Chapter 3 The proposal

As Lucian opened the door, the crisp evening air rushed in, carrying with it the scent of freshly picked fruit. And standing there, smiling warmly, was Philip.

Dressed in a dark blue button-down and neatly pressed trousers, Philip carried himself with an effortless confidence-not the arrogance of a man trying to impress but the assurance of someone who knew he was welcome. In his hands, a small basket rested, filled with ripe grapes, apples, and a bottle of wine.

"Philip!" Lucian greeted, stepping aside with an easy grin. "We weren't expecting you tonight."

"That was the idea," Philip replied, stepping inside. His gaze shifted to Eleanor, and his smile softened. "I wanted to surprise you."

Eleanor, still holding her fork mid-air, let out a small chuckle. "You certainly did." She stood up, brushing her hands against her dress before walking over. "You didn't tell me you were coming."

Philip shrugged, setting the basket on the table. "What's a good surprise if you know it's coming?"

Isla, already reaching for the wine bottle, grinned. "He's got a point, Eleanor."

Philip had been in Eleanor's life for eight months now, and in that time, he had woven himself into the fabric of her world effortlessly. The first time they met had been at a small bakery near the market, where Eleanor had gone to buy a cake for Lucian's birthday. The shop had been busier than usual, and Eleanor, in her rush, had nearly walked out with the wrong order-until Philip, standing behind her in line, had caught the mistake.

"That's not the one you ordered," he had pointed out, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Unless you suddenly developed a love for coconut shavings?"

From that small interaction, conversation had flowed naturally, and before Eleanor knew it, she had agreed to sit down for coffee with him. He was charming, kind, and easy to talk to. Not long after, they began dating, and soon, he became a familiar face among Eleanor's closest people.

Isla liked him. He had a way of making people feel seen, of listening when others spoke rather than just waiting for his turn to talk. He wasn't the kind of man who imposed himself-he simply fit.

Lucian, though initially protective of Eleanor, had come to respect Philip. He had seen enough of him to know that Philip wasn't just passing through her life-he intended to stay.

With Philip now seated, the dinner continued seamlessly. He had a way of joining conversations without dominating them, his warmth filling the spaces between words.

"So, Philip," Isla leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. "How's work been treating you?"

Philip exhaled, stretching slightly. "Surprisingly less chaotic this week. No last-minute deadlines, no clients making impossible demands. I might actually get a full night's sleep for once."

Eleanor chuckled. "That's a first."

Lucian smirked. "You mean you don't thrive on chaos?"

Philip laughed, shaking his head. "Not the kind that involves spreadsheets and legal documents." He reached for his glass, taking a slow sip. "But the kind where I get to show up unexpectedly at dinner and disrupt your peaceful evening? That, I Enjoy. The conversation flowed easily, and soon, plates were cleared, and glasses refilled. Isla leaned back in her chair, content, while Lucian and Eleanor playfully debated over something insignificant.

And then, Philip leaned forward slightly.

Eleanor noticed the shift in his posture before she saw what was in his hand.

A small velvet box.

Her breath hitched. Isla's relaxed demeanor straightened slightly. Lucian, catching the change in energy, set down his glass.

Philip took a slow breath, his eyes never leaving Eleanor's. "I didn't just come to surprise you tonight," he said, voice steady.

The room, just moments ago filled with lighthearted conversation, grew still.

Philip lifted the box, flipping it open with ease. Inside, nestled in deep blue velvet, was a ring.

A simple yet stunning piece-elegant, timeless. Just like her.

Eleanor's lips parted, but no words came out.

Philip continued, voice warm but sure. "Eleanor, these past eight months with you have been the best of my life. You are-without question-the person I want to wake up to every morning, the person I want to build a future with. I love you."

His eyes softened. "Marry me."

Silence settled over the table like a delicate veil. Isla watched, her heart pounding slightly-not out of worry, but anticipation. She liked Philip. She knew Eleanor cared deeply for him.

And yet... she saw something flicker in Eleanor's expression.

Not hesitation, exactly. But something else. Something unspoken.

Lucian, who had spent months watching Eleanor and Philip together, felt something unfamiliar twist inside him. He told himself it was just the weight of the moment. That was all.

Philip, still kneeling, still holding out the ring, waited. His patience was unwavering. He knew Eleanor, and he knew she needed a moment.

Then Eleanor finally spoke.

And-fade to black.