Isabella sipped her tea, gazing out the window. Outside was a wide, bustling street, brightly lit for Valentine’s Day, and even busier than during the day. Resting her head on her hand, she wondered what surprise Andrew might have in store for her. Should she be cautious while eating in case he hid the ring in the food?
While she was lost in her thoughts, the food was served. All her favorite dishes made her mouth water. Andrew, attentive as always, peeled the crabs and shrimp for her, and all she had to do was eat.
Isabella ended up eating a bit too much, and then Andrew drove her back home. It turned out that when he said they were just going to have dinner, he really meant just dinner. She had overthought it.
Back at the villa, Isabella stormed into the bathroom and washed off her makeup. She felt it had been a waste to put in so much effort for dinner. She had to eat carefully to avoid smudging her makeup, which spoiled her enjoyment.
Disappointed and slightly annoyed, she took a shower and went to bed early. Andrew stayed in his study, working, and didn’t pay her any attention.
She was still angry while lying in bed, and eventually, she fell asleep in her frustration.
The next day, Isabella got up early, which was rare for her. She had breakfast with Andrew and left the house with him. He dropped her off at her apartment on his way to work.
As she walked in, Asher was playing with toy cars on the living room carpet. Seeing his mom, he got excited and ran to her, arms flailing like a little bird.
She hugged Asher, and they spun around the living room in happiness.
“Isabella, you’re back! Have you had breakfast?” Amelia asked with a smile.
“Yes, but I’ve been craving your old duck soup,” Isabella replied.
“I’ll go to the market and make a few more dishes you and Asher like for lunch,” Amelia said cheerfully, heading out with her shopping basket.
The grocery store was nearby, and Amelia soon returned with a basket full of groceries, including fish, meat, vegetables, and a fat duck.
But as soon as Amelia returned, Isabella started getting ready to leave.
“Amelia, I need to go out for a bit. I’ll be back in the afternoon,” she said, changing her shoes at the entrance. Asher clung to her leg, unwilling to let go.
“Sweetheart, mommy has something urgent to take care of. I’ll be back soon to be with you,” she said, crouching down to kiss Asher’s little face.
“Asher, be good. Mommy will bring you ice cream when I come back.”
Isabella handed Asher to Amelia and hurried out. As she closed the door, she could still hear Asher crying.
Isabella left the apartment and drove straight to the airport.
An hour later.
Isabella was driving back to town from the airport when she received a call from Andrew.
“Are you at the apartment?” he asked.
“No, I just came back from the airport. I dropped off a friend,” she replied.
“Dinner tonight?” he asked.
Isabella: “…”
Dinner again? Yesterday’s meal nearly gave her indigestion.
“I’m not in the mood,” she said.
“Not feeling well? How about I take you to the beach for a walk, just to relax,” he suggested.
“Mr. Andrew, with your busy schedule, how could I dare waste your precious time?” she retorted.
Last night, Andrew had worked until midnight and slept in his study. She didn’t want to be unreasonable and drag him out for a stroll.
On the other end of the phone, Andrew chuckled softly. “Why so angry? Did I upset you again?”
She bit her lip and stayed silent, admitting to herself that she was taking her frustrations out on him.
“Half an hour later, meet me at the Star Sea Hotel. Don’t be late,” he coaxed her gently.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and agreed.
After hanging up, she turned her car around and headed toward the coastal area.
She had been to the Star Sea Hotel a few times. It was built along the coast, with the sea and beach right in front of it, known for its romantic and luxurious atmosphere. Many photo studios liked to shoot there.
Isabella parked her car in the designated parking area and walked toward the hotel. Walking on the beach in her high heels, which were over ten centimeters high, was quite inconvenient. She nearly twisted her ankle. Annoyed, she took off her heels, held them in her hand, and walked barefoot on the sand.
As she walked toward the hotel entrance, she noticed a “Closed for Business” sign hanging on the door. Immediately, she was furious, thinking, “Is Andrew playing a trick on me?”
She pulled out her phone, about to call him, when suddenly there was a loud bang behind her.
Startled, she turned around and saw someone setting off fireworks.
She thought, “Who sets off fireworks in broad daylight? There are really some crazy people around.” But she couldn’t help but look up and watch.
The fireworks soared into the sky, displaying dazzling colors and then forming the word “LOVE.”
Isabella thought it was probably someone proposing. Despite thinking it was a bit crazy, she found it quite romantic.
She was still holding her phone, ready to dial, when she noticed the hotel door had opened. Suddenly, the beach was adorned with arches, flowers, and balloons as if by magic.
Then, a figure, no, a Doraemon mascot, wobbled out of the hotel, holding a ring box.
Isabella, despite being slow to realize, understood at this moment that this was Andrew’s surprise for her.
A proposal should be a serious and romantic affair, but looking at the Doraemon mascot, which was a head taller than her, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Where was the perfect prince? How did he turn into a blue, chubby cat? Andrew, are you sure you’re proposing and not just clowning around?
Andrew seemed taken aback by her laughter. He reached up to remove the Doraemon headpiece, revealing his deep blue eyes.
Isabella tried to stifle her laughter. To ease the awkwardness, she reached out and touched his Doraemon headpiece, smiling sincerely. “Andrew, actually, it’s quite cute.”
Andrew: “…”
Well, it seemed that women’s minds worked differently from men’s after all.
Andrew, wearing the bulky Doraemon costume, found it difficult to move, so he unzipped it and started taking it off. Since it was a bit tricky, Isabella even helped him.
After he got rid of the costume, leaving it aside, he was wearing a blue and white striped shirt with a black bow tie and neatly pressed trousers.
The transformation from Doraemon back to prince looked much more pleasing. Isabella nodded in satisfaction.
Then, he opened the ring box, presenting a sparkling diamond ring to her.
Isabella was more than satisfied with the ring-it was beautiful and not overly flashy.
Just as she was about to reach for it, Andrew grabbed her hand and held it in his palm.