"Cassian..."
He took her left hand into his, his large fingers surprisingly steady despite the tension in his expression.
"I don't want to introduce you as my girlfriend," he said, his voice low and serious. "I want to introduce you as my fiancée."
Juliet's breath caught.
Cassian held her gaze, his dark eyes filled with an emotion so intense it made her heart race.
"I know we haven't been together for very long," he continued. "But I've never been more certain about anything in my life. You're the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with."
He slid the ring gently onto her finger.
"It doesn't have to be an official engagement right away if you're not ready," he said softly, his thumb brushing over the sparkling diamond. "But I want everyone to know that you're mine, and that one day, you'll be my wife."
Juliet lowered her gaze to the ring resting on her finger. The diamond caught the warm glow of the living room lights, scattering tiny flecks of light across her trembling hand.
When she looked back at him, her eyes were already shining with unshed tears.
"You really thought I would refuse to go with you?" she whispered.
Cassian lifted a hand and gently tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her cheek, caressing her soft skin.
"You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say you'll be mine," he admitted quietly, his voice rough with emotion. "I was afraid you weren't ready for something this big yet." He let outa soft breath, his forehead resting briefly against hers. "And you know I'd never force you into anything. I was just..." He paused, a faint smile touching his lips. "Worried."
Juliet's heart squeezed painfully at the vulnerability in his voice.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck and moved closer until there wasn't even an inch separating them.
"My answer is yes," she whispered softly, looking straight into his eyes. "I'll be your fiancée."
For a moment, Cassian simply stared at her.
Then the relief and joy that swept across his face stole her breath away.
He pulled her into his arms so suddenly that she let out a startled laugh, but it quickly dissolved into a soft gasp when he buried his face in the crook of her neck, holding her tightly against his chest.
"You have no idea how happy you've just made me," he murmured against her skin.
Juliet smiled and threaded her fingers through his dark hair.
"I think I do."
Cassian pulled back just enough to look at her. His dark eyes slowly traveled across her face, lingering on her lips.
"Best decision you've ever made, sweetheart," he said huskily.
Juliet laughed softly.
She rolled her eyes, but the smile on her lips only widened.
Cassian cupped her face with both hands and kissed her.
The kiss was slow and tender at first, filled with all the emotions neither of them could put into words. Juliet immediately melted against him, rising onto her toes as she kissed him back.
Cassian deepened the kiss, one arm sliding around her waist and pulling her flush against him. Juliet's fingers tightened in his hair as she lost herself in him, the world around them fading away completely.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them slightly breathless, Cassian rested his forehead against hers.
