Everlasting Rose

The news of Ariana's safe delivery spread like hot potatoes as pictures of the newborn was quickly shared to the group chat. Everyone reacted positively and joyfully to the new member of the family. Ariana looked drained and aged after giving birth to Alexia.

Since Ariana needed her rest, everyone shifted their attention to the newborn princess. Chen Mu pulled Susu close to him as they watched the baby sleep from the glass window. Lily couldn't stop smiling as she witnessed the miracle of a tiny life after almost a day of hard work.

Catching the sweetness in her curved lips, Lin Que whispered, "Shall we work hard for one too? You're looking at someone else's baby like she's your own." His breath tickled her ears, making her giggle softly.

"Oh? Then are you confident in tying me down?" lily teased back playfully with her finger drawing circles in his palms.

"Hoho! The ring on your engagement finger says it's quite confident!" Wrapping his hand over her naughty finger, he rubbed the ring on her finger.

Susu overheard the couple's conversation and turned to Chen Mu. "We need to save our big red packets fast for this to-be-newlyweds couple. If they continue flirting for another second, I think I'll be frozen to ice."

Chen Mu chuckled at her remark and whispered into her ears. "Are you saying I'm not sweet and corny enough to melt your heart? If they spread their affection, we can fight back with ours. What do you think? Hmm?" He winked at her meaningfully, making her cheeks flush in a matter of seconds.

Pinching his arm lightly, she directed her attention to the newborn. She pointed to the little princess who was parting her tiny lips. "Isn't it amazing? Something so small starts off as tiny as a dot size and grows up to be this strong, adorable baby."

"Mm. Until the moment we become parents, we won't understand how miraculous it is to see a mini version of us combined in one small body. We're already this happy when watching over a relative's child. Think about how we would react once we have our own child." His warm palm rubbed her lower abdomen gently as if he could imagine their child's existence already.

Leaning her body back slightly, she let her heart be at ease in his embrace. After visiting Ariana, everyone went their separate ways. Chen Mu stayed with Susu like he did for the past months. Since her condition was considered stabilized, Chen Mu decided to bring her back to their condo.

It's been a long while since they've gone back there. Memories floated in their minds as they entered their home. Everything was the same, but it felt different because they've matured over the past year. Upon entering the condo, Susu looked around and smiled as everything stayed the way it was.

Chen Mu had cleansed the entire place from corner to corner before bringing her back. Everything had been washed and put in place as well. While she wandered to the kitchen, he went into her room and carried out a towel with a change of pajamas for her.

"Here, you must be tired. Take a shower first. I've adjusted the temperature for the bathroom, so it should be warm enough." Susu gave him a peck on the cheek before taking everything from his arms to the bathroom. Once the water started running, Chen Mu hurriedly entered his room.

Taking out a medium tall sized box, he carefully placed it on the table in the center of the living room. After that, he tied a neat bow using a red ribbon on top. Using the battery candles, he had used before, he ordered it to form a heart shape around the box on the table.

Turning off the lights in the kitchen and hallway, he switched on the LED reusable balloons that he had quickly set up. Satisfied with his work, he waited by the bathroom door. Once she finished her shower and stepped out, her eyes were immediately covered by his hands.

"What are you up to?" She laughed at his sudden surprise.

"I'll guide you to the living room and then count to three. You can't peek until I say you could open your eyes." He said with a hint of nervousness. She nodded, "Mm. Okay."

Following his lead, they stopped in the living room. Slowly, he counted. "One... Two... and... Three. You can look now."

The moment her eyes popped open, her palms reached to cover her mouth. She saw beautiful lights surrounding her and then the candles on the table. Looking at the man beside her, she wanted to ask him what was going on. It wasn't her birthday or any of their anniversaries.

"Open the gift." He pulled her hand and placed the end of the red ribbon into her hand. With a light pull, the ribbon was set free and she started unwrapping her gift. When she lifted the cover off the box, the sides of the box spread out. Her eyes widened at the glass case in front of her.

Holding her hands, he looked straight into her eyes. "A silly girl once told me that she loved Disney's Beauty and the Beast, but didn't enjoy receiving roses. I remember buying her a bouquet thinking it would make the girl happy, but she felt sad seeing the flowers wither away. Ever since then, I've thought of countless ways to give you this gift."

"The rose inside this glass case won't wither nor rust away as time passes. It will remain the way it is just like the love I have for you. There is a total of five petals on the bottom of the stand, representing five promises I have for you."

"Yin, Susu. I promise to always love you. Always protect you. Always stay by your side, despite sickness or in health. Always watch horror movies and fight evil spirits for you. Last and most importantly, I promise I will walk with you until either one of us can't anymore. Even then, I'd still crawl for you. I love you."

After confessing, he knelt on one knee and took out a jewelry box from his pocket. Lifting the cover up, he asked her, "Will you marry me?"