Chapter 14

Michael stood outside Eliana's apartment building, the bouquet of flowers clutched tightly in his hand. The lights were on, casting a warm glow through the windows, and he could hear the faint sounds of music drifting out into the night air.

It was now or never.

He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve. Then, with a single step, he entered the lion's den, the door swinging shut behind him.

The elevator ride up to Eliana's floor was agonizingly slow, each second an eternity as he waited to see her. When the doors finally slid open, he stepped out into the hallway, his heart pounding in his chest.

Then, with a trembling hand, he reached out and knocked on the door.

At first, there was no answer. But then, after what seemed like an eternity, the door slowly swung open, revealing the woman he loved.

"Michael," Eliana breathed, her eyes wide with surprise.

"I need to talk to you," Michael said, his voice thick with emotion.

Without another word, he thrust the bouquet of flowers into her hands and strode into the apartment, the door slamming shut behind him.