The moment Aeliana said "yes," it was as though the entire world around me paused.
Every sound from the gentle breeze rustling through the grass, the distant hum of the night, even the soft flicker of the candle flames all of it faded away, leaving only her and the echo of that single, life-changing word.
My heart surged with joy, and I could feel a smile stretching across my face, one that I couldn't control even if I tried. I'd imagined this moment, sure, but hearing her actually say yes? It was better than I could have ever pictured. Aeliana, my Aeliana, was mine.
I shifted closer to her on the picnic blanket, my breath catching slightly as I took in the sight of her her cheeks flushed, eyes shimmering in the candlelight, that mischievous yet vulnerable smile playing at the corners of her lips.
I wanted to memorize every detail, every flicker of emotion in her eyes.