"I'm sorry I fell asleep here," I said sheepishly, my cheeks tinted with a blush as I realized I must have looked a little disheveled.

Romeo's response was understanding and kind, "No worries. I know you woke up early today, and thank you for making these little goodies." He gestured towards the bag he was holding, containing the treats Greg and I had prepared earlier.

"Hehe, thanks. Greg helped me too, actually," I replied, grateful for my brother's assistance.

As we prepared to leave, Romeo hinted at a surprise, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I have a surprise for you. In fact, today is going to be quite a wonderful surprise."

My curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but ask, "Can I know where we are going?" My eyes widened, giving him the best puppy eyes I could manage. "You look cute like this," Romeo teased, his smile reaching his eyes. "And no, that's a surprise," he added, chuckling softly. The soft rustle of leaves under our feet provided a soothing melody as we continued our leisurely stroll through the woods. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting a warm, dappled glow on the forest floor. Every step we took seemed to echo with the harmony of nature, making the experience feel like a dreamy, enchanted walk.

The air was scented with a delightful mix of blooming flowers and the earthy aroma of fallen leaves. Vibrant wildflowers adorned the edges of the path, their colors popping against the lush green backdrop. Birds chirped merrily in the distance, their melodic tunes adding to the tranquil ambiance. It was a symphony of the wilderness, and I felt completely immersed in its beauty. Romeo's presence beside me was comforting, and I could sense a shared appreciation for the natural world in the way he admired the surroundings. His eyes reflected the same awe and wonder that I felt, and there was an unspoken understanding between us, as if the woods had woven an invisible thread connecting our souls.

As we walked in companionable silence, I stole glances at Romeo, his profile framed by the soft, filtered sunlight. He looks like the perfect match for Jasmine. The lines on his face spoke of wisdom and kindness, adding to the allure of his presence. His smile, warm and genuine, made my heart flutter with affection. With every step, the forest seemed to embrace us, enveloping us in a sense of belonging and tranquility. My curiosity about the surprise Romeo had planned grew with each passing moment. The anticipation tingled in the air, heightening my senses and adding a layer of excitement to our journey. I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me, a delightful mystery wrapped in the beauty of the natural world.

"Thank you. It smells so nice here. That's my favorite fragrance-Lavender," I said, my voice filled with a hint of nostalgia as i tried to break the silence between us.

"How nice. It's my favorite too," He replied, feeling a sense of connection over our shared preference.

As we ventured deeper into the woods, the towering trees enveloped us in a canopy of lush greenery, their ancient branches forming a natural cathedral. The forest floor was covered in a soft carpet of fallen leaves, and the muffled sounds of our footsteps echoed in the serene stillness of the wilderness. Romeo, with his strong and steady presence, guided me further into this enchanting world. "Close your eyes, princess," he whispered, his voice carrying a hint of excitement that mirrored my own. I obeyed without hesitation, my heart quickening with anticipation, and rested my trust in his protective embrace.

His arm wrapped around my waist, and I nestled into his comforting hold, feeling his warm breath against my ear. The woods seemed to come alive with every step, as if nature itself was eager to be part of our secret adventure. I could sense the tantalizing aroma of the forest, the earthy scent of moss and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, mingling in the air. The cool breeze brushed against my cheeks like a gentle caress, making me feel even more alive. Birdsong filled the air, a harmonious chorus that seemed to celebrate our presence in this pristine world. Their melodies formed a symphony of nature's delight, a serenade to our hidden path through the woods.

As we continued deeper into the forest, my anticipation grew with every careful step. Romeo's hand held me firmly, his touch a reassuring anchor in the wilderness. The world around us felt vibrant, vibrant, and full of secrets waiting to be discovered. "You can open your eyes now," Romeo whispered, his voice soft and filled with warmth. As I slowly parted my eyelids, I was greeted with the breathtaking sight of the forest's hidden wonders.

I stood there beside Romeo, gazing out at the breathtaking vista before us. The sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and lavender, creating a mesmerizing tableau that stretched out to the farthest reaches of the horizon. The gentle breeze carried the faint scent of wildflowers, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. My heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder, and I couldn't contain my emotions any longer. I turned towards Romeo, my eyes brimming with tears, and in a voice filled with genuine astonishment, I whispered, "Oh my holy God, Romeo, this is the most beautiful sight I saw today." Without hesitation, I wrapped my arms around him, close, as if I couldn't bear to witness such beauty without sharing the moment with him. Romeo, caught in the spellbinding allure of the scene and my affectionate gesture, reciprocated by gently brotherly caressing my back. His smile was soft and tender, reflecting the deep connection we shared in that timeless moment, as we both surrendered to the breathtaking beauty that enveloped us. The world seemed to stand still as we embraced, lost in the splendor of nature's artistry and the profound love we had for each other.

The air turned cooler, but we hardly noticed, wrapped up in the warmth of the moment and the embrace of his arms around me. The hot chocolate in our hands was like a potion, comforting aroma mixing with the salty breeze, creating an enchanting atmosphere. As we savored the hot chocolate and cookies, a mix of emotions washed over me. The joy of the moment was undeniable, but there was also a flicker of vulnerability. The fear of getting hurt again lingered in the depths of my mind, a nagging worry that contrasted sharply with the idyllic scene around me. I stole a glance at Romeo, searching his eyes for reassurance. His gaze met mine, soft and sincere, as if he could sense the turmoil within me. He tightened his hold around me, as if to convey that he was there to protect me from any harm that might come my way. His touch was gentle yet firm, a silent promise that he wouldn't be the one to hurt me.

He look at me an whispers, ''Abelia, did you like the surprise?''

I look at him, my eyes beaming with joy, nodding a yes.

"What do you look for in friends?" I asked, genuinely curious about his preferences.

"I like people who are open-hearted. Like they don't take anything to heart, and most importantly, they are truthful and trustworthy," Romeo replied, his sincerity evident.

"I like honest people too, and those whom I can confide in. " I shared, wanting him to know more about me.

"That's nice. Yet, I don't have many friends. I have Gregory and my brothers Irwin, Aster and Azlert." Irwin revealed a hint of warmth in his voice.

"Azlert, I think I saw him at the party. You have a handsome brother, I must agree, Who is Irwin?" I said, recalling the event.

"You've recognized him wrong," Romeo laughed softly. "That was Aster, my youngest brother. And yes, he's pretty good-looking too. Irwin is a mystery man, he's the owner of the castle and he didn't attend the party. Irwin is the eldest, Azlert is adopted, I'm the second eldest, then there's Calantha and Aster is the youngest. He is still eighteen, majoring in actuary"

"Oops, sorry. Maybe I didn't see Azlert," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed. ''The McFlurry men are indeed gorgeous and intelligent. No wonder, all those girls were crazy back in school'' I added with a laugh. I couldn't help but wonder who this mysterious Irwin was.

"Maybe you did. He was standing with Dad. You know, Dad treats him as a second son. In fact, Azlert is family," Romeo explained, giving me a glimpse into his family dynamics.

"That's so nice. And what about his parents? Did they come to the party?" I inquired, curious about the people in Romeo's life.

Romeo fell silent for a moment, his expression turning sombre. "They are no more. His mommy died while giving birth to him, and his dad, who meant the whole universe to him, never returned. One day, while he was playing at my place, Mom received a call from the police. They said his dad was no more. They found his dead body on the tomb of his mother. Mom was devastated by the whole situation. That day, I decided to make Azlert part of our family and my parents adopted him. He is an important piece of us. I will introduce you to him soon. You will be glad to meet him."

Tears welled up in my eyes, moved by the heartbreaking story. I didn't know what to say, my heart aching for Azlert's tragic past. Romeo, sensing my emotions, leaned forward, his warm fingers wiping away my tears gently.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to," I stammered, trying to compose myself. "But this made my heart melt. Poor Azlert has to bear all these from such a young age. Even Jasmine suffered a tragedy. Her dad was an army officer. Some random guy broke into her house and killed her dad right in front of her eyes. And I consider Jasmine as my sister. She means a lot to me."

"Thank you for today, Romeo. It's just been a lot recently, especially with the anniversary of my grandparents' passing."

The vulnerability in my voice echoed the emotional rollercoaster I had been navigating. The subtle tremor betrayed the depth of my feelings- the heaviness of loss compounded by the weight of the day's memories. "I liked the surprise," I admitted, a genuine smile breaking through the lingering clouds of sorrow.