#9
616 Words
The next morning, Lina awoke to find a collection of dresses neatly laid out on the sofa in her room. The soft pastel colors and delicate floral patterns instantly caught her eye. She approached them, gently running her fingers over the fabric. They were beautiful, exactly the kind of dresses she loved but had never thought she would own.
A knock on the door made her turn, and Aric stepped inside. He looked at her with a soft yet determined expression. "I brought these for you," he said. "I thought you might like them."
Lina hesitated, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. "Aric, you didn’t have to do this."
"I wanted to," he insisted, stepping closer. "I want you to feel comfortable here, to have things that make you happy."
She glanced back at the dresses, their soft girl vibes perfectly matching her taste. She was both amused and amazed at how well he seemed to know her preferences. "How did you know?" she asked softly. "The colors, the patterns… even the sizes are perfect."
Aric shrugged slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I pay attention. I notice the things you like, the way you light up when you see certain colors or patterns. I wanted to make sure these felt like they were truly yours."
Lina felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She was still hesitant to accept such a generous gift, but the sincerity in his eyes made it hard to refuse. "Thank you," she murmured. "They’re beautiful."
Aric nodded, satisfaction evident on his face. "I’m glad you like them. I need you to get ready by 4 PM. We’re going somewhere."
"Where?" Lina asked, curiosity piqued.
"You’ll see," he replied, a hint of mystery in his voice.
As the afternoon approached, Lina chose a light cream-colored dress with a delicate floral pattern. It fit her perfectly, the soft fabric flowing gracefully around her. She tied her hair in a half ponytail, letting some strands fall around her face. A touch of lip balm added a subtle shine to her lips, completing her look.
At 4 PM, Lina made her way to the living room, where Aric was waiting. As she entered, he turned to look at her and became as still as a statue, his eyes wide with awe. Lina smiled, walking closer to him.
"Aric," she called softly.
He seemed to snap out of his daze, stepping forward. Without thinking, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Beautiful," he whispered.
Lina blushed, feeling the warmth of his words and the touch of his lips. "Thank you," she replied shyly.
Aric took her hand, leading her out of the palace and into the garden. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the landscape, making everything look magical. As they walked, Lina took in the beauty of the garden, but nothing prepared her for what came next.
Nestled under a grand oak tree was a swing, intricately decorated with flowers that looked like something out of a Disney movie. The swing was surrounded by a cascade of blossoms, the vibrant colors contrasting beautifully with the green foliage.
Lina gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Aric, this is... it’s beautiful!"
Overwhelmed with happiness, she turned and hugged him tightly. Aric's arms wrapped around her, holding her close. "I’m glad you like it," he murmured into her hair.
"I love it," Lina whispered, her voice full of emotion.
They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The swing swayed gently in the breeze, a perfect symbol of the delicate yet strong bond growing between them.
- Writer
