A Night of Surprises {special chapter}

Hey, it's me Adrein, now it's time to listen my side of story.

We stepped out onto the balcony, and she turned to me with a puzzled expression, " we are going in the wrong direction?" I didn't reply, keeping a mischievous secret plan for her in mind. "Hey, Mr. Scientist, what are you up to? Don't tell me you're planning to imprison me and conduct experiments, hmm," she said, playfully gazing into my eyes. Unable to contain myself, I burst out, "Ember," as she teased me again with our inside joke about aliens, a conversation that had marked our very first day together—a memorable moment for me.

"Yes?" she responded, tilting her head slightly to hear my response. Playing along, I replied with a serious expression and furrowed brows, "I think you're right." She fell silent for a moment, rotating her head around before pleading, "Oh no, please Adrien, I swear I'm not an alien. Please believe me." Unable to resist the playful banter, I retorted, "I don't believe you. I think you've taken the place of my friend and come here, so I am going to..." Ember cut me off, exclaiming, "Someone help me! He's going to..." She paused, leaving me curious.

"What happened? Why did you stop calling for help?" I asked, looking at Ember's pale face. I turned and noticed reporters taking pictures of us. Aware of Ember's discomfort with such attention, I decided to take matters into my own hands. "Excuse me," I said to Ember, guiding her to the corridor. "Hey, you there! Can you come here and take some pictures with my partner today?" I offered the reporters, understanding Ember's unease but having a plan in mind.

Whispering into her ear, I said, "Hey, Ember, do you mind taking some pictures with me? It's our first face-to-face meeting. Let's make it a memorable memory." Blushing, she agreed, "Okay." We smiled, maintaining a respectful distance, posing for the pictures. When the reporters urged us to look into each other's eyes, things got a bit closer than expected, making us blush and look away. Deciding to end the impromptu photoshoot, I said, "Let's just finish it here," and the reporters bowed out, sensing my displeasure.

"Hey, relax your brows. You'll ruin your face like this," Ember said, tapping my frowning brows. "Okay, stop doing it. I will stop. Let's go. It's getting late," I said, holding Ember's hand, inadvertently getting closer than intended. Feeling a strange sensation, I hurriedly started walking again.

Curious about our delay, Ember inquired, "For what are we getting late?" Without revealing much, I replied, "Something special is waiting for you." She fell silent, and we continued walking to our destination.

Upon reaching the room where Ember had teleported, she remarked, "So, my time is over. I am going back now." Instead of responding, I wanted to heighten the surprise. I gestured for her to open the door, and as she entered, I intentionally plunged the room into darkness. As Ember grew anxious, I illuminated the space with decorations, revealing the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY." Another spotlight unveiled a beautiful chocolate cake. "Oh, my!" Ember exclaimed, astonished that I had managed to pull off a surprise just before her birthday ended.

Then, another spotlight shone on me as I stood next to her. Our eyes met, her gaze making my heart race. Starting to sing the "Happy Birthday" song, I approached the cake. Ember's face filled with tears of joy, making me immensely pleased. Taking a piece of cake, she offered a bite to me, creating a sweet moment.

To enhance the atmosphere, I played some music, urging Ember to take my hand for a dance. As we danced, I couldn't help but revel in Ember's happiness and excitement. Our dance continued until Ember's tired legs stumbled, and I quickly caught her, preventing a fall. Concerned, I asked, "What happened?" Yawning, Ember replied, "I don't know, but I am sleepy now."

Realizing the lateness of the hour, I suggested, "Go and get changed into your nightwear." I fetched a nightdress for her, but by the time I returned, she had already fallen asleep. Seeing her peacefully asleep with a smile, I covered her with a blanket. Noticing her discomfort with her hair bun, I gently removed it, along with her long earrings. A small smile appeared on Ember's face as she murmured, "Thank you, Adrien, for this beautiful evening."

"You're welcome," I replied, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. Unable to look away from her beauty—her Indian skin tone, long black hair, and long eyelashes—I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of her sleeping form. She resembled an angel, especially when she had called me in the hall earlier. Smiling, I whispered, "Good night," and switched off the lights. The party might have been a regret, but in moments like these, being with her made it all worthwhile.