“John! No, you can’t leave me like this!” I cried out, jolting awake in a cold sweat. My chest heaved as I sat up in bed, realizing it was only a nightmare. The dream of John leaving me in a tropical paradise had shaken me to my core, leaving a lingering unease in its wake.

“Rosa? Are you okay?” John’s concerned voice broke through the silence as he walked into the room, his face etched with worry.

I let out a long sigh of relief, the warmth of reality washing over me. “Yeah, just a bad dream,” I murmured. “What time is it?”

“Almost nine,” he said with a smile tugging at his lips. “And happy anniversary, sweetheart.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my gosh, our anniversary!” I exclaimed, leaping up and wrapping my arms around him. “Ten amazing years. Happy anniversary, love.”

John’s grin turned mischievous. “I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes.”

I followed his instruction, and moments later, something light was placed in my hands. When I opened my eyes, I was greeted with two plane tickets.

“Dominican Republic?” I gasped, hardly believing what I was seeing. “John, are you serious?”

“Pack your bags,” he said with a chuckle, clearly enjoying my stunned reaction. “We leave in three hours.”

The next few hours were a whirlwind of excitement and hurried packing. Before we knew it, we were stepping off the plane, greeted by the warm embrace of Caribbean air. The vibrant turquoise waters and lush landscapes were a feast for the eyes.

“This is breathtaking!” I exclaimed as we drove to the resort, unable to take my gaze off the stunning scenery.

John gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s beautiful, but it pales in comparison to you,” he said with a wink that sent my heart fluttering.

The resort was nothing short of paradise. Towering palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, golden sands sparkled under the sun, and our suite boasted a balcony with a mesmerizing view of the endless ocean.

“It’s perfect,” I whispered as I leaned into him, overcome with gratitude. “You’re perfect.”

The following days were pure magic. We danced barefoot under a blanket of stars, indulged in fresh seafood, and let the rhythmic waves wash away every worry. Each moment felt like a dream come to life. On the third evening, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of fiery oranges and soft pinks as we lounged on the beach.

“What’s on your mind?” John asked, his voice soft and full of curiosity.

I smiled, my hand absentmindedly resting on my stomach. “Just thinking about how lucky I am.”

“Not as lucky as me,” he replied with a gentle laugh.

I had been preparing to share my secret with him when he suggested we take a walk along the shore at sunset. As the ocean lapped at our feet, I reached into my pocket for the small box I had been keeping hidden.

“John, there’s something I—”

Before I could finish, a figure appeared out of nowhere, sprinting toward us. A woman in a white swimsuit dropped to her knees in front of John.

“John! You’re the love of my life. Stop pretending and tell her the truth. Marry me!” she cried, her voice filled with emotion.

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. My breath caught in my throat as I turned to John, desperately seeking an explanation.

His expression shifted from shock to amusement, and then he erupted into laughter.

“Julia!” he exclaimed, helping the woman to her feet. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

My heart raced, torn between confusion and a flicker of relief. “What’s going on, John? Who is she?”

John turned to me, his laughter softening. “Rosa, this is Julia, an old college friend. She’s… well, she’s a bit dramatic.”

Julia joined in the laughter, shaking her head. “I’m so sorry if I scared you, Rosa. I spotted John earlier and couldn’t resist pulling this little stunt. Payback for all the pranks he pulled on me during drama class.”

Realizing it had all been a harmless joke, I let out a shaky laugh. “You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

John pulled me into a reassuring hug. “I had no idea she was here, and I definitely didn’t see this coming. I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

Julia grinned mischievously. “Let me take a picture of the happy couple!” She snapped a photo of us against the backdrop of the stunning sunset.

As she handed the camera back, I finally retrieved the small box from my pocket. “Your turn for a surprise,” I said, my voice trembling with excitement.

When John opened the box, his eyes widened in disbelief. Inside was a delicate silver chain with a charm shaped like tiny baby feet.

“Are you serious?” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

“I’m pregnant,” I revealed, tears brimming in my eyes.

John’s joy was instant and overwhelming. He lifted me off the ground, spinning me around as laughter bubbled out of him. “We’re going to be parents!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the world in shades of gold and crimson, we stood hand in hand, filled with gratitude and hope for the future.

“I love you, Rosa,” John said softly, his voice carrying the weight of the moment.

“I love you too,” I replied, knowing with absolute certainty that no matter what life had in store, we would face it together.