"Heyyyy…" Ella said, her face lighting up the moment she saw Jasper standing at the door with a heavy bouquet of roses cradled in his arms.
"Awww… this is so thoughtful of you," she added, leaning in to kiss him gently.
"Have a seat," Ella said, gesturing toward the couch, wanting Jasper to feel comfortable.
"Mmmmmm… they smell so nice and refreshing," she murmured, burying her nose into the bouquet. The roses were soft, full, and rich with fragrance almost intoxicating.
Ella ordered two cups of hot chocolate and freshly baked croissants for both of them.
"So, how has your day been?" Jasper asked, watching her with soft, attentive eyes.
"My day has been stressful, my love. I've been working tirelessly… I need a massage," she said, stretching her back and exhaling deeply.
"A massage you'll get, then," Jasper replied, smiling confidently, almost proudly.
"Are you good at it?" Ella asked cautiously, her brow furrowed. She worried he might do a poor job.
"Just give me a chance to surprise you," Jasper said, coaxing her gently.
"Alright then," Ella agreed, surrendering to the moment.
After work, she freshened up and laid on the neatly arranged bed, her hair cascading softly around her shoulders.
Jasper poured the warm massage oil carefully onto her back, letting it flow in a soothing line down her spine before placing his hands gently on her skin. He started rubbing in slow, circular motions. His palms were warm, firm, and steady.
"You like it?" Jasper asked, his voice low, seeking confirmation.
"Yes… yes, I do. Continue," Ella breathed, sinking into the comfort of his touch. She allowed herself to melt under his hands, feeling every tense knot in her shoulders dissolve.
The atmosphere thickened with intimacy. Ella couldn't resist anymore, she turned and pulled him closer, kissing him deeply. Their breaths mingled; the heat between them rose. It was as if gravity itself had pulled them together.
It was raw. It was real.
Something she hadn't felt in a long time.
"I'm sorry," Jasper whispered afterward, guilt brushing through his voice. "I didn't mean to make you break your decision about taking things slowly."
"You don't need to apologize. I wanted it," Ella replied quietly. Though her words were steady, part of her felt pushed, almost compelled by the moment, her emotions, everything happening around them.
"Cheer up," she added softly, brushing her thumb along his cheek.
Their bond grew stronger from that night onward. Piece by piece, moment by moment, Ella found herself falling deeper. With time, she began to love Jasper, allowing his presence to cover the parts of her heart she had kept closed.
Ben faded into the background, though her heart still harbored a quiet, soft spot for him.
Countless dates followed; movie nights stretching into the early hours, picnics under open skies, trying new foods together, taking playful pictures, capturing moments that felt warm, intimate, and unforgettable.
Memories that appeared perfect on the outside…
But beneath the surface…
A thorn still waited patiently.
Ella began noticing subtle signs. Every time Jasper received a call from a particular number saved as "Don't Answer", he would panic. Sometimes he would turn off his phone; other times he would rush outside to take the call.
"Are you hiding something from me? Is there something I need to know?" Ella asked repeatedly, her intuition sharp and persistent. She was convinced Jasper was hiding something.
"Not at all…" Jasper replied, forcing a calm tone.
"It's just my mom trying to get on my nerves. I'm not ready to deal with it yet…" he added, masking the truth with a carefully measured lie.
But Ella didn't believe him.
Her eyes, her mind, and her heart began watching more closely, noting every hesitation, every subtle movement, every word that sounded slightly off. She was determined to uncover the truth, whatever it was.