The next morning, Julian's car arrived infront of Rosalie' house, with Lily back of rare seat chatting excitedly about the trip. As Julian stepped out of the car, he saw Rosie, Mia and Elara waiting in the porch with their bags.
His breath caught. Rosalie was wearing a soft light-blue dress that match with the morning sky, pair with delicated white slipper on top of it there is a white floral. She had tied up her hair, showing her glowing face and rosy ears. There is a mole on her left ear. In the gentle golden sunlight, she looked as radiant and refreshing as a blooming a sunflower. At that moment, Julian felt as if the most beautiful flowers in the world had suddenly bloomed inside his heart.
" Ready to go? "
Julian asked, his voice a little strained from trying to hide his heart beat.
" We've been ready for ages! "
Mia teased.
Lily hopped out of car laughing,
" Sorry, we're a little late! Someone spent the entire night preparing the first-aid kit, snacks and everything that might possibly need for a two-day-trip. You'd think we're going to the North Pole! "
she nudged Julian and said.
Julian coughed, his cheeks turning a faint pink,
" I just wanted to make sure we're prepared for health. "
Rosalie smiled, her eyes meeting Julian's.
" Thank for being so thoughtful Julian! Shall we? "
Despite his blushing face, Julian try to maintain a cool, composed expression. He clears his throat and looks at the sky.
" It's a beautiful sunny day, isn't it? A perfect weather for a trip, Rosie, "
He said, trying to be a normal conversation.
Then, I reached out for the small and light fruits basket from Rosalie's hand.
" Would you like to carry this for you? "
He insisted.
Watching this other look each other knowing this galance. As it they had rehearsed it, Mia, Elara and Lily moved in perfect synchronization.
" Oh, look at the time we have to move the heavy bags in the trunk. "
Mia shouted.
" I'll help, let's go everyone. "
Julian said. And others get their bags put it all in back trunk. Elara dragging Lily along. In a flash, Elara, Mia and Lily all scrambled into the back seats, leaving the front passenger seat wide open.
" Rosie! You sit in the front so you can help Julian with the directions! "
Lily yelled from the back window with smile widely. Julian stood there, holding the light fruit basket like it was a precious treasure, hi eyes flickering with a mix of embarrassment and secret joy as he opens the window for Rosie.
The car glided smoothly along the winding mountain road leading to the coast. Although Julian's eyes were fixed on the road ahead, he couldn't help but steal glances at Rosalie from the corner of his eye. Her clam presence beside him made his heart feel lighter than a feather.
In the back seat, the " Trio of Trouble "
Mia, Elara and Lily were already in full party mode.
" Rosie! Just wait until we hit the beach! We'll swim under the sun. We're going to have a bonfire, music and maybe a little midnight dance! "
Elara exclaimed, leaning forward.
" And don't forget the seafood feast! "
Mia added, laughing.
" Hey… Did you guys bring the sun-cream lotion? "
" Yeah!! We'd. And Julian, you'd better be ready to be our official photographer! "
Julian smiled, nodding his head.
" I think I can manage that. But the drive is long, how about some music? "
He reached for the controls and played "Until You." As the soulful lyrics filled the car, a comfortable silence fell. Almost every song in his playlist was chosen with Rosalie in mind-each one a silent confession he wasn't yet ready to speak aloud.
Lily caught on immediately. She leaned in and whispered loudly,
" Wow, Julian. Since when did you become such a romantic? This playlist is basically a love better in audio form, isn't it? "
Julian's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, his ears turning red.
" It's just a popular song, Lily. Stop overthinking. "
Rosalie looked out the window to hide her smile, her fingers subconsciously tapping to the beat, feeling the hidden warmth in every note he played for her.
Halfway through their journey, Julian pulled the car over at a famous lookout point. The view of the distant ocean meeting the green valley was breathtaking.
" Look! The view is amazing! Everyone, out for the phots session! "
Lily shouted, already grabbing her camera.
Mia and Lily quickly took charge. After a few group shots, the exchanged a mischievous look.
" Okay, now let's get a photo of just the hosts. Julian, Rosalie, stand together right there! "
Mia ordered, pointing to a spot where the sunlight hit perfectly.
Rosalie stepped closer to Julian, her shoulder almost brushing his arm. Julian stood stiffly, his heart drumming against his chest.
" Oh, come on, Julian! You're standing like a soldier! "
Lily teased, laughing.
" Lean in a bit! You're not examining a patient; you're taking a photo with a beautiful girl! "
" Lily, that's enough, "
Julian muttered; through he obediently took a small step closer to Rosalie.
" Rosie, you too! Lean your head toward him! "
Elara chimed in from the side.
As the camera clicked, a sudden gust of mountain wind blew Rosalie's hair across Julian's face. He gently reached out to tuck the strands away, and at that exact moment, Mia captured the shot.
" Perfect! This one is definitely going in a frame! "
Mia squealed, showing them the screen. Julian looked away, trying to hide his grin, while Rosalie looked at the phots with a warm, blushing face, feeling the magic of the moment.
After the heart-fluttering phots session, everyone moved back into the car, their faces glowing with excitement. The mountain air was getting cooler, scenting the cabin with the freshness of pine and wild grass.
" That photo of you two … I'm posting it on my Instagram account right now! "
Lily teased from the back, tapping away at her phone.
" Lily! Don't you dare! "
Julian barked, though the smile in his eyes betrayed his stern stone. He glanced at Rosalie, who was quietly touching the star Locket he gave her.
" Is it too cold for you, Rosie? "
He asked softly, reaching over to adjust the air conditioning vent away from her.
" The sea breeze can be quite chilly this close to the coast. "
" I'm fine, Julian. It actually feels … perfect, "
Rosalie replied, her voice soft and steady. She looked at his hands on the steering wheel-strong, reliable hands that had once tried to hold onto life for her sake.
" Hey, look! I can see the yellow! "
Mia suddenly shouted, pointing toward the horizon.
Sure enough, as the car rounded the final bend, a sea of brilliant gold appeared. Thousands of sunflowers were dancing in the breeze, their faces turned toward the sun, with the sparkling blue ocean as their backdrop. It was a sight so beautiful, it felt like a dream.
" We're here, "
Julian whispered, slowing the car down. He looked at Rosalie, his eyes reflecting the golden field.
" Happy birthday, Rosie. This your kingdom today. "
He whispered.
As soon as they arrived at the beach, Julian led them to a row of charming wooden bungalows nestled under the coconut trees. He had booked two adjoining rooms-one spacious room for the four girls and a private one for himself right next door.
After a thirty-minute rest to drop off their luggage, the girls emerged from their room, transformed. Rosalie had changed into a light white sundress that fluttered in the sea breeze, looking like a pearl against the blue ocean.
" The water looks so inviting! Let's go! "
Lily cheered, dragging Mia and Elara toward the shoreline.
Julian stood by the porch of his bungalow, his eyes immediately finding Rosalie.
" Ready for a walk? "
He asked, walking up to her.
" Or perhaps a horse ride? I noticed some beautiful horses further down the beach. You like horses, don't you? "
Rosalie's eyes lit up.
" Horse riding sounds, wonderful, Julian. In my … I mean, I've always wanted to ride along the waves. "
As they stepped onto the soft white sand, the sound of the crashing waves and salty air filled their sense. Julian stayed close to her side, his protective gaze never wavering her so happy, far away from the city's noise and the hidden threats of the Throne residence. For a moment, the vast ocean, and a second chance at a love that was once lost.