Hye, I've just realised that quite a few of my readers didn't catch the hint in chapter 3. Actually, Ivan is on a "secret mission" by Yeva. Thus, Dimitri has no idea that "he is" proposing to Rose.

Hope that clarifies why Dimitri's still not making any plans to cancel the proposal.

Enjoy:)

Surprises

Rose's POV

I woke up beside a warm body in the dark.

I blinked a couple of times.

I'm in Dimitri's tent – he's sleeping beside me. I hadn't even thought of going back to my tent last night after he led me here. So natural – like I belong here…

I turned.

"You're awake Roza? The soft, accented voice had warmth spreading through me.

"You didn't sleep?" I asked as I groped for the camping lantern.

"I just woke up a few minutes before you." Came the reply.

Fumbling with the lantern I asked, "What time is it now?"

"8:20am. The sun's almost up."

The lantern shone. Even in a four-man tent, Dimitri looks oddly cramped. It must have been uncomfortable for him, sharing his tent with me.

"Let's get out there to see the sunrise. It must be as beautiful as the sunset."

Dimitri unzipped the tent and helped me out.

Exactly 2 minutes later, a faint, orangey light appeared at the edge of the sea, gradually growing brighter as a fiery orb rises above the waters…The black of the night faded, changing into a blend of pink, purple and blue. Colours returned to the world as beams of light reflected off every surface. Then, with an abrupt burst of speed, the entire sun appeared over the horizon, illuminating the Earth, turning night into day and darkness into brightness…it was breath taking.

A brand new day with Dimitri.

"Thank you Comrade. The sunrise and sunset, the meteor shower…I got to see the most beautiful and amazing sceneries with you in the past 12 hours." I thanked Dimitri whole-heartedly.

"You're welcome Roza. I had a good time too." Dimitri replied gently.

Just then, Guardian Porter and Guardian Smith appeared, each carrying a couple of large packets with them.

"Good morning Sire." They greeted, bowing their heads. "Your breakfast has been prepared Sire."

"Good morning gentlemen." Dimitri replied, gesturing to the low table. The two guardians immediately placed the packets onto the table and started to unpack them.

"Leave them. That'd be all. Thank you."

"Yes Sire." They replied nervously before retreating quickly.

"You're not cooking Comrade?" I asked slyly.

"Do you want me to?" A raised eyebrow. Crap! Why can't I do that?

"Let me see the food first." I said, pulling the item out of the first bag.

A bunch of bananas…

"What the…?" I turned back and stared at Dimitri.

Seeing my expression, he burst out laughing - a deep throaty laugh filled with amusement. "Really Rose, you look like I'm trying to poison you with those bananas."

"I'm not a monkey." I pouted.

"I believe that's my packet you're holding. Try the others."

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "They better be decent." As I dug into the next bag.

"Oooohhh! Dimitri! I squeaked in delighted as I extracted half a dozen of chocolate-glazed doughnuts, a still warm sausage, egg & cheese McGriddles and a large, hot chocolate drink. "Where did they buy it from? I don't recall seeing any golden arches on the island."

"I believe they went back to mainland to get these." Dimitri said with a smile.

"Hmm…how did you know that they're my favourites? I've never told you before." I asked frowning.

"You might've been talking in your sleep." Dimitri said casually.

"I DID NOT." I piped indignantly.

Dimitri chuckled. "Rose, it's not difficult to see your enthusiasm on everything and anything that is chocolaty and I've asked Eddie and Mason about your favourites."

"Traitors." I mumbled under my breath. Regardless, I quickly washed up and grabbed a doughnut from the stack.

"You're only eating those?" I asked in disbelief looking at Dimitri's breakfast, consisting of 1 granola bar, 2 bananas, 3 pieces of whole wheat toasts and a protein shake."

"Yes Rose."

"Seriously Comrade, how did you manage to grow up so big and strong eating all these junk food?" I exclaimed.

Dimitri raised a brow. "Junk food? They're higher in nutritional value and healthier than yours, Rose."

"Well, as far as I'm concern, anything that is bland is junk food and it's not like we don't work the extra fats off." I shrugged, demolishing my third doughnut and taking a drink. The hot chocolate felt good in my stomach, warming me up thoroughly.

"You're sure you don't want a doughnut Comrade?"

"No. Thank you, Rose."

…

We finished our breakfast quickly.

"What do you want to do now Rose?"

"Hmm…How about a run along the beach? The morning breeze feels so refreshing."

"You just had your breakfast Rose, you don't want to be running on a full stomach. How about we break the camp first?

"Sure, Comrade."

…

Within half an hour, we've (Dimitri had) restored the camp site to its original state – packing the tents, stowing the gears, dousing the campfire, clearing the litters…all performed with an expert's efficiency. Then, we put on our work out shoes and set off along the pristine beach.

Jogging at a comfortable pace just above the shoreline, I breathed deeply, feeling the cool breeze against my face, admiring the glorious view of the morning shore, enjoying Dimitri's presence beside me…

I folded my towel carefully and placed it over my face, resting my head against the edge of the pool. Dimitri certainty made an excellent recommendation - the hot spring is just the thing I need after sleeping on the sand last night. I may not act like a princess, but my body certainly respond like one.

I had to suppress a groan as I thought of Dimitri…there's no way we could possibly enjoy the hot spring together…even in a mixed bath…not with his phobia…

I've seen many people entering and leaving, some in their swim suites and some…naked. Sure, there were nice bodies – slim, perfectly proportioned figures and hunky, muscular shapes, but nothing like I imagined how Dimitri would look like…bare. My cheeks reddened, maybe from the heat of the hot spring…

We had a pleasant morning together after our run. Besides having picked up a dozen exotic seashells, we had also enjoyed a horse ride around the island. Then, Dimitri had excused himself after lunch for some mysterious reason, proposing that I visit the resort's hot spring and promising to be back before dinner.

Knock, knock, knock. "Rose."

Recognising the deep voice, I jumped off the sofa and ran to yank open the door. "Where have you been the whole afternoon Comrade? I asked curiously the moment I land my eyes on the tall, handsome guy standing outside my door.

A chuckle. "You'll find out soon. Are you ready for dinner?"

"Sure, I'm starving."

"You always are Rose."

…

"Were you hiding in the kitchens just now inventing new dishes Comrade? I asked, staring at our first dish - an assortment of Beancurd Skin, Barbeque Chicken Slices, Lobster Cube, Spring Rolls and Deep-Fried Prawn Rolls – all cold. We are currently seated alone at a specially set-up table in the backyard of the resort's restaurant. Dimitri had promised a surprise for dinner.

"No, Rose. As far as your high compliment for my culinary skills goes, I haven't learnt how to cook Chinese food. This is their traditional starter. I thought you'd like a change."

"Hmm…" I picked up my spoon to attack the spring rolls.

"Rose, the chopsticks would be easier…"Seeing my expression, Dimitri concluded smartly that I don't know how to use a pair. Steadily, he picked up a spring roll with his chopsticks and placed it on my plate. The, he proceeded to fill up my plate with the other varieties.

All in all, we had 10 dishes. From Drunken Chicken to Beijing Duck; from Red Garoupa to Sea Cucumber; from Buddha Jump over the Wall to mini Suckling Pig, finally ending with Yam Rice and Chilled Sago with Pamelo & Mango. Despite the queer combinations, the dishes are all undeniably delicious. Trust Dimitri in the element of surprise.

"Are you ready for the surprise now Rose?" Dimitri asked as we finished the dessert.

"Huh?" The Chinese food wasn't the surprise? "Bring it on Comrade!"

With a smile, Dimitri clapped his handed twice.

BOOM!

Something bright exploded above me. Individual arrows of coloured light hurling up into the darkness, lighting up and decorating the sky, criss-crossingly, uniformly, randomly, one after another… exploding in a series of bangs, expanding rapidly into different patterns - red, blue, green, yellow, gold… before falling like rain and fading, to be replaced immediately by other configurations…

Fireworks.

A full-fledge firework, grand enough for a nation's celebration – specially for me. It's sure a big surprise.

As I marvelled at the stunning display above me, a gentle voice, barely audible against the noise made by the fireworks called to me.

"Roza."

I turned around at my nickname. There, towering over me but not the least intimidating stood my God, holding onto an opened jewellery box. Nested amongst the velvet cushion is a sparking necklace stringing through an intricately carved Rose which is glowing in a rich crimson. Accentuating the Rose pattern are fine threads of shiny gold. I inhaled sharply at the lovely piece of jewellery before me. Never in my life had I seen such an exquisite design.

"Dimitri?" I whispered uncertainly. Surely, it isn't for me?

"May I put it on for you Roza?" The honey-like voice asked.

"It's…for me?"

A soft chuckle. "Do you see anyone else here Roza?"

Dumbly, I shook my head. Dimitri removed the necklace carefully and held it in his hands.

"May I?"

This time, I nodded silently.

Dimitri's graceful hands slowly moved behind my neck. Gently, he helped me secure the necklace. It felt nice and cool against my skin.

"It looks beautiful on you, Roza." Dimitri said as he took a step back.

"Thank you." I breathed. "It's lovely."

"I'm glad you like it, Roza. Ruby and Gold isn't a conventional combination. I didn't know how it'd turn out."

"You made this?" I asked in astonishment.

"I designed it." Dimitri corrected gently. "The rose outlined in gold. You and I intertwined as one, bringing out the best in the two elements…"

"Did I ever tell you that I love you Comrade? You're the most romantic guy in existence!" I threw my arms around Dimitri's neck, pecking him on his cheek.

"Comrade, can we go to the beach later? I heard that the turtles' eggs would be hatching around this time of the year. I want to see the baby turtles." I asked a beaming Dimitri.

"Of course, Roza." Came an affectionate reply.

…

Over two hours into our wait and still nothing – just the calmness of the night, I started to get restless.

"Aw…Comrade, it's a stupid idea. The people at the hot spring don't know what they're talking about. Let's go back. There isn't even a single other soul in sight." I started to whine.

"You're sure, Roza? You don't want to stay for a bit more?

"Naw…it's plain boring. Let's go back and play poker instead. We'll come again another time."

"Okay then." Dimitri stood up. I followed suit immediately.

And suddenly, we were surrounded by a dozen menacing looking men, masked and clad thoroughly in black…

Ok, I think the time's almost ripe - Rose would probably confess in another couple of chapters... What do you all think?

Review!