Rose closed her eyes for an instant, allowing herself to absorb the slight movement of the taxi and the comforting warmth that emanated from Scott beside her. His fragrance subtly wafted through the air, giving her an unexpected sense of security on a night like that. It was strange how Scott's closeness, a man she barely knew in depth, made her feel so… anchored. As if his mere presence could calm the internal currents that sometimes stirred her. She sighed softly as the rhythmic patter of rain against the car windows added a serene melody to the moment.
The car stopped smoothly in front of an imposing building. Scott deftly grabbed the umbrella, ready to open it as soon as they got out.
Scott pulled out his wallet with the skill of someone accustomed to such gestures and paid the fare with a courteous nod to the driver. Then, with natural elegance, he walked around the car to open Rose's door and extended a hand to help her out. She stepped out calmly, her sneakers gently touching the wet sidewalk. With a fluid motion, he opened the umbrella, shielding them from the persistent drizzle. The cool, damp city air enveloped her, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the beach, but Scott's proximity kept any hint of cold at bay.
For a moment, she simply stood there, fully absorbing the magnitude of the building in front of her. The glass doors reflected the night, and behind them, the illuminated lobby exuded a welcoming warmth in contrast to the nocturnal chill.
"This is definitely not what I expected," Rose murmured as they moved towards the entrance, her eyes admiring every detail of the architecture. She couldn't imagine Scott, with his practical focus and his mind dedicated to the essential, living in such an ostentatious place. It was a new, fascinating facet that intrigued her.
Scott smiled mischievously and pressed the top floor button in the elevator. "For better or worse, my dear?" he asked with a playful tone in his voice, the dim elevator light highlighting the sparkle in his eyes.
"I'm not sure," Rose said, raising an eyebrow.
"It's an amazing place, don't get me wrong, but it's much more than I imagined. I thought you lived in a more modest place. More… functional."
Scott let out a soft laugh.
"I suppose I should be offended; do you think I have no taste or that I only think in algorithms?"
Rose shook her head, smiling.
"It's not that, it's just… you've always been more about the essentials. I didn't imagine you enjoying luxuries. I thought your idea of 'home' would be a giant laboratory with a mattress in a corner."
The elevator emitted a soft ding before opening, revealing a penthouse worthy of a design magazine. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, where thousands of lights twinkled like urban stars, extending to infinity. The warm lighting and the soft crackle of the lit fireplace added a sense of home despite the immensity of the space. A faint scent of wood smoke and vanilla floated in the air, inviting relaxation.
Leather and dark wood furniture blended with elegant rugs, while an imposing library dominated one of the walls, its shelves filled with carefully bound books.
Rose walked carefully, absorbing every detail. She paused by the library and ran her fingertips over the cover of some volumes. The touch of the leather was soft, the warmth of the polished wood conveyed a sense of solidity.
"This is impressive, Scott… It's so… you," she said in a tone that bordered on astonishment.
Scott leaned casually against the bookshelf, observing her with a knowing smile.
"I try to make it a reflection of what I'm passionate about. Here there's an order within my own creative chaos, and every piece has its purpose."
Rose randomly pulled out a book and quickly flipped through it before letting out a low laugh.
"I can't believe you have so many on artificial intelligence! I thought after working with it all day you'd want to disconnect a bit. Doesn't it overwhelm you?"
Scott shrugged, his gaze shining with genuine passion.
"It's my passion. It's not a job, it's an extension of who I am. I've always wanted to create something that leaves a mark on the world, something that transcends mere existence. Disconnecting would be like disconnecting from myself."
Rose looked at him with interest, her expression serious and attentive.
"And what would that mark be? What do you really want to change, darling? Not just in theory, but… what specific problem keeps you awake at night?"
Scott took a moment to respond, his eyes wandering through the windows towards the illuminated city.
"I want to develop technology that helps people live better, to solve everyday problems without them even realizing it. Imagine a world where technology isn't a barrier, but a bridge that connects us, that simplifies the complex. It's not just about innovation, but about real impact. To make life easier, more equitable, more meaningful for everyone."
She turned to him, and in her expression there was an unwavering certainty that disarmed him for an instant. The faith she placed in him was a source of comfort for any doubt.
"And you will. I'm sure of it," she affirmed with a certainty that resonated in the silence. "Your passion is contagious, my love. And your vision is so clear that it's impossible not to believe in you."
The silence that settled between them was not uncomfortable, but laden with meaning, a space where the connection between them solidified. Scott took a cup of coffee from the table, the steam gently rising, and after a brief pause, he finally dared to say it aloud, the words flowing with a raw sincerity.
"Rose, I don't want to spend my life working for others. My true dream is to create my own company and develop innovative technology that pushes the limits, that makes a difference. But every time I think about the ideal moment to start, I feel barriers forming in my mind that prevent me from taking that step."
She held his gaze without hesitation, her eyes a reflection of her own determination.
"Darling, just do it. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it never comes. Every great invention, every great idea, was born from a leap of faith. If you truly want to change the world, the first step is to try. I believe in you, more than you imagine. And no matter what happens, I'll be here to remind you. To push you when you falter, to celebrate every small advance with you."
Scott let out a deep sigh, almost relieved by her words. It was as if an invisible weight had lifted from his shoulders.
"I've never talked about this with anyone like this, with such clarity. Not even with Charlie, in such a… profound way. I've always felt that people wouldn't understand or that they'd think it's just another dream, an engineer's fantasy."
Rose stepped closer and placed a hand on his arm, her touch light but firm.
"It's not just a dream if you work to make it happen, my love. It's a goal. And if anyone can achieve it, it's you. I see it in the way your eyes shine when you talk about it, in your tireless pursuit. That's not the look of a dreamer, it's that of a builder."
Scott held her gaze for a long instant. Something inside him settled in a way he had never felt before, a perfect gear falling into place. Rose's trust was an invaluable gift. Finally, he smiled, with gratitude and emotion reflected in his eyes.
"Thank you, love. It truly means a lot to me. More than I can express."
She smiled sweetly.
"It's nothing," she whispered. "That's what we're here for, aren't we? To support each other in big dreams."
They looked at each other for a moment more, as if they wanted to say something else, but the words remained trapped between them, unnecessary given the depth of the connection they shared. Finally, Scott took a deep breath and stepped back, with a slight blush.
"Rest. Tomorrow will be an important day."
Rose nodded, but before he could leave, she called him softly.
"Scott… No matter what happens, don't forget that you have someone on your side. Always."
Scott stopped at the entrance of the door and gave her one last look, full of a silent promise and immense gratitude.
"I'll remember that."
With a final exchange of smiles, he retired to his room. But, although both lay down in their respective beds, sleep eluded them.
Scott looked at the ceiling, feeling an inexplicable warmth in his chest. Something in his life had changed, or perhaps, something that had always been there had finally found its place. Rose's presence had cleared the fog of his past, and the future, once a series of complex equations, now seemed a vibrant canvas, ready to be painted.
──•─•──•✦•──•─•──•
The next day, the sun filtered through the mansion's curtains, bathing the room in golden hues. Scott and Rose prepared with enthusiasm, carefully choosing each garment for the special occasion: Rose's first formal meeting with Elizabeth. Scott, in his perfectly fitted suit, turned to her, who was looking in the mirror while adjusting a delicate necklace.
Scott observed her in silence. The light from the window highlighted the softness of her skin and the sparkle in her eyes. He approached slowly and slid his hands around her waist, embracing her from behind. The feel of her silk dress against his hands was soft, and Rose's light perfume, a mixture of flowers and sweetness, enveloped him completely.
"You're beautiful, darling," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin.
Rose smiled and rested her head on his chest for an instant, enjoying the warmth of his embrace. Then, with a mischievous smile, she intertwined her fingers with his.
"Do you think so, my love?" she whispered. "I always get a little nervous when it comes to meeting someone so important to you. I want everything to go perfectly."
Scott looked into her eyes, sincerity shining in his gaze.
"My mother is incredible, but I assure you it will only take a moment for her to love you as much as I do. She has a sixth sense for good souls, and you, Rose, are one of the best."
Rose exhaled softly and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, a gesture of gratitude and trust. Together, they set off for Elizabeth's majestic mansion.
The car journey passed with soft laughter and the morning wind entering through the window. Rose, leaning against the glass, let out a slight sigh. The urban landscape, which usually inspired her photos, today seemed like a backdrop for the story she was about to experience.
"Tell me something about her," she asked, without taking her eyes off the road. "Something I couldn't find out in a casual conversation. A secret, a detail only you know."
Scott smiled; a tender smile full of memories.
"When I was a child and was afraid of the dark, she used to sit beside me and tell me stories. Not traditional tales, but stories about how, even in the darkest night, there is always a point of light. Sometimes it was an unreachable star, other times, a lit candle in the window of a distant house… or simply her voice, assuring me that everything would be okay. She taught me that darkness is never absolute, that there is always something that guides us, even if we can't see it immediately. That faith, hope, perseverance are those inner lights."
Rose looked at him tenderly, understanding the profound impact of those words on the Scott she knew.
"That explains a lot about you, my love," she said. "You always have that calm, that certainty that everything has a meaning, even when things seem to fall apart. She gave you an unshakable foundation."
Scott nodded.
"She taught me to trust that, even when the path is uncertain, something good awaits us ahead. And that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward despite it."
Rose smiled and slid her hand into his, intertwining their fingers. Together, hand in hand, they arrived at Elizabeth's majestic mansion. The imposing stone construction and tall windows greeted them with its classic elegance. Upon reaching the large carved wooden door, Scott took a deep breath before knocking. The sound of footsteps resonated from within and, as the door opened, Elizabeth appeared with charming simplicity. Her pastel dress, her meticulously styled hair, and her face radiated the tenderness of a loving mother. Her eyes rested on Rose and then on Scott, shining with a mixture of surprise and the purest tenderness. There was a spark of emotion in her gaze, as if from the very first moment she had understood the special bond between them. A warm smile illuminated her face, sincere and welcoming, before opening her arms in an inviting gesture.
Her gaze fell on Rose and then on her son, instantly understanding what he had so denied with his apparent disinterest in love. With a smile full of understanding, she stepped aside and invited them in.
"Welcome, my loves!" Her voice was warm, with that nuance of sweetness only a mother can have when her heart is overflowing with joy.
The dining room was bathed in sunlight that gently streamed through the large windows. On the table, impeccable tableware and a feast-worthy breakfast awaited them. Rose and Elizabeth immediately got along well, their laughter filling the space with vibrant, welcoming energy. They talked about art, travel, and Scott's childhood, who, with a cup of coffee in hand, watched them in silence, amazed by the natural connection that arose between the two most important women in his life. Amidst laughter and anecdotes, Elizabeth fixed her gaze on her son, a look of playful complicity.
"It's… a miracle to see you like this, son," Elizabeth said, her eyes seeking Rose's with genuine tenderness. "He has always been a closed book on these matters, an indecipherable mystery, but with you, I see a light that has never shone so brightly in him before. It's a blessing."
Rose held the woman's gaze with respect and admiration, a warmth expanding in her chest.
"He's an incredible man," Rose said, her gaze full of affection towards Scott. "His mind is brilliant, a genius at what he does, but what I admire most is his heart… which is as big and generous as yours."
Elizabeth smiled; her sweetness even more accentuated.
"Please, dear. No need for such formality. Call me mother. It would be an honor for me."
Rose's cheeks tinged with a soft blush, and a genuine smile spread across her face.
"Mother…" she tried, and the word felt as natural as the air she breathed.
Scott, surprised by Rose's words and by the naturalness of that new bond, felt a lump in his throat, a rush of emotions threatening to overflow. Elizabeth nodded in approval and gave her son a gentle look, her face reflecting pure happiness.
"I always knew my son would find someone special," Elizabeth commented with a playful smile, her voice full of barely contained pride. "Someone who could see beyond circuits and codes."
Scott let out a laugh and shook his head, amused by the loving "attack" from his mother and Rose. Before he could say anything, Rose intertwined her fingers with his and gave him a radiant smile.
"You were right about your mother, she's a wonderful woman," she whispered sweetly, squeezing his hand.
Scott sighed, surrendering with a wide smile, and gently kissed Rose's hand, enjoying the moment with the woman who had changed his world and who, now, had integrated so perfectly into his family.
──•─•──•✦•──•─•──•
Several weeks passed since the meeting with Elizabeth. Scott and Rose now lived together in the penthouse, daily life intertwining their routines with natural fluidity. Rose's presence injected new energy into Scott's life, an extra engine for his dreams. She, with her passion for capturing the world's beauty, reminded him of the importance of perspective, of seeing beyond data and algorithms. The months that followed that event were marked by a whirlwind of work, sleepless nights, and the tireless pursuit of innovation. The calendar shed its leaves with surprising speed, but Scott and Charlie's vision only grew stronger with each passing day. Their laboratory became their second home, a world of flashing lights and complex equations where their minds soared without limits.
Along with his best friend Charlie, an engineer with a mind as brilliant as it was daring, they began to develop technologies that seemed straight out of science fiction.
"If we achieve this breakthrough, brother," Scott said, his eyes shining with passion as he manipulated a hologram of a processing chip. "We could change the way the world accesses information. Imagine it, knowledge within everyone's reach, without barriers, without limitations. Democratizing access to knowledge."
Charlie, leaning back in his swivel chair, looked at him with a tilted smile and shook his head, a humorous nostalgia in his gaze.
"That's what I love about you, always looking to the future. Remember when we were just two guys in college, dreaming of this in a room full of science posters and empty pizza boxes? The smell of stale pepperoni and pure ambition."
Scott let out a laugh, setting aside the tablet on which he incessantly jotted down ideas.
"I remember. I can still smell the combination of burnt coffee and desperation before final exams. And the days when a new algorithm was our biggest worry. But now we're here, and this… this is just the beginning of something much bigger than we could imagine."
Charlie exhaled with a soft laugh and stretched in his seat, the sound of a computer fan filling the silence of the laboratory.
"And to think we spent whole nights wondering if we could ever change the world," he murmured, looking at the screen in front of them. "Now the world is starting to look at us. The responsibility is different, isn't it, friend?"
Nights became days and days became nights in the laboratory. Between failures and breakthroughs, the dream took shape until they finally founded "Zoft", a company dedicated to scientific innovation. At first, their ideas were met with disinterest, even skepticism. The first presentation to potential investors ended in an awkward silence and doubtful glances, as if they were speaking an unknown language. There were moments when Scott doubted, nights when tiredness weighed more than ambition, and the shadow of failure loomed. But they did not give up. Rose's voice, his mother's unconditional support, and Charlie's unwavering loyalty were their anchors.
The turning point came with a functional prototype that amazed the scientific community. A device that revolutionized quantum communication, opening doors to an unimaginable future. They won international awards, their names resonated in the most prestigious technology forums, and Scott became a global benchmark in his field.
But despite the success, what truly filled him with pride were not the trophies or the thunderous applause. It was knowing that, no matter how far he went, there were people who remembered him not for his achievements, but for the man he was along the way. It was those unbreakable bonds, those human connections, that gave true meaning to everything.
On the quietest nights, when the coldness of the outside world seeped into his office, Scott would contemplate two framed photographs on his desk. In one, he and Charlie, young and naive, proudly holding their graduation diplomas, with their whole lives ahead of them and their pockets empty of money, but full of dreams. In the other, both teenagers, frowning and with hands stained with ink and grease, working until dawn on their first big project, the light from the desk lamp bathing their faces with determination.
They were images from different times, but in all of them was the same spark in their eyes, the same tireless passion. And then he understood that his true triumph was not in patents or headlines, but in the bonds, he had built, in the lives he touched, and in the certainty that he had never walked alone.
──•─•──•✦•──•─•──•
December arrived.
The cold enveloped the city in a blanket of gleaming snow. Twinkling lights adorned the streets and the scent of cinnamon and pine permeated the air, announcing the festive season. This year, Scott and Rose decided it was the perfect time to gather their loved ones. Rose, her heart overflowing with emotion, invited her entire family to Elizabeth's majestic mansion, Scott's mother. For both of them, it meant a lot to have everyone together on such a special date, creating an even larger home with the union of their families.
When the long-awaited Christmas Eve arrived, Elizabeth's house shone with a special light. The fireplace crackled softly while delicious dishes were served at the table, the aroma of roasted turkey and spices floating in the air. The sound of laughter and conversations filled the room, creating an atmosphere of pure happiness. Elizabeth, with her unparalleled sweetness and innate ability to make everyone feel welcome, ensured that every guest felt at home. Little by little, Rose's family began to arrive, filling the mansion with laughter and conversations.
Between one toast and another, Scott stood up, holding his glass firmly. His chest filled with emotion and he gently tapped the glass with a spoon to catch everyone's attention.
"I'd like to say something important tonight," he said in a clear, decided voice, his gaze seeking Rose among the expectant faces.
The murmurs slowly died down. Rose looked at him with curiosity, her heart pounding, a sweet and overwhelming premonition stirring in her stomach. She wondered what he was planning.
"From the moment I met Rose, I knew she was special," Scott began, his voice laden with a tenderness that only she could evoke. "She has been my support, my inspiration, and the reason for my happiness. She has transformed my world, filled it with colors I didn't know existed. There is no one with whom I wish to share my life more than with her."
The silence became filled with anticipation, almost palpable. Rose blinked, feeling the air escape her, her breath catching.
Then, Scott reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, velvety, tiny purple fabric box. Time seemed to slow down. Rose felt the world shrink around her, focusing only on that object, on that question that was about to come.
Scott knelt in front of her, his eyes fixed on Rose's, filled with immense love.
Elizabeth brought her hands to her mouth, stifling a choked sob, tears shining in her eyes.
"Rose, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me," Scott said, his voice soft, but resonating with the strength of his heart. "I want to share every day, every dream, every challenge, every moment of my life with you. I want to wake up by your side and watch the sunrise, I want to face every storm knowing you are with me. Will you allow me to be your husband? Will you grant me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears filled Rose's eyes, overflowing down her cheeks. Her body trembled with emotion and her lips curved into a radiant smile, as bright as the Christmas tree.
"Yes! Of course, darling! A thousand times yes!" she exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion, her hands seeking Scott's face.
Scott slid the beautiful bluish ring onto her finger, the stone sparkling like a promise of a shared future. In a surge of love and pure joy, they embraced tightly, the world around them vanishing in that embrace. The room erupted in applause and whistles, the joy of those present filling the space.
"Oh, my God…!" Elizabeth whispered, unable to hold back tears of happiness, her heart overflowing with gratitude at seeing her son so fulfilled.
──•─•──•✦•──•─•──•
The next day, in the tranquility of Christmas morning, with the aroma of coffee and pine still in the air, Elizabeth approached Scott as he looked out the window at the falling snow. She took his hands gently, her eyes full of maternal warmth.
"Son, this has been the best Christmas of my life," she whispered, her voice laden with emotion, tears welling up again. "There is no better gift than seeing you happy and complete. Rose is an angel in your life."
Scott felt a lump in his throat, emotion enveloping him. His eyes filled with tears and, without saying anything, he hugged his mother tightly, feeling the unconditional warmth of the love that united them, the love that had taught him to get up and dream again.