Raindrops began to fall, a slow, steady drizzle that caught Arcadia off guard.  She slowly looked up at the sky, a frown forming on her forehead. She raised a hand, catching the rain on her palm.

"It was clearly sunny, why did it rain so suddenly?" she muttered under her breath, a hint of bewilderment in her voice.

A sigh escaped her lips as she lowered her hand. She stood outside the coffee shop, a little lost in the sudden change of weather.

All of a sudden, footsteps were heard behind her. She turned around, a look of surprise washing over her face.

"I told you to bring an umbrella today," a nice, husky voice rang in her ears.

She pouted her lips in reply. "But it was clearly sunny when I went out."

The man chuckled lightly and shielded her from the rain, raising the umbrella above their heads. "Come, I'll walk you to your apartment."

She smiled sweetly at him and clung her hands to his arms. "I know you will bring me an umbrella that's why I'm confident that I didn't bring one!"

The man lightly flicked her head with his fingers. "What will you do when I'm not around, huh?"

"You're always there, aren't you?" she replied with a playful smile.

"You won't stay in the apartment today?" she asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

"No, I'm going to deal with something today," he replied, his voice firm.

Arcadia raised an eyebrow at him.  "So, who will cook for me at lunch later? Should I order some takeout then?"

The man pinched her waist, and she winced in pain, glaring at him. "I'll go to the apartment at lunch and cook for you. I told you to not order takeout. It's bad for your health." He reprimanded her with a stern voice.

She rolled her eyes at him but later chuckled at his reminder. "What should I do without you, my Alaric!" she giggled, kissing him on the cheeks.

Alaric pinched her cheeks, rubbing them lightly, afraid they might turn red.

"Don't move or you'll get wet by the rain," he said, hugging her to his side, shielding her from the few stray raindrops that dared to fall.

Her apartment was just a few blocks from the coffee shop. A few minutes later, they arrived at the doorsteps of her apartment.

Alaric closed the umbrella as she stood in front of him.

"What time will you be here?" she asked, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"Before 12. I'll be on time and not let my baby get hungry," he replied, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

She punched his shoulders, but it only tickled him, sending a warmth through his heart.

"What do you want for lunch later?" he asked softly,  his voice a caress against her skin.

"Let me think about it," she said,  a playful smile gracing her lips.

Alaric chuckled, his eyes full of warmth and tenderness. "I'll cook everything you want later."

"Okay then, you choose for me!" she said happily, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

He nodded, his eyes lingering on her figure, savoring the sight of her. "I'll cook all your favorite food.  What else do you want me to buy for you?"

"Can I have ice cream today?" she asked, her voice a little hesitant.

His eyes dimmed, and she shrank back, biting her lips and lowering her gaze, avoiding his intense stare.

"No cold food for you. You just got healed from the fever," he replied, his voice firm, but the sternness was laced with concern.

"Okay... I was just trying my luck," she whispered, her voice tinged with disappointment.

He softened at her whispering voice. She looked so small and delicate,  someone who needed to be pampered. He couldn't be stern with her for long.  He blamed this girl for capturing his heart so tightly.

"Come here," he said, his voice softer now,  filled with affection.

Without hesitation, she ran to his side, and he embraced her without a moment's thought.

"I'll give you ice cream and milk tea next week, okay? Is that alright, baby?"

"Okay! Don't forget your words!" she said, her voice filled with playful determination.

He chuckled and kissed the top of her hair. "Since when did I break my words?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

She pinched his waist, but it only made him chuckle even more,  tickling him to the core. "You go now!" she said, too shy from his flirting.

He kissed the top of her hair once more before lifting her head so he could look into her eyes. "Wait for me later, okay? If you want to go out with your friends later, let me know in advance so that I won't be worried."

"Stop nagging me like a husband," she said, giggling, a playful glint in her eyes.

Alaric poked her nose before kissing it. While arranging the strands of her hair behind her ear, he looked into her eyes, his figure reflected in those beautiful blue orbs. His heart tightened, flattered by the affection he saw in her eyes.

"We're going there soon," he said, his voice full of confidence.

She rolled her eyes at him and hit his arm playfully. "Whatever! Go now or you'll be late. Don't blame me for making you stay long enough."

"How can I blame my beautiful baby?  It's this man's fault for being blinded by his wife's beauty," he said, his voice laced with adoration.

Arcadia widened her eyes, her cheeks turning a beautiful shade of red. Her blush only made her more lovely and charming.

A sigh escaped his lips. How could his baby be so charming, so captivating that she could fascinate every man she met?

He felt his soul soar as her blue eyes, filled with an adoration that knew no bounds, met his, a silent promise of forever.

His heart pounded against his ribs as her blue eyes, sharp and piercing, held him in their hypnotic gaze. He was lost in the swirling depths of her stares, the soft and trusting, mirrored the love she held for him, a love as pure and unwavering as the morning sky.

"Go inside. I'll watch you from here." He told her before gesturing for her to walk inside her apartment.

Arcadia kisses his cheeks before unlocking the door. When she stepped inside her apartment, she waved at him, smiling sweetly. Her eyes curved into crescent moons, looking so soft and lovely.

His gaze followed her, a surging emotion deeply hidden behind his dark eyes.

For a moment, he stood there before walking away when he knew that she was inside and safely secured within her apartment.