It was Valentine’s Day, and love was in the air. The streets were bustling with couples exchanging gifts, laughter filling the crisp morning breeze. Birds chirped merrily outside as the golden sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm glow over Aella’s cozy living room. She sat on the couch, her fingers tapping impatiently against her knee, eyes darting toward the door every few seconds. Emily had promised her a surprise, and Aella could hardly wait.

Minutes dragged on, stretching into what felt like forever. Half an hour had passed, and just as Aella was about to grab her phone and send a teasing message, she heard the front door creak open.

Emily stepped inside, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she kicked the door shut behind her. Before Aella could even ask what had taken so long, a tiny blur of fur bolted past Emily’s legs and straight into the room. Aella gasped, her heart skipping a beat as a fluffy little puppy trotted toward her, a shiny red bow perched between its floppy ears.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, babe,” Emily said with a grin, watching as Aella’s eyes grew wide with joy.

Aella let out an excited squeal, scooping the puppy into her arms. “Are you serious? This is my surprise?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief and overwhelming happiness.