When Hearts Heal

Chapter 39

The weekend flew by faster than either of us had anticipated. Dominic and I returned to the city, feeling refreshed and closer than ever. Our time away had been everything I’d hoped for—a perfect mix of relaxation, romance, and reflection. But as the days went by, the anticipation of Dominic’s surprise kept building in my mind.

Friday evening arrived, and Dominic had planned a special dinner for us at a new restaurant in town. The place was elegant, with dim lighting and soft jazz playing in the background. We were seated at a secluded table near a window, overlooking the city’s twinkling lights.

As we settled into our seats, Dominic looked across the table at me with a smile that was both warm and slightly nervous. “I’ve been looking forward to tonight all week,” he said, his tone light but his eyes betraying a deeper emotion.

I returned his smile, feeling a flutter of anticipation. “Me too. It’s been a while since we’ve had a night out like this.”

We enjoyed a delicious meal, filled with easy conversation and laughter. The waiter brought out a bottle of champagne, and Dominic poured us each a glass. We clinked our glasses, savoring the crisp bubbles and the moment.

“This has been really nice,” I said, looking around at the elegant décor. “Thank you for planning this.”

Dominic’s eyes softened as he looked at me. “You deserve it. You’ve been working so hard, and I wanted to do something special for you.”

The night progressed, and as dessert arrived—chocolate mousse, my favorite—Dominic’s demeanor grew more serious. He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. The touch was tender, but his grip was firm.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

My heart skipped a beat, sensing that something important was about to happen. “What is it?” I asked, squeezing his hand gently.

Dominic took a deep breath, his gaze locking onto mine. “Adeline, over the past year, you’ve become an incredibly important part of my life. I can’t imagine spending my future with anyone else. I’ve been thinking a lot about our future together and what I want for us.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. My breath caught in my throat as he opened it, revealing a stunning engagement ring. The diamond sparkled in the soft light, and I felt a rush of emotions.

“Adeline,” Dominic continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion, “will you marry me?”

The world seemed to pause as I looked at the ring, then back at Dominic’s hopeful face. I felt a whirlwind of feelings—love, excitement, and a touch of fear. This was a monumental moment, and I needed a moment to process it.

Dominic’s eyes searched mine, a mixture of hope and anxiety reflecting in them. “Take your time,” he said softly, sensing my hesitation. “I just needed you to know how much you mean to me and how much I want to spend my life with you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my racing heart. The weight of the decision felt enormous, and I knew I needed a moment to truly consider what this meant for our future.

“I... I don’t know what to say,” I finally managed, my voice trembling slightly. “This is so unexpected.”

Dominic’s face fell slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment with a reassuring smile. “It’s okay. I don’t want to rush you. I just needed you to know how I feel.”

As the waiter approached with the check, I felt a pang of regret for not being able to fully respond in the moment. Dominic and I exchanged a glance, both of us acutely aware of the weight of what had just happened.