The Evening of Dreams

Chapter 16: The Evening of Dreams

The evening air was warm and inviting, the kind of night

that felt like magic hung in the air. Jane's heart fluttered with anticipation

as she stood in front of her full-length mirror, giving herself one final once-over.

The dress Michael had sent fit her perfectly, hugging her curves in a way that

made her feel elegant and beautiful, but still… *nervous*. She took a deep

breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

Just then, her phone buzzed, and she quickly glanced at the

screen.

"The driver is here to pick you up."

A soft gasp escaped her lips as she grabbed her purse and

hurried to the door. The evening was unfolding just as she had dreamed, and she

couldn't believe this moment was finally here. Michael had made sure every

detail was perfect.

As she stepped into the car, the driver gave her a polite

nod, and she sank into the soft leather seat, letting the music in the

background settle her nerves. The drive felt like it lasted only a few minutes,

but her mind was racing the entire time, filled with thoughts of what awaited

her.

When the car finally pulled up to the venue, her breath

caught in her throat. What she saw before her was beyond anything she could

have ever imagined.

A poolside, glistening under the stars, surrounded by soft

lighting. In the center, a mini tent stood adorned with twinkling fairy lights,

draped with elegant fabric that fluttered gently in the evening breeze. The

whole scene looked like something out of a fairytale—so romantic, so surreal,

it took Jane a moment to fully comprehend what was before her.

She stepped out of the car, her heart pounding in her chest,

and scanned the surroundings. Everything was perfect.

Before she could take another step, a voice pulled her from

her awe-stricken reverie. "Jane."

She turned to see Michael standing before her. He looked…

incredible. Gone was the familiar button-up shirt and slacks he often

wore—tonight, he was dressed in a simple pair of jeans, and his chest was bare,

revealing the strong, toned physique she had never seen before.

Her breath hitched In her throat. *Wow.*

He looked breathtaking. She couldn't seem to find the words,

her mind blanking as she admired him from head to toe. He was nothing like the

man she'd always seen dressed in a suit, so polished and professional. This was

a different side of him, one that made her pulse quicken and her cheeks flush.

She realized she was staring at him, lost in her thoughts,

when Michael chuckled softly. "Hey," he said, taking a step closer.

Jane snapped back to reality, feeling her face flush even

more. She hadn't even noticed him moving toward her.

"I… I didn't realize you were right there," she stammered,

her voice almost a whisper.

Michael smiled warmly, his eyes filled with something more

than just friendliness. "You look stunning," he said, reaching out to gently

take her hand in his. "Come on, let's sit."

He led her to a small, elegant seating area, and they both

sank into the plush cushions, the sound of the gentle rippling of the pool

adding to the serene atmosphere. The air was warm, and the stars above seemed

to shine brighter than usual, casting a soft glow over everything. It was like

a dream.

For a few moments, neither of them spoke, simply basking in

the quiet beauty of the scene around them. The night felt perfect, and Jane

couldn't help but think that this moment, this night, was something she would

remember forever.

But then, Michael broke the silence, his voice low and

steady. "Jane, there's something I need to tell you."

Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned to him, her breath

hitching. *What was he going to say?*

Michael turned toward her fully, his hand still holding hers

gently. "I know this might sound crazy, but… I've been wanting to say this for

a long time now." He paused for a moment, as though gathering the courage. "I

love you, Jane. I love you so much."

Jane's heart raced, and she could feel her cheeks growing

hot. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She had always felt something for

him, but to hear him say it so openly, so honestly, left her speechless.

Michael continued, his words pouring out like a confession

he could no longer keep to himself. "I've watched you grow over the years, and

you've become someone so incredible, someone who makes me feel things I can't

ignore. You've always been important to me, and now… I can't imagine my life

without you. You're beautiful, and kind, and everything I've ever wanted in a

person."

Jane felt her chest tighten, the emotions overwhelming her.

She wanted to say something, to respond, but before she could get the words

out, Michael leaned in, his face drawing closer to hers. His lips brushed hers

gently, a soft kiss that sent an electric shock through her body.

For a moment, Jane froze. Her heart raced, her thoughts

scattered, and everything around her felt like it was moving in slow motion.

But the kiss, though gentle, felt too sudden, too overwhelming. She wasn't

ready for it.

Before she could process what had happened, she pulled back,

standing up quickly, her heart hammering in her chest. "Michael, wait. I… I

don't know if I'm ready for this."

Michael's face fell, his eyes widening with regret as he

stood up, reaching out for her. "Jane, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

But Jane could hardly hear him. Her chest was tight with

panic, and she felt overwhelmed. Her emotions were a storm inside her,

everything crashing down at once.

"I need some space, Michael," she said, her voice shaking.

Without waiting for him to respond, she turned and ran, her footsteps echoing

as she fled the scene, leaving Michael standing there, regret written all over

his face.

Michael stood there, frozen, as he watched her disappear

into the night. His heart sank, and he felt an intense wave of regret wash over

him. *Maybe it was too soon,* he thought. *Maybe I pushed too hard.*

He had wanted to tell her how he felt, but now, as he stood

there alone, he wondered if he had made a terrible mistake.

As the cool night air brushed against his skin, he whispered

to himself, "I shouldn't have rushed it. I just hope I haven't ruined

everything."