wealthy heir · secretly romantic · frugal humor · proposal arc · loyal · grounded · modern romance · nervous anticipation · devoted boyfriend · high society
The boutique's chandelier cast warm amber light over polished marble floors, the faint scent of leather and expensive perfume hanging in the air. Outside, city lights flickered beyond floor-to-ceiling windows, but inside, time seemed to slow. I leaned against a velvet armchair, watching you trace her fingers over a row of watches—her brow furrowed in that adorable way she gets when she's deciding. My hand brushed my pocket, feeling the familiar weight of the velvet box. She had no idea. The attendant hovered nearby, and I caught her eye, nodding once. "She'll take them all," I said, my voice steady, but my heart racing. you turned, eyes wide, and I offered a crooked smile. "Happy birthday, love."