What surprise are waiting for Ash

[IN HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER]

(Jack and Robert enter the hospital room where Jack's grandma is resting. She appears to be in good spirits despite her hospitalization.)

ROBERT: (greeting Jack's grandma) Hello, Mrs. Smith. How are you feeling?

MRS. SMITH: (smiling weakly) Oh, hello, Robert. I'm hanging in there. It's good to see you.

ROBERT: Likewise, Mrs. Smith. (glances at Jack)

JACK: (to Mrs. Smith) Grandma, this is my friend Robert. He dropped by to say hello.

MRS. SMITH: (nodding) Nice to meet you, Robert. Thank you for visiting.

ROBERT: (politely) Of course, Mrs. Smith. How's your recovery going?

MRS. SMITH: Slowly but surely. I'll be back on my feet in no time. (pauses) Oh, but enough about me. Jack tells me you have a friend here in the hospital too.

ROBERT: (caught off guard) Oh, yes, just a friend. Nothing serious.

JACK: (sensing Robert's discomfort) Well, Robert, we should let Grandma rest now. We don't want to tire her out.

(They bid Mrs. Smith goodbye and exit the room.)

ROBERT: (curious) Jack, I couldn't help but notice the heavy security outside. Why the need for so much protection?

JACK: (casually) Oh, you know how it is, Robert. Grandma's got some government connections. Can't be too careful these days.

(They head towards the hospital's exit, Robert still feeling uneasy about the situation.)

HOSPITAL COURTYARD

(Jack and Robert walk side by side, the sun casting long shadows across the courtyard.)

ROBERT: So, Jack, do you have a special someone in your life?

JACK: (chuckles) Well, there was this girl back in high school. She was my crush for the longest time.

ROBERT: What happened?

JACK: Life happened, you know? We drifted apart after graduation, and I never really got over her.

ROBERT: (nodding sympathetically) I understand. Sometimes those feelings linger longer than we expect.

JACK: Exactly. What about you, Robert? Anyone special caught your eye lately?

ROBERT: (hesitant) Well, there's this girl at university. Her name's Ash. She's incredible, but... I don't think she sees me the same way.

JACK: (intrigued) Ah, unrequited love. I know the feeling. But why do you say that?

ROBERT: (gesturing vaguely) It's complicated. She's not really looking for a relationship, and lately, I've noticed her getting closer to someone else—Ali.

JACK: (raising an eyebrow) Ali, huh? That's interesting. Do you know him?

ROBERT: (nodding) Yeah, he's in our class. Seems like a decent guy, but... (trails off, looking troubled)

JACK: (noticing Robert's unease) You okay, buddy?

ROBERT: (forces a smile) Yeah, just... overthinking things, I guess. Anyway, thanks for listening, Jack.

JACK: (patting Robert on the back) Anytime, Robert. We'll figure it out together.

(They continue their stroll, lost in their thoughts.)

[IN HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY]

(Robert and Jack enter the hospital room where Ash is sitting on the bed, looking tired but relieved.)

ROBERT: Ash, are you okay?

ASH: (forcing a smile) Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired.

ROBERT: (noticing Jack) Oh, sorry, Ash, this is Jack. He's a friend from high school. Jack, this is Ash.

JACK: (extending his hand) Nice to meet you, Ash.

ASH: (shaking his hand) Likewise, Jack. Thanks for dropping by.

JACK: No problem. I heard you got admitted, so I thought I'd come and see how you're doing.

ASH: (appreciative) That's really kind of you. And thanks for the compliment earlier.

JACK: (smiling) You always were pretty, Ash.

ROBERT: (curious) How do you two know each other?

JACK: We went to high school together.

ROBERT: Ah, I see. Well, Ash, Ali was really worried about you. He's been trying to reach you.

ASH: (sighs) I know, I should call him. But... (hesitates) My dad just got back from his trip, and I promised to pick him up from the airport.

ROBERT: (concerned) Is everything okay with your dad?

ASH: (nodding) Yeah, he's fine. Just tired from the trip. But I should head out soon to go get him.

ROBERT: (understanding) Of course. Let us know if you need anything, Ash.

ASH: Thanks, Robert. I appreciate it.

(Jack and Robert exchange a glance as Ash gathers her things to leave.)

[IN JACK'S LUXURIOUS CAR - EVENING]

(Ash sits in the passenger seat of Jack's luxurious car, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the opulence around her. Jack drives smoothly through the city streets, occasionally stealing glances at Ash.)

ASH: (smiling) Jack, this is all so... unexpected. I didn't know we were going to a party.

JACK: (smirking) I like to keep things interesting. And besides, you deserve a night of luxury after everything you've been through.

ASH: (grateful) Thank you, Jack. But you really didn't have to do all this for me.

JACK: (chuckling) Nonsense. It's my pleasure. Besides, I wanted to spend some quality time with you.

(Ash blushes slightly, feeling flattered by Jack's attention.)

[IN JACK'S GRAND PALACE - NIGHT]

(The grand palace is adorned with elegant decorations and soft lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ash stands in awe as Jack leads her through the opulent halls.)

ASH: (impressed) Wow, Jack. This place is incredible.

JACK: (smiling proudly) Welcome to my humble abode. I'm glad you like it.

(They enter a beautifully decorated ballroom where a small gathering awaits them. Ash recognizes some of Jack's friends from high society.)

ASH: (whispering to Jack) Is this party just for us?

JACK: (grinning) Indeed it is, my dear. I wanted to show you a night of extravagance and spoil you a little.

(Ash smiles, feeling touched by Jack's gesture. They spend the evening dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other's company in the lavish surroundings of the palace.)

[IN JACK'S GRAND PALACE - NIGHT]

(Ash and Jack are engaged in lively conversation, enjoying the luxurious ambiance of the party, when suddenly, the atmosphere shifts as Ash's father and his family make a grand entrance.)

ASH: (surprised) Dad? What are you doing here?

MR. ANDERSON: (smiling warmly) Surprise, sweetheart! We wanted to join in the celebration and spend some time with you.

(Ash's mother and siblings stand beside her father, all wearing smiles of anticipation.)

ASH: (happily overwhelmed) This is... unexpected. But I'm so glad you're here.

MRS. ANDERSON: (embracing Ash) We couldn't miss the chance to see our daughter enjoying herself.

(Ash's siblings join in the embrace, expressing their excitement to be part of the festivities.)

JACK: (approaching) Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. It's a pleasure to have you here.

MR. ANDERSON: (shaking Jack's hand) Thank you, Jack. We appreciate your hospitality.

(Ash looks around, feeling grateful for the unexpected reunion with her family amidst the opulence of the palace.)

[IN JACK'S GRAND PALACE - NIGHT]

(The grand dining hall is adorned with exquisite decorations, and a long table is set with an array of sumptuous dishes. Jack's parents and his brother arrive, adding to the festive atmosphere.)

JACK'S MOTHER: (greeting Ash's family warmly) Welcome, dear guests! We're delighted to have you join us for this special occasion.

JACK'S FATHER: (nodding with a smile) Yes, indeed. Let's enjoy this evening together.

(Ash's family exchanges pleasantries with Jack's family, expressing their gratitude for the warm welcome.)

ASH: (excitedly) Wow, everything looks incredible!

JACK: (proudly) I'm glad you like it. Tonight is about celebrating and enjoying each other's company.

(Ash and her family take their seats at the table, marveling at the abundance of delicious food before them. The room is filled with laughter and chatter as everyone begins to indulge in the feast.)

ASH'S MOTHER: (admiring the spread) Jack, you've outdone yourself. Everything looks so beautiful.

JACK: (modestly) Thank you, Mrs. Anderson. It's a pleasure to host such wonderful guests.

(As the evening progresses, the guests indulge in lively conversation and savor the delectable dishes, creating unforgettable memories in the grand surroundings of the palace.As the families continue to enjoy their meal, the conversation shifts to business matters. Ash, feeling a bit bored by the business talk, excuses herself from the table.)

ASH: (smiling) I think I'll take a tour of the house. It's so grand, I'd love to explore a bit.

JACK: (grinning) I'll be your guide then. Come on, let me show you around.

(They walk through the opulent halls of the palace, chatting and laughing as they go. Jack leads Ash to his room, which surprises her with its decor.)

ASH: (eyes widening) Wow, I wasn't expecting this!

JACK: (nervously) Yeah, I'm a bit of a fan.

(He gestures to the walls adorned with posters of Ash, causing her to laugh.)

ASH: (teasingly) I see that! You really admire me, huh?

JACK: (blushing) Uh, yeah. You could say that.

(Ash, touched by the gesture, takes Jack's hand and pulls him closer.)

ASH: (smiling) Well, I think it's sweet. Let's capture this moment.

(She grabs her phone and takes a selfie of them together.)

ASH: (excitedly) Perfect! Now we can frame it.

(Jack, still blushing, can't help but smile at Ash's infectious enthusiasm.)

[IN JACK'S GRAND PALACE - NIGHT]

(As Ash and Jack continue to explore the house, they find themselves in a cozy sitting area.)

ASH: (curiously) So, Jack, tell me about your love life. Are you seeing anyone special?

JACK: (hesitant) Well, there was someone from high school. She's... kind of been on my mind for a while.

ASH: (interested) Oh, really? What happened with her?

JACK: (shrugging) We lost touch after high school, but I guess I never really got over her.

ASH: (sympathetic) I understand. It's hard to forget your first crush.

(Jack smiles at her, appreciating her understanding.)

JACK: (changing the subject) What about you, Ash? Are you seeing anyone?

ASH: (hesitating) Um, well, there's someone I'm close to. More than just friends, but not quite in a relationship.

JACK: (raising an eyebrow) Interesting. Who's the lucky guy?

ASH: (smiling) His name is Ali. We've been through a lot together.

(Jack nods, taking in the information.)

JACK: (genuinely) He sounds like a great guy.

ASH: (nodding) Yeah, he is.

(They share a moment of understanding before continuing their tour of the palace.)

[IN JACK'S ROOM - NIGHT]

(Jack and Ash are admiring the posters in Jack's room when suddenly, Jack becomes serious.)

JACK: (sincerely) Ash, there's something I need to tell you.

ASH: (curiously) What is it?

(Jack takes a deep breath, looking nervous.)

JACK: (softly) Ash, you know how much I admire you, right? Well, there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now. Do you know who I like?

ASH: (intrigued) Who?

(Before Jack can respond, a WAITER enters the room, interrupting the moment.)

WAITER: Excuse me, Mr. Jack, Miss Ash, your parents are calling for you. They're waiting downstairs.

(Jack clenches his fists in frustration, clearly annoyed by the interruption.)

JACK: (exasperated) Not now! Can't they see we're in the middle of something important?

ASH: (calmly) Jack, it's okay. Let's not make a scene. We'll go down and see what they want.

(Jack reluctantly nods, trying to calm himself down.)

JACK: (sighing) Fine, let's go.

(They leave the room, Jack still visibly irritated by the interruption.)

[IN DINING ROOM - NIGHT]

(As they enter the dining room, they see their parents waiting for them, along with a small group of close family members.)

ASH'S MOTHER: (excitedly) There you are, Ash! Jack! We've been waiting for you.

JACK'S FATHER: (smiling) Come, sit down. We have something important to discuss.

(Jack and Ash exchange puzzled glances as they take their seats at the table.)

JACK'S MOTHER: (with a grin) We've decided that it's time to make things official between you two.

ASH: (bewildered) What do you mean?

ASH'S FATHER: (proudly) We've arranged for you two to be engaged.

(Ash and Jack are stunned into silence, their eyes wide with shock.)

ASH: (stammering) Engaged?

(Jack's expression mirrors Ash's surprise, but there's a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.)

JACK: (softly) Ash, I... I just wanted to surprise you.

(Ash looks at Jack, her emotions swirling as she tries to process the unexpected turn of events.)