The days leading up towards Rosaline's birthday party, were both fast paced and busy. When Rosaline wasn't teaching during the day, she was helping her mother in planning the guest list for her birthday, the catering and decoration supplies and of course the birthday cake. Despite her attempts at keeping her birthday party a small and inexpensive soirée, her mother disregarded her pleas and instead was keen on throwing her a party in which she would remember. Rosaline had a difficult time convincing herself that her parents merely wanted to indulge their daughter with a brilliant birthday party, which is why when she confronted them about it she discovered it was partly due to the fact that they still felt guilty about how they had been quick to judge Erik. Rosaline was more than a little stunned to hear such a confession escape out of her parents mouth, but naturally she was simply grateful to hear that any bad blood between them and Erik had been put to bed. Evidently, because Rosaline was typically held up with helping organise things for her birthday, alongside her family it meant that she hadn't spent a whole heap of time with Erik over the past two weeks. She missed seeing Erik on a continuous basis more than she expected herself to, which is why she was so eager to celebrate her birthday, as it would mean spending valuable time with him.

In much the same way that Rosaline was preoccupied with the responsibilities that came with planning a birthday party, Erik spent his days working tirelessly to catch up on work that he had postponed over his holiday with Rosaline at Glasslea. He didn't regret their time together in anyway, however missing even a days worth of work had easily proven that millionaires such as Erik couldn't exactly afford to take time off without making up for it in the future. His schedule was booked most days with meetings to attend, deals to command and photoshoots to be undertaken. Although Erik knew he was extremely fortunate to live a very comfortable lifestyle, there were days he considered what life would entail if he had in fact chosen to be a middle class working man. Of course, when weighing up his options and the benefits Erik had earned since becoming an entrepreneur, in addition to working as a philanthropist and model, it was easy to understand why he loved every part of his challenging, yet rewarding career. His profession had in fact led him to find Rosaline, which was what he was most proud of. Finding a woman as captivating, inspiring and generous as Rosaline was without a doubt the greatest gift that Erik could have ever received. Understandably, Erik was relieved to awake on the Saturday of Rosaline's birthday. He would finally be able to spend more than a few minutes in Rosaline's company and also would have the opportunity to redeem himself, in a way, to the likes of Rosaline's parents and brothers. For the moment, Erik was noticeably gazing at Rosaline through the bathroom mirror at his house, whilst she got dressed for her birthday. Much to Erik's delight, Rosaline had informed him ahead of time that she would be getting ready at his house, as it would permit convenience when travelling to her parents home.

"Do I look alright?" Rosaline apprehensively asked Erik, while smoothing out the non-existent creases in her elegant gown.

"Sweetheart, the word 'alright' insults the beauty in which I'm currently graced by." Erik easily answers.

"You are absolute perfection and and let me be clear, it has nothing to do with the gown but instead your heart, soul and mind." Erik romantically adds.

"Thank you." Rosaline sincerely responds after a silent moment, before turning around and placing a lingering kiss against Erik's lips.

The two lovers smile at one another through the reflection of the mirror as they finish up in the bathroom and make their way downstairs. Once outside, Erik plays the chivalrous gentleman and stands beside his Audi, as he opens the passenger door. He winks at Rosaline and watches as she gracefully take her seat inside, whilst ensuring her blush pink birthday gown is crinkle free. He closes her door and walks around the other side, while inconspicuously drifting his fingers across the internal pocket on the jacket of his suit. Apart from his parents whom he had spoken to at length about his future proposition, no one knew of the secret item that would bare a monumental outcome of some sort. With a small, knowing smile directed at himself, Erik opens the drivers door and casually takes a seat behind the wheel. In seconds, the engine starts and Erik takes off in a flash, wary of potentially arriving a little too late. By the time Erik parks his car outside the Covault family home, he ultimately starts to feel a sense of worry and woe. However, for the sake of his beloved, Erik doesn't show or act indifferently as he and Rosaline are welcomed inside the house. As per his usual self, Erik is courteous and polite towards Rosaline's parents and even demonstrates a true empathetic nature as he listens and speaks to her eldest brother.

"I was hoping to have a word with you Erik." Nickolas calmly asks.

"Of course." Erik good-heartedly agrees, before following Nickolas through to the garden outside.

"I wanted to apologise for the way William and I spoke to you the last time we saw you. It was offensive and out of line, but you also must understand the love that I have for my sister. As her older brother, it is my job to protect her. Despite what you may think, I'm actually not here to seek your forgiveness because I will probably always question your motives, however, I just want you to prove me wrong by being the man that Rosie sees you are and not the man that my family thinks you are. Do we have an understanding?" Nickolas explains, in a serious tone.

"We both want the same thing for Rosaline, to protect her, and I can promise you that I will spend the rest of my life doing that because I love her dearly." Assures Erik, before outstretching his hand for Nickolas to shake.

After accepting his handshake, Erik offers Nickolas a respectful nod before making his way back inside the house. Once inside, he finds Rosaline with ease and smiles as he sees her appreciating the decorations put up around the house. The pink, peach and silver colours used to decorate the house help to provide a feminine yet contemporary mood, something which Erik is certain that Rosaline greatly approves of.

"The house looks incredible, you and your mother have done a spectacular job." Praises Erik, while gently brushing up behind her.

"You think the guests will like it?" Rosaline humbly inquires.

"Sweetheart, it shouldn't really matter what your guests think. After all, it's your birthday so if you like it then that's all that should matter. Besides, I'm hoping there will be more excitement to come when you open your presents." Erik discreetly comments.

"I hope you stuck to your promise of only one small gift, remember?" Rosaline scrutinises, while turning to face Erik.

While pondering her inquisition, Erik can't help but struggle to keep a straight face when he notices the hardened yet adorable expression in Rosaline's eyes. Erik knows that Rosaline isn't the type of person to stay genuinely mad at one person for more than a short period of time, which is why he doesn't flinch upon hearing her judgement.

"You should know by now that I keep my promises...with the occasional exception of course." He cheekily reminds her.

"Erik!" Rosaline frustratedly cries, before wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders in a loving and affectionate embrace.