Scarlett's eyes narrowed at the haughty man beside her as he continued singing.

"Place your head on my beating heart,
I'm thinking out loud,
Maybe we found love right where we are!"

Feeling her stares, he glanced back and as a reflexive action, his lips curved into a full smirk, only to intensify her pissed state. Right after, his gaze shifted to the front as his voice only turned louder.

He is attractive all the time but for sure, that pretty face was not going to help him from getting out of this, "You sure like the sound of your own voice don't you?" Scarlett ironically mocked only to get another smirk from him, "Too bad, I don't. I would be overjoyed if you'd just shut up." She added, giving him another fierce glare. However, that was falling on deaf ears as he continued singing like no big deal.

Surely, Scarlett loved his voice whenever he hummed or sang, but right now, she just couldn't find it in her to tolerate his voice. She just wanted to sit calmly but that was probably too much to ask as the man beside her decided to leave her peeved with each passing minute.

"Can you stop irritating me for once, Dylan?" Scarlett finally hissed, raising her voice but that only made him chuckle loudly. "Angel," he started to say as he passed her another smile, "You have always loved it when I hummed this type of tune for you, no?" He smirked. Firstly, Scarlett wanted to wipe that annoying smirk off his face, that was planted enduringly on his lips.

She glared at him, "That was a long time ago," Scarlett hissed as he swiftly glanced her way, "You can't term it as 'always' for the past events."

"Pull over. I'm not coming with you and please if you'd just get out." She announced in a firm voice as he frowned, glancing her way, "Right now." Scarlett added but that went unheard as well as he twisted his head to the front.

"Of course, I can," he countered ignoring her retaliation, "We have been only 8 years apart. The time we've been together is longer than the time we've been away from each other." He quoted monotonically.

Scarlett stared at him incredulously. His face glistened under the cloudless, sparkling moon as she stared at him for a moment planting her gaze lastingly at him, taking in his features. He indeed had this masculine, attractive aura, prominent jawline, and square chin and she could simply stare into his almond-shaped eyes. The room between his eyes is ideally spaced and his looks could attract any woman. It's always done to her. He had been consistent, maintaining his personality.

Even in the past, he had effortlessly managed to captivate Scarlett's soul and the fact that he was present right there in front of her eyes all the time, did not help back then. Mostly, he was an introvert and his personality, which was quite mysterious, did not help her too from getting bewitched and falling for him hopelessly.

Scarlett did not look away, although the conscious part of her mind repeatedly warned her to put an end to it before he recognized her stares at him, yet, apparently, that seemed like a difficult task to do. Ignoring the fact that this would only give him another reason to tease her, she maintained her stance unbroken. Undoubtedly, Scarlett was not thinking about the upcoming vain and haughty remarks by him, which he unforgettably would not evade after knowing about his enticing charms.

Scarlett's gaze stopped by his lips, which were pursed together, effectively managing to drag her back to reality. Immediately shifting her eyes, she looked outside. Her lips curled a little watching the drizzle out there. Then, it started raining lightly. Unconsciously, she found herself glancing at him all over again as she noticed his eyes squinting at nothing in particular. The one thing about him always amazed Scarlett was that he'd never failed to stand so impulsive – switching from a smug self to a solemn one.

Knowing his ways, Scarlett was sure. He was opting for something big this time. He'd try harder to prove himself. The confidence he'd carried expressed about it and like he'd said, he would prove her wrong, saying Scarlett's trust in Aaron is baseless and he is not worthy of it. Persistently, he claimed that Aaron doesn't love her at all and is going to prove it, hence, it all explains. However, the graveness he had in his expressions this time makes it hard for her to ignore.

Scarlett shook her thoughts away, after realizing the car was coming to a halt. It was hazily dark outside and only a certain amount of light glittered. She could not acknowledge what place it was as there were water droplets and moisture taking place everywhere on the window glass.

Climbing down, she untied the umbrella that was under her seat. It was always present there for times like these. She stood there glancing around the place. It was a huge apartment complex and it looked exclusive. Her forehead was already creased in confusion as she stared at him. Before she could question, he spoke.

"Could I get a little space under your umbrella, Angel?" He asked with mockery, his eyes holding the soft laughter as she glared at him. Before she could reject him, he was already close to her as he started walking, sneaking his arm around her waist.

Scarlett scowled at him but he just shrugged it off.

"Just remember, Dylan, if this turned out to be one of your tricks, then you are dead." She warned as he glanced her way. "Why did you bring me here and..." She could not complete it as he cut me off.

"Patience, sweetheart," he secretly said holding her arm, "Let's witness some tragedy." He whispered sneakily, his lips curved into a conniving smile as he dragged her by her waist pressing the button for the elevator to reach down.

Scarlett frowned hearing his words, especially his tone. Moreover, that made her forget that his arm was still around her, "What do you mean by that?" She questioned, his expressions making Scarlett unclear.

He just smirked in his reply. Instantaneously, yanking his hand away, she gave him her most icy stare, folding her arms.

Scarlett wanted to stay away from him. He stared at her, amusement clearly dancing in his eyes. Instead of clearing her queries, he stepped closer making her feel alert as she backed away. All the while, his eyes bored into her intensely.

To say Scarlett was highly frustrated would be an understatement. She does not like it when he plays those cheap tricks to divert her mind. She remembered him being that way earlier and he has been like that since forever. Scarlett noticed him bringing his hand up to her face as he brushed off the hair and tucked it behind her ear gently. With a smile on his lips, he inclined, making her heart race swiftly.

Scarlett noticed him smirking; the lift doors opened with a ding making her push him back, using her palms with a jerk.

"We will continue this later for sure, baby." He whispered slowly before kissing her earlobe making her emotions go haywire. However, clearing her throat and at the same time not wanting to sound raspy, Scarlett maintained her posture as she spoke, trying to sound unaffected, "You wish."

"Yes, all the time." He drew again in a deep voice.

"Will you tell me the reason for bringing me here?" She hissed and he only smirked, leaving her incensed all over again.

"Yeah, this way," he grinned as she walked tentatively and his hand immediately curled back on her waist. Scarlett wriggled, "You would see the real Aaron today." Bringing a victorious smile, Dylan commented, as she stopped her protests after hearing him.

Instantly sensing something unusual, I seethed, "You did not trap Aaron in anything, did you?"

The cool demeanor he possessed unexpectedly changed into a calm yet dangerous one. He looked affronted and mad but clearly, he chose to maintain his composure as he stood there staring at her. Scarlett felt his gaze briskly turning cold.

"I wouldn't stoop that low, Scarlett, I thought you knew that," his voice held disbelief and full of contempt. He continued, "Anyway, if you still want to go with me you can, I wanted to show you something and for that, we have to walk inside." He let out a sharp breath as he eyed her blank expressions.

He started again, "And for heaven's sake, believe me, it's nothing the way you're assuming. This is not a game." He completed and silently heaved a sigh.

Hearing him, for a moment, a pang of culpability arose in my heart. Scarlett had the urge of trusting him but she was afraid too.
She had no idea what was she even doing there? Why did she agree to go with him, to begin with!?

Scarlett just stood there watching him raking his hand over his messy hair repeatedly. Frustration was clear on his face. Suddenly, he stopped facing her as he spoke. He looked pissed off and he did not hide it this time, "I can't think of hurting you, Scarlett. Please rely on me this one last time. If I fall short here too, I swear I'm going away then," he paused again taking in a breath, "You want me to stop right? Fine. I will stop appearing in front of you. I will go back to where I came from. I love you, damn, why it is difficult to make you believe. How can you not see how hard I am trying here? It's all because of you, nobody else." His patience broke at the end and his eyes aimed hers with blame. His orbs blazing with fire, not the livid one but an exhausted one.

That look was so distressing. Scarlett could not hold it any longer and so, she looked away. He said he would leave if he fails this time, it means he is serious because he sounded so. Scarlett found herself nodding her head as words refused to come out of her mouth.

I love you. Out of all the other things he'd expressed, her heart managed to skip a beat and her mind decides to only think about those three uncertain words. They kept on replaying at the back of her mind since the moment he'd said it. Literally, Scarlett could see her past life with him again as the flashes declined to leave her alone.

Scarlett just stared at him. Those words were enough to make her feel superfluous feelings again, to reminisce she wanted to leave behind and mostly she wanted to stop feeling the same for him. However, he had always made it hard each passing day.

"Was he serious?" She asked herself inwardly. On the other hand, was he just messing around to distract her this time too? However, his expressions only perplexed Scarlett. He'd always known the ways to sidetrack her. Before her mind bursts, Scarlett stopped thinking. Or so she thought!

I love you, it was back again.

Stop it! She screamed inwardly. Scarlett shifted her attention towards the compelling man in front of her as she found herself deciding to walk with him.

Flashback:

"Not like that, Angel, listen to me first. You'll crash it somewhere otherwise," Dylan expressed with a bit of irritation leaving his girlfriend to pass an intent glare his way.

Scarlett huffed in exasperation as she pouted, which only caused a heavy distraction to the person beside her. Finding his admiring stares on her, she glanced aside only to get an apologetic look from her beau as he kissed her pout away, making her giddy. However, she instantly remembered about her infuriation.

"I already made it clear that I'm not that keen on learning this shit but you wouldn't listen to me. It was you who insisted that I drive." Scarlett hissed pointing her finger at him in a pissed-off tone, her forehead showing an acrimonious scowl, which was excessively adorable according to Dylan as he couldn't look away from his ladylove.

"I am sorry, sweetheart," he dropped a sudden kiss on her cheek as she struggled in maintaining a straight angry face. Her senses reacted the moment his lips touched her skin. She wanted more. However, for the time being, she realized that she was actually supposed to be fuming. Dylan continued, "I won't react much now. It's just that you weren't listening to me, baby," his voice was soft, "Listen to me while I talk okay and don't raise the accelerator much as you're a learner, you wouldn't be able to control the speed otherwise." He explained calmly as the girl in love replied, giving him a slight nod.

Dylan hugged her as they continued the driving sessions.

The university phase had passed and now for them, it was time to get serious in life. Dylan had decided to find a suitable existing job that could provide him training and later, he could join Scarlett's father, Arthur's big company firm. However, it was expected that he would apparently join straight away, but Dylan being a self-esteemed fellow, did not want to be privileged. He wanted to work hard for it, instead of getting it smoothly. He wanted to experience struggle and absolutely wanted to establish himself, even if it was by applying for a job.

Therefore, before leaving for the said training, he wanted to spend his time with his girl and somehow managed to teach her driving lessons.

Scarlett alternatively happens to think about the same subject. The thought of Dylan parting for a certain period brought glum feelings inside her heart. She could not stop him either, because she found Dylan's reason quite reasonable.

He glimpsed beside him at Scarlett, who already stared at him. Her eyes held an immense amount of love and desire. Smiling, he leaned, giving her a peck on her lips. However, this time, she could not hold back the vibrations as she suddenly grabbed him by his shirt and crushed her lips with his.

Automatically, Dylan held her and shifted her body onto his lap. The mood suddenly turned extremely hot. The kiss was fervent, wild and passionate. It arose all the sleeping desires inside them as he took over her mouth possessively. His hand sensually skimmed her sides leaving her persuaded and anticipated. The moment only intensified as Dylan shifted his lips to her jaw line, trailing hot kisses down to her neck making her pull his hair softly and moan in pleasure.

~~~~~~

"Are you serious?" Scarlett queried for the third time in a row, as they were only a few steps away from her father's study.

Dylan left a swift glance at her and rolled his eyes playfully. Scarlett still was not over the shocking decision that her boyfriend had just made. Dylan had made up his mind, saying he was going to ask for Scarlett's hand for marriage before leaving. Alternatively, it is overwhelming on her part. She was experiencing happiness, excitement and anxiousness, all at the same time. She was happy because she really wanted to take the big step, excited because she eagerly looked forward to living her entire life with the person she loves the most in this world and anxious since she had no idea how her parents would react knowing about their secret relationship these past years.

They made sure that they would not get an idea about them being together while they were at home. They acted successfully, pretending like normal friends all the time. Although her father, Arthur is always touring for business and her mother, Julia is a social person, she is busy at those parties and events, but still, while they are home, they didn't let them know about their proximity. Immediately, Scarlett hoped they would not make an issue out of it.

Knowing her mother, she knew there would be undoubtedly a problem as she cares a lot about her social status and all. All of her hopes were on her father now. Silently, Scarlett prayed that he does not go against the idea.

Realizing her uneasiness, Dylan found himself stopping midway as he turned the love of his life by her shoulders. He looked straight into her eyes as he slowly kissed her crown, "Don't worry, love. We will be fine. Just remember, I love you, okay?" He expressed in a soft tone kissing her cheek lingeringly. She nodded looking down for a moment and that made him raise her chin as he cupped her face.

"And I can't afford if your dad chooses someone else, so before leaving I want to make you mine and then we would marry right after my return." He remarked casually as he removed his palms. Scarlett nodded as she smiled at him with warm affection. Her heart smiled and danced. She was hopelessly whipped as the love she had for him increased.

"I love you," Scarlett whispered whatever she felt at that very moment.

"I know," he teased, pecking her lips.

Narrowing her gaze at him, she landed a harmless punch on his stomach, to which he groaned playfully.

"I love you more, now let's go." He beamed as he held her hand tightly. They made their way inside her Dad's study.

"Dad..." Scarlett called out for him the moment they walked in and he turned to look in their way. Arthur frowned a little seeing them together and the fact that they were holding each other's hands did not lessen the lines on his forehead to simmer down.

He arched his brows up as he let go of the file carelessly on his big mahogany table, and made his steps towards where they were standing.

Scarlett felt Dylan's hand turn sweaty as he removed his hold. He cleared his throat in anxiousness, before attempting to speak. Scarlett glanced at her father and he looked at them, waiting for them to speak. He did look intimidating.

"Umm...sir, I, we...actually..." Dylan trailed off as he glanced at his girl beside him. The formal approach made Scarlett roll her eyes heavenward as she reluctantly spoke, "Dad, it's nothing major but..." Dylan cut her off.

"I love your daughter, sir and I intend on marrying her." He said it all in one go as she looked at him disbelievingly. Scarlett glanced at her Dad and his brows furrowed. His expressions changed, probably realizing that he actually heard it right and he is not assuming things. Scarlett got tensed noticing his effect as her heart ran a mile in a minute. Dylan's expression was as if he is going to faint out of stress and fret.

The next moment, she heard a big round of mirth and it was Arthur. He was laughing richly and his daughter let out a breath that she did not know she was holding.

Heaving a sigh of relief, she smiled authentically. Dylan looked mystified for a second but almost immediately, he got it as he laughed looking down embarrassed. His lover giggled looking at him.

"Sure, you can marry her. But if you hurt her then it would be the end of you." Explained Arthur, promptly, his tone turning grave as Dylan nodded nervously shaking his head. "I wouldn't think of hurting her anytime." He said, bringing the smile back on his lips.

"So, what do you guys think of the summer wedding next year?" Arthur immediately asked unexpectedly after a while.

The young couple glanced at each other for a moment and nodded in agreement. Scarlett had already wished that his Dad would eventually show no objection, knowing the fondness they both shared.

"Wonderful." He exclaimed as he reached out for the glass of water, "You could marry as soon as possible, why wait?" He enquired.

"Actually, I want to establish myself, sir," he answered, "I already found a job for myself," Dylan explained.

Scarlett noticed her Dad smiling big and wide, his eyes beaming with light and she could not be happier.

"Sounds great and call me Dad, you don't have to be that formal just because you are marrying my daughter. It was Uncle for you earlier but now call me Dad. We are already a family." He grinned, "I'm happy that you found him," he completed taking his eyes away from him to his beaming daughter, who wreathed in smiles.

Scarlett witnessed a real smile on Dylan's lips.

"Dad, can you take care of mom, I don't think she would make this easy." Scarlett apprehensively stated once Dylan was out. Arthur thought for a moment and nodded, smiling.

"He's a good guy. I have always trusted him." His father's statement made her smile as he gave him a side hug, kissing her temple.

"Thanks, Dad, I love you." Scarlett expressed her contentment and she could not stop smiling.

"More than him?" Arthur teased.

"Dad!" Her face turned the brightest shade of red as she hid in her Dad's loving embrace. He chuckled in happiness.

"Oh God, I'm so happy," Scarlett could not stop gushing.

**********