Prologue

I'm Rose Sullivan, I never really cared about anything. I was pampered and well loved by my family, always protected, and taken care of.

I don't even remember ever having to work. I was spoiled by my darling father to no end, which is why it's his fault that I grew up to be totally oblivious of the cruelty of the outside world.

Ever since my mother died he has been kind of protective of me.

Ok fine!

He's super protective that I don't even get to go outside to study! I'm always stuck in our home, and when I do get to go outside, I'm always accompanied by at least 15 bodyguards. Can you believe it?! It's like I don't even have any liberty.

I won't be even surprised if one day I'll see someone guarding me while I shower, but let's hope that it doesn't get to that level of protectiveness.

Anyway, the reason why I'm also okay with this is because I get to have everything I want! A bit foolish yes, but what girl doesn't want limited edition bags and dresses, right? Plus, just last year, I was made aware that I'm actually engaged to Arkin, the love of my life. Although it was just an accident while I was strolling on my father's office, but still, after I knew it I've been looking forward to the day we'll be engaged together.

Sigh…which is why I'm putting up with everything because marrying him would be like a dream come true.

I only ever encountered him once, and that was when I was nine. I was crying since that was my mother's funeral, and I ran to the garden, and for some reason, he was there, as if I ran straight to the right place…into his arms.

(FLASH BACK)

“Rose, where are you going? Rose?!” My father yelled.

There were just so much people that I can't handle it anymore.

I wanted to cry but I couldn't, I wanted to hug my mother but she's no longer with us, it's because of that stupid truck! She took my mother away from me.

I gritted my teeth, holding the tears that threatened to escape as I ran to the garden, hoping to find solace there, it was where mother and I used to hang out.

She would read me stories underneath the apple tree and she would sing to me my favorite nursery songs.

“M-mom~” I cried, crouching down and leaning my back to the tree.

I could still remember how she would stroke my hair, how she would tell me the right words to comfort me. She was such a kind person, but why? Why did she have to die and leave me alone? What am I gonna do now?

“Are you alright?” I suddenly looked up when I heard a voice.

I looked around the garden but saw no one. I even thought I might just be hearing things but then I heard the voice again.

“Hey! Up here,” I felt an apple land on top of my head. I looked up and saw the prettiest boy I ever saw in my entire life.

It was like the prince in mom's stories that she likes to read to me when she puts me in bed.

Those shiny blue eyes that seems to draw me in, tranquil like the ocean, and those navy blue hair that looked so soft to touch.

I admired his beauty, but at the same time, I could feel the burning pain spreading in my head, and even though I think I saw my soulmate, my lips trembled. I started to cry, holding my head that was throbbing so badly from the apple that he threw on me.

“Hey will you shut up! It doesn't even hurt that much,” The boy jumped down from the tree.

I really felt like punching him in the face, but like my mother said, we ladies can't be physical, we have to be kind in everything we do. So I restrained myself and just glared at him hatefully, which I think he got the message since he now looked at me with concern and guilt.

“Hey, does it really hurt?” He asked. His hand trying to pry away my hand that was covering my throbbing head, I could feel his cold but soft hand touch my skin.

He held them down as he blew on my head, massaging the aching part with his hands gently.

He remained eye contact with me which made me a little shy, but nonetheless, I didn't show it on my face and still acted like this was the most painful thing that ever happened to me.

“There-there,” He whispered. His hand travelled in front of me as he tilted my chin up, making me look at his ocean blue eyes more intensely.

“Does it still hurt?” He asked, his breath hitting my face. Normally I would be grimacing right now since I'm quite a germaphobe, but to him, I won't shrink away, not because I like him, but his breath actually smells like cherry, which is weird, cause I like it. Is that a brand of toothbrush because if it is then I want it.

“You look like you're okay now, or are you just pretending to be hurt?” He muttered, smiling at me with a raised brow.

And in that moment, I suddenly felt like his touches were burning me, his hands were no longer cold, it was like when he smiled at me my surroundings brightened, and I could feel electricity spread all throughout my body.

“You're not talking. Are you mute?” He asked, tilting his head to the side which I find so cute.

I don't know what expression I was wearing right now but I'm sure it must be charming, because everyone around me always told me that I look beautiful or I look cute. So it's probably either of those two hihi.

“Anyway, I don't know why you're crying earlier, but if I were you, I won't waste my tears anymore. Crying leads you nowhere princess. You have to be strong,” He said, looking at me with a dead serious face.

I just unconsciously bobbed my head up and down at him, not getting most of what he said.

“Good,” He snickered, patting my head.

“Here,” He fetched a white handkerchief in his pockets and wiped my eyes with it. I just stayed still, enjoying every bit of feeling I was experiencing with him.

“Arkin! Where are you, we're going home,” A loud voice suddenly boomed out of nowhere.

The boy looked up and his brows clenched together, mumbling curses that I can't barely hear.

“Here, take this,” He gave me the white handkerchief and got up.

“Remember, don't cry again princess. Save your tears for the gravest pain, not for the shallow ones,” He said, then he kneeled down in front of me, kissing my forehead that made me momentarily close my eyes.

“Until we meet again,” He got up and walked away, leaving me to myself as I sat frozen in the grass.

I looked down at my hands, and stared at the handkerchief he gave me.

There were initials written in cursive at the corner.

“A.H.” I mumbled the letters under my breath, and then moved the handkerchief to my nose, smelling the scent of sweet cherries in the fabric.

I don't know what happened or how it happened. But I was happy that I met him.

Because at that moment, I forgot I was lonely, that one of my protectors and most cherished person had already left me.

I know mom wouldn't want me to cry, she always told me to wear my best smile, even against my foes.

“Arkin, huh? That's your name,” I said, smiling inwardly as I sighed

I then laid down flat on the grass as I looked at the beautiful sky in front of me, imagining his face, his smile and his blue enthralling eyes.

“I hope we meet again, my kind prince,” I whispered in the air as I slowly closed my eyes, basking in the heat of the sun.