Chapter 5

While I was texting Maya, my bedroom door pushed open.

To my surprise, Julian hadn't left for work yet.

"You're not working today?"

Julian offered a warm, gentle smile. "I took the day off to spend it with you."

He pulled me out of the bedroom, covering my eyes with his hands, whispering that he had a surprise.

The sudden darkness triggered my reflex, and I grabbed his hand tightly.

He whispered in my ear, "Almost there. Don't worry."

I had no choice but to walk forward, my heart hammering against my chest in pure panic.

"Silly girl, I told you there's no rush."

When he finally took his hands away, I gasped for air, trying to calm my racing heart.

On the coffee table were fresh flowers, a cake, and a small, elegant jewelry box.

I instinctively looked at his hands. The ring he wore in Tiffany's photo was gone.

Noticing my gaze, he subtly hid his hand behind his back.

"Happy fourth anniversary."

"I planned this surprise just for you. Do you like it?"

I said nothing.

If I had received this a week ago...

Actually, even three days ago would have worked.

I couldn't even imagine how happy I would have been.

But now...

I stared at the cake for a moment, then turned to him. "Julian, I think we should break—"

"Eat some cake first. You must be hungry."

He cut me off, handing me a slice.

I took a tiny bite.

Ugh. Matcha. My absolute least favorite flavor.

It was Tiffany's favorite.

"What's wrong? Isn't this from your favorite bakery?"

He took a bite himself.

"Oh, sorry. The cashier must have given me the wrong flavor. I didn't mean to buy this one."

He seemed flustered, quickly trying to explain himself.

"That night, my friend called me about an emergency. I didn't know it was a party until I got there."

"Tiffany got drunk, and she's always been a messy drinker..."

I picked up the flowers and took a light sniff.

"Are these for me? They smell nice. Thanks."

The rest of Julian's explanation died in his throat.

His expression shifted. He took a deep breath, picked up the small jewelry box, and began to drop to one knee.

"Chloe, I know you were hurt..."