Time seemed to slow, stretching out as if the universe itself wanted me to savor every second of this moment.
My heart was racing, pounding so hard in my chest I swore Carmen could probably hear it.
This was happening.
The proposal. The love of my life kneeling in front of me. The lanterns glowing softly around us, the sound of the waves crashing gently against the shore, the scent of roses lingering in the air.
It was all too perfect, too surreal, and I felt like I was floating, caught somewhere between a dream and reality.
Carmen was still holding the ring, her fingers just the tiniest bit unsteady, her expression open and vulnerable in a way that made my chest ache.
She was nervous.
Carmen Steele, the CEO of Steele Enterprises, one of the most powerful and confident women I had ever met, was actually nervous.
And it was because of me.