Aurora’s Pov
It was finally the day. His birthday.
My boyfriend’s birthday.
Nah, I’m going to ask him to ask me officially.
I grinned at the thought.
Ryan was still asleep beside me, his breathing soft, his chest rising and falling steadily. He looked so peaceful like this. So beautiful. I had made sure to wake up before him just to be the first to wish him a happy birthday. And I did.
His hair was all over the place, messy and wild, and I couldn’t resist running my fingers through it. Carefully, I reached out and brushed it away from his face, tucking some strands behind his ear.
The second my fingers touched him, his eyes fluttered open.
Before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me onto him.
“Ryan, stop!” I giggled, trying to push him off.
His lips curled into a teasing smirk. “I caught you admiring me in my sleep, huh?”
“No, I wasn’t!” I denied quickly. “Your hair was just all over the place.”
He raised a brow. “So, I’m not handsome enough for you to admire?”
Oh, God.
I rolled my eyes. “Stop it, Ryan! You’re so handsome… you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Happy birthday, love.”
His teasing expression faded for a moment, replaced by something softer. Something deeper.
The name Love.
I think I’m going to start calling him that.
The warmth in his eyes made my heart swell.
For a few seconds, he didn’t say anything. Then, he cupped the back of my neck and pulled me into a kiss.
It was slow and deep, his lips moving against mine like he had all the time in the world. My fingers curled into his shirt as he kissed me breathless, his grip on me tightening.
And then I felt it.
The bulge beneath me.
Oh, no.
“Okay, okay! Morning breath! Morning breath!” I gasped, pulling away and scrambling off him.
Ryan just smirked lazily, sitting up. “I don’t mind.”
I do!
I quickly grabbed some clothes from the wardrobe. “Well, I do mind. We stink. I’m going to brush my teeth and have a quick bath, and then you can do the same.”
“We can do it together,” he murmured as he stood up and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
I shivered slightly but managed to push down my reaction. “Soon,” I said with a giggle, slipping out of his grasp and dashing into the bathroom.
As I turned on the tap, I heard his voice from outside.
“I’m missing you already. Hasten up.”
I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt.
He was opening up more these days, showing me this playful, teasing side of him, and I loved it.
“Yeah, that’s right, miss me,” I called back, laughing as I sank into the tub.
I was done in a few minutes.
Now, I just needed to get past him and meet with Elliot and the others. I wanted today to be perfect.
After dressing up in the bathroom, I stepped out, carrying my old clothes.
Ryan was by the window, staring outside. The morning light framed his figure perfectly, making him look almost unreal.
So angelic.
I could watch him all day.
But instead, I decided to be a little playful.
I set my worn clothes down and ran toward him, jumping onto his back.
“Aurora,” he chuckled, amusement lacing his voice.
“You play too much,” he added.
“I know,” I grinned.
He shook his head but didn’t push me off.
“Now it’s time for you to go wash up. Be fast because I’m going to miss you,” I told him.
Ryan tilted his head slightly, trying to glance at me. “You sure you’re going to miss me?”
“Yes, I will. So be fast.”
“Hm.” His grip on my legs tightened slightly. “Okay, but you have to get down for me to go… or I can take you in with me. I’d love that.”
I climbed down immediately.
“You’re so shameless,” I laughed, shaking my head.
Ryan smirked and leaned in, pressing a soft peck on my cheek before heading into the bathroom.
This was my chance.
I needed to be fast.
****
The moment I stepped outside the bedroom, I spotted Elliot and Caleb waiting for me.
“Everything’s ready?” I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.
They nodded, and without wasting time, they led me across the mansion to the ballroom.
As soon as I stepped inside, my heart swelled.
The decorations, the lights, the way everything was perfectly set up, it was even more beautiful than I had imagined. The dark and gold color scheme gave it a regal look, and the massive chandelier sparkled like a sky full of stars.
I turned to Elliot and Caleb, who were standing beside me.
“Thank you so much,” I said, my voice full of gratitude. “This is beautiful.”
Elliot gave me a small nod and a smile, while Caleb grinned. “You’re welcome.”
Everything seemed perfect. But then, reality hit me like a truck.
“Now we have a problem,” I muttered, rubbing my temples. “How do I stop Ryan from coming out of the room? The guests will start arriving later in the day, and if he spots them, the surprise is ruined.”
Caleb groaned. “We didn’t think about that.”
I was about to start racking my brain for a solution when the doors suddenly burst open.
Mira and Leila walked in with matching mischievous grins.
“We have a solution,” Mira announced.
Elliot and Caleb exchanged skeptical looks.
I held up a hand. “Let’s hear them out. They’re part of the plan too.”
Leila stepped forward. “My mother taught me how to make sleeping medicine. It’s completely harmless but strong enough to knock someone out for hours.”
I blinked. “You’re suggesting I drug my boyfriend on his birthday?”
Mira quickly raised her hands. “No, no! It has no side effects. It’s just a deep sleep…. like a nap but longer.”
I folded my arms, still unsure. “And how exactly am I supposed to make him take it? Force it down his throat?”
Leila smirked. “Already taken care of. We mixed it into a bottle of wine. All you have to do is drink with him…. pretend to take a sip. The moment he drinks even a little…”
“He’ll be out like a light,” I finished, eyes widening.
Leila nodded. “Exactly.”
I turned to Elliot and Caleb, who had been quietly listening.
“What do you guys think?”
Elliot sighed. “It’s a good plan, but let’s make sure there are no side effects.”
“Yeah, that’s the main thing,” Caleb agreed.
Mira rolled her eyes. “Trust us, there are no bad side effects.”
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. I have to get back to the room before he gets suspicious.”
They all nodded in agreement.
****
I slipped back into the room as quietly as possible, but the moment I stepped inside, Ryan was already standing by the door, arms crossed.
“Heading somewhere?” I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
He arched a brow. “You left me here.”
Oh, great. He was pouting.
I quickly closed the door behind me and flashed him an innocent smile. “I went to get wine.”
His eyes stayed on me, sharp and observant, as I walked over to the table and placed the bottle down. My fingers trembled slightly as I reached for two glasses from the glass shelf by the corner.
“Come on,” I coaxed. “Have a drink with me.”
Ryan’s expression softened, and a small smirk appeared on his lips. “How can I say no to my beautiful girl?”
He walked toward me, and we both sat down.
I popped the bottle open, my hands careful not to shake. Pouring the wine into the glasses, I took a slow breath. My heart was hammering in my chest.
Ryan’s gaze flickered to me. “Are you okay?”
Crap. Of course, he could hear my heartbeat.
I forced out a chuckle. “Yes! I’m just excited for your birthday.”
I handed him the glass, hoping he wouldn’t notice anything.
“A toast?” I quickly suggested before he could question me further.
He raised his glass.
“To your birthday,” I said, smiling.
We clinked our glasses together, and I watched, half in horror, half in amazement, as he took a huge sip…nearly half the glass in one go.
Oh. That was… a lot.
I pretended to drink mine, subtly placing it back on the table.
Then, Ryan suddenly frowned. “Aurora?”
My breath hitched. “Yes?”
His hand went up to his forehead. “My head feels weird. Like… heavy.”
My heart flipped. It was working.
“On your birthday?” I gasped dramatically. “You should lie down for a bit.”
“No, no, I’m fine,” he insisted, blinking rapidly as if trying to fight the drowsiness.
“No, I insist,” I said, standing up and gently pushing his shoulder. “Just for a little while.”
Ryan exhaled, his body already betraying him. “Okay… just for a…”
His words trailed off as his eyelids drooped. Within seconds, he collapsed onto the bed.
I let out a relieved breath, stepping closer. His face looked so peaceful, his breathing even.
I leaned down and pressed a soft peck to his lips.
“I’m sorry, love,” I whispered. “I just don’t want the surprise to be ruined.”