Chapter 14 - THE PROPOSAL HE ALMOST RUINED
Julian proposed on a rainy evening.
We were in his garden.
He had arranged candles.
Flowers.
A beautiful dinner.
Unfortunately, the weather had other plans.
Rain began falling just as he brought me outside.
The candles went out.
The flowers collapsed.
And Julian stared at the ruined table with an expression of complete disbelief.
I burst into laughter.
He looked at me.
“This isn't funny.”
“It is a little.”
He sighed.
“I planned this for weeks.”
I smiled.
“Julian.”
He looked at me.
“What?”
“Whatever you're trying to say, just say it.”
He stared.
Then laughed.
“Fine.”
He reached into his pocket.
And knelt.
My breath caught.
“Elena Morales.”
Tears filled my eyes.
“Julian.”
He smiled.
“Three years ago, you walked into my life pretending to be someone else.”
I laughed through tears.
“And you pretended to be paralyzed.”
He winced.
“Fair.”
We both laughed.
Then his expression softened.
“You taught me that trust isn't something you can demand.”
His voice trembled.
“It's something you earn.”
I swallowed.
“And you taught me that love isn't weakness.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a beautiful diamond ring.
“Will you marry me?”
I stared at him.
Rain fell around us.
His hair was soaked.
My dress was damp.
The flowers were ruined.
And somehow, it was perfect.
I smiled.
“Yes.”
Julian closed his eyes.
Then slipped the ring onto my finger.
He stood.
I kissed him.
And we laughed beneath the rain.
No secrets.
No tests.
May you like
No fear.
Just love.
