his reports were due with the managing director first thing in the morning—but all he could think about was Roselle's eyes, the way they'd look in the candlelight. The way he wished, more than anything, that she could be his forever.

Getting her mother's permission had been no small feat. Roselle had reminded her of every tutoring session, every late night Stephen had spent helping her with coursework, his patience and dedication the reason she had gotten into university. Eventually, her mother relented.

"Fine. But don't stay out too long."

Tomorrow, Roselle was leaving for Florida. Tonight had to be perfect. Stephen had spared no effort—he'd booked the best restaurant in town, arranged for roses and candles, secured the table for as long as they wanted. He wasn't just taking her out to dinner; he was making a memory.

A buzzing ring snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to the office phone, a flicker of tension tightening his chest. Mr. Rogers.

He picked up the receiver.

"Come to my office."

That was all the older man said before hanging up.

Stephen exhaled sharply, shoving his unfinished work aside. Straightening his tie, he stepped into the hallway, greeting colleagues as he walked. He caught the usual glances from some of the women in the office, but he barely noticed anymore.

After climbing the stairs and heading west down the corridor, he stopped at the door of Mr. Rogers' office. The man, in his late sixties, was a self-made millionaire—a legend in the industry. Stephen had always admired him.

At the sharp knock, Mr. Rogers gestured for him to enter and sit.

For a few moments, the older man simply observed him, fingers steepled, as if weighing his words. Then, he spoke.

"I've been watching you, Stephen. Your work, your dedication—it hasn't gone unnoticed."

Stephen sat up straighter, pulse picking up.

"You've earned my trust," Rogers continued. "And because of that, I've decided to promote you. As of today, you are the chief accountant of this firm."

Stephen blinked. For a second, he was sure he had misheard.

Mr. Rogers leaned back, watching his reaction with a satisfied smile. "Smith has been transferred. That means you'll be handling the entire financial structure of this company."

The weight of the words sank in. Stephen's chest swelled with pride. This was everything he had worked for—his dream position, achieved sooner than he ever expected.

"I don't take this lightly, Sir," Stephen said, his voice firm. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

Rogers nodded approvingly. "Amanda will show you to your new office. Take your time moving in." Then, after a pause, he added, "By the way, I have a daughter, Annabelle. She's a lovely girl. I think you two would make a fine match."

Stephen's smile was polite but unwavering. "I'm in a relationship, Sir."

Rogers masked his disappointment with a curt nod. "She's a lucky woman."

He picked up the phone, issuing instructions to Amanda. Then, turning back to Stephen, he said, "Your promotion will be announced in tomorrow's meeting at 2 PM. Congratulations again."

Stephen stood, offering a grateful bow before leaving the office. His heart raced—not just from the promotion, but from the thought of telling Roselle.

Amanda, a sharp-looking woman with a sleek ponytail, met him outside. She led him down the hall to a new office, pausing as he pushed open the door.

The space was larger, sleeker—furnished with dark wood, elegant shelving, and a pristine desk. The plaque on it gleamed: Chief Accountant.

Amanda smiled, watching his reaction. "Your belongings will be moved in before tomorrow. But if there's anything you need now, you can grab it from your old office."

Stephen glanced at his watch. Almost time for his date. He exhaled, still trying to process everything.

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

Amanda gave a knowing nod. "Congratulations, Stephen." She turned, her heels clicking softly as she exited.

Stephen sank into the leather chair, fingers brushing over the desk. The promotion felt surreal. He let his gaze wander over the walls, admiring the intricate artwork, but soon, his thoughts returned to her.

Roselle.

He pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Hi, baby," came her sweet voice, instantly melting the tension from his shoulders.

He smiled, loving the way she said it. Loving the way she said him.

"My love, my heart," he murmured.

She giggled, the sound warming him. "How are you?"

"I'm great. Even better now that I'm hearing your voice. Are you getting ready?"

"Mhmm. I know tonight will be special. It's with you—how could it not be?"

His grin widened. "I can't wait to see you in that red dress."

She gasped playfully. "You're going to love it. It's perfect."

It was. He had known it the moment he saw it, knew it was meant for her. He could still picture the way her eyes had shined with tears when he gifted it to her.

"Let's make tonight ours," he said softly.

"Yes. Yes, yes. I can't wait already."

Stephen exhaled, the excitement finally hitting him full force. He stood, buttoning his blazer as he strode down the hallway. His old office had served him well, but his future was calling.

And tonight, she was waiting.

He couldn't wait to hold her in his arms.

Sliding into his car, he started the engine, ready to drive home, get dressed, and make this night unforgettable.

——————

Stephen's breath hitched the moment he saw her. Under the evening lights, Roselle moved toward him, her beauty almost unreal. The slit in her gown revealed the smooth grace of her legs, the embedded stones catching the light like scattered stars. She smiled as their eyes met, and he felt his chest tighten.

She was everything. His heart, his future. The thought of life without her was unbearable.

Roselle took in the sight of him—tall, striking, dressed in a dark suit that fit him perfectly. Her throat tightened with emotion. His eyes, his lips, his presence… she wished they were standing at an altar, whispering forever.

Stephen wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, letting the warmth of her body seep into his. Passion simmered between them, and when their lips met, the world disappeared. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a promise.

He reluctantly pulled away, opening the car door for her. Roselle slid into the seat, gazing up at him with an expression that made him want to steal another kiss.

She hadn't expected this.

Roselle stared in awe as Stephen poured red wine into two glasses, the candlelight flickering between them. She had imagined a casual dinner—an eatery, maybe a few drinks. But this? He had reserved the entire restaurant. The soft glow of lights, the fragrance of fresh roses, the quiet intimacy of the moment—it was breathtaking.

Stephen's gaze was unwavering. "I want forever with you, Rose. I want to wake up beside you every morning. I want to hold you, to love you, to have only you."

Her heart pounded. His words, his presence, the deep longing in his voice—it stirred something raw inside her. She wanted him too. She wanted his touch, his warmth, the feel of his lips tracing her skin. A slow heat curled in her stomach at the thought.

"I love you, Stephen," she whispered, trying to steady herself.

He took her hand, his thumb tracing soft circles on her skin. "I love you too."

They sipped their wine, but Stephen's eyes never left hers. Then he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers—deeper this time, as if sealing an unspoken vow.

When they finally parted, Stephen pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, then laid his head on her lap, eyes closed, as if he belonged there. As if he would stay there forever.