"We’ll never have any regrets between us."
Roo’s gaze faltered for a mont, and it looked as if stars had suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"You’ve planned it all so well," Rosemary said with a smile that could light up the night sky. "Every ti I’m out with you, it’s a joy, but today has been truly special."
Roo was visibly touched, and he couldn’t resist leaning down to press his lips against hers.
The violin’s lody was drifting to a close, and the night sky erupted in a symphony of fireworks.
Tourists around them were gobsmacked, their faces lit up by the unexpected display. They whipped out their smartphones to capture the mont.
"What’s the occasion today?"
"Is it another one of those surprise things that guy sets up for his girl?"
"That girl is so lucky to have a boyfriend who dotes on her like that."
"She must be the happiest person in the world, right?"
Rosemary looked up at the fireworks, knowing without a doubt that Roo was behind this magic.
"I never realized before how beautiful the world around could be," Rosemary remarked, her eyes following the lights above. "Since I’ve been with you, I’ve co to appreciate these slowed-down monts. The things I never noticed before—a flower, a tree, the earth and sea—they’re all so breathtaking."
"It’s all about the company," Roo said, gazing at her with adoration. "Being with you, my mood lifts, and everything looks beautiful, everything tastes amazing, and everything we do feels joyful."
"That does seem to make sense," Rosemary said, sharing a laugh with him before snuggling closer into his embrace.
Ten minutes later.
Rosemary had fallen asleep in his arms.
"Rose, knowing you have soone to take care of you eases my mind," a familiar voice whispered.
Rosemary stirred from her slumber only to find, standing before her, Grannie Grace.
"Grannie?" Rosemary felt the tears well up imdiately. She reached for her grandmother’s hand, the touch so real that her tears spilled out as she choked up. "You’re back!"
She hugged the elderly woman tightly, sobbing. "I was so wrong last ti. I couldn’t save you."
"There, there, my child, why the tears?" Grannie Grace tenderly wiped away the tears on Rosemary’s face, smiling warmly. "It was my ti, my dear. It had nothing to do with you. I know you’ve been haunted by that surgery, living in guilt and pain. How can I rest in peace with you like this?"
Hearing "rest in peace," Rosemary looked at her grandmother incredulously, struggling to discern if she was alive or dead. Rosemary couldn’t make the judgnt.
"What’s past is past. Life moves on, and I am at peace now. But you, my dear... I was always worried about who would look after you. Now that you have Roo, I see he’s a good lad. You will be happy with him."
Rosemary’s tears flowed anew.
"I can go now, knowing you’ll be alright."
"No, please don’t."
Rosemary reached instinctively for Grannie Grace’s pulse but felt nothing. She froze, realizing this might all be a dream. Was Grannie here in her dream?
The Luminescent Brook around them turned into a foggy haze, the boat drifting through the mist, and the image of her grandmother began to fade.
"Stop blaming yourself," the fading voice said.
"Grannie."
"Be happy."
"No, don’t go." Rosemary reached out, but there was nothing to grasp.
"Having a granddaughter like you makes proud. In the next life, we’ll be family again. I promise you, next ti I won’t leave so soon. I want to be there to see you married off."
And with those final words, Grannie Grace dissolved completely into the mist, leaving Rosemary alone with her mories and the promise of a lifeti.
The figure dissolved into a mist and slowly dispersed into the air.
Rosemary couldn’t grab hold of anything and burst into heartbreaking sobs right there.
"Rose, Rose," Roo said softly, unable to bear the sight of her tear-streaked face. "Can you hear ?"
Opening her tear-filled eyes, Rosemary realized she was still nestled in Roo’s arms, the boat gently gliding along Luminescent Brook, with the Erald Tower, the surrounding buildings, and other boats all still in place.
What was missing was Grannie Grace.
It had all been a dream!
"What did you dream about?" Roo gently wiped the tears from her eyes, his voice filled with concern. "You kept saying ’don’t go, don’t leave’. Who was leaving?"
Rosemary was still enveloped in profound sadness, burying her face into Roo’s chest to calm herself.
Guessing the cause of her distress, Roo said, "Was it Grandpa Alberto, or Grannie Grace?"
Only those two could make her defenses crumble and reveal the vulnerable young girl within.
"It was Grannie."
"Did she co to see you?" He stroked her hair tenderly. "You must be worried about the surgery. She couldn’t bear to see you so troubled, so she ca to comfort you."
A fresh tear shone in Rosemary’s eye.
"You’ve done everything you could. It’s not your fault. This condition has baffled dical history. You’ve been amazing."
Rosemary’s eyes reddened once more.
"Don’t cry now. Don’t make Grannie Grace worry," Roo said as he tenderly wiped her tears away.
After a while, Rosemary spoke, "Grannie ca to praise you."
"To praise ?"
"She said you’re a good man, that I’d be happy with you."
Roo was taken aback, his eyes warming. "I promise to take care of you, to not let your grandma worry. I’ll make you the happiest person."
Rosemary reached out and caressed his face.
It was the first ti she had touched him so intimately.
Roo covered her hand with his own, letting her explore his features while his eyes brimd with deep affection.
Ti seed to stand still until the boat neared the shore.
Serena stord off the boat, and Martin quickly followed her.
"Serena, let take you sowhere else to eat."
Serena was too upset to think about food.
Martin had overheard people on the boat praising Roo and envying Rosemary. After hearing too much of it, Serena hadn’t eaten a bite and couldn’t wait to leave.
As they were about to get into their car, a group of bodyguards escorted Roo and Rosemary towards them.
Their car was parked nearby, and Serena saw that Roo was driving a limited edition sports car that had made headlines—a single model costing over ten million dollars.
Then she glanced at Martin’s ride, a re luxury car worth a million or so. Compared to Roo, it was barely in the sa league.
Roo didn’t notice anyone else in the parking lot. He opened the passenger door for Rosemary, securing her seatbelt, and they shared a private joke, their laughter mingling with a kiss.
Serena’s heart ached. She couldn’t fathom why Roo was so enamored with Rosemary—to such an extent!
After a prolonged kiss, Roo finally released her and climbed into the driver’s seat.
The multi-million dollar sports car sped off, followed by a convoy of bodyguards, leaving a cloud of exhaust in their wake.
With her mood at rock bottom, Serena got into her car with a scowl.
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