The surprise part three*

Oliver, how did you manage to accomplish all of this? I inquired, but received no response.

As I turned to locate him, I noticed Oliver standing before me, a small box in his hands.

With a radiant smile illuminating his face, Oliver approached me, the box contrasting sharply with the darkness of his coat. My heart raced uncontrollably.

"What are you doing, Oliver?" I asked, yet he remained silent.

He grasped my hand, and I glanced over my shoulder to find his uncle glaring at me with an intense expression. Turning back to Oliver, I saw him take a deep breath.

"Shorty, I realize this may seem unusual and not something I would typically do. However, I have something important to share that has been on my mind for the past few months—" It was at that moment he made his confession.

He expressed his remorse once more for the pain and frustration he had caused me during our first year of school, as well as for the unfortunate events that followed. He recounted how his father had urged him to cease our meetings, threatening him with unspeakable consequences. Nevertheless, he refused to end our relationship, believing that the love he harbored for me was worth the risk.

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He expressed how much he cherished witnessing my smile in the morning and how he enjoyed my pride when I achieved the highest grade among him, myself, and Olivia. He also recalled our playful disputes over the remote during movie nights. He expressed how the various qualities of my character that he admires, he finds captivating, reminiscing about the wonderful memories we have created together.

Tears began to flow as I reflected on those shared moments. However, I was also reminded of the struggles he had endured for my sake.

"When?" I inquired through my tears.

He gently wiped the tears from my cheeks, asking, "What do you mean by 'when,' Shorty?"

I lowered my gaze, "Since when have you been feeling this way? Since when have you harbored these feelings?"

He lifted my chin and tenderly caressed my cheek. "Since the very first day, I realized how compassionate you are. You were the first person who never gave up on me, the first who genuinely cared for me beyond my uncle. You accepted my flaws and helped me overcome them. You stood by me even when it seemed impossible to assist me, encouraging me relentlessly to persevere."

"Shorty, I want you to accompany me on every step of my life from this day forward. I am willing to endure hardships to have you by my side. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. You are the first girl I have ever felt this deeply for, and as long as I can see your radiant smile, embrace you daily, and bring you joy, I will be content. As long as I can be the man you rely on, that will suffice for me." He held my hands and smiled.

I glanced at his uncle once more before turning my attention back to him.

In that instant, I found myself uncertain about how to proceed.

Should I make an effort to understand him more deeply?

Should I attempt to establish a connection with him, or should I heed the words of his uncle that resonated in my mind?

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