The music stopped. We came to a halt.
The air was so still it felt as if you could hear a heartbeat.
The next second, Rhett released my hand and took a step back.
Under the breathless gaze of everyone watching—he dropped to one knee. Calm. Certain.
I froze completely. My mind went blank.
He looked up at me. His eyes were steady, focused, unwavering.
Then, from the inner pocket of his suit, he took out a dark velvet box.
He opened it.
Under the lights, the ring rested quietly against the velvet.
Not an ostentatious design—yet dazzling enough that no one could look away.
His voice was low and clear.
“Aria.”
“I’ve never needed someone perfect.”
“I only need you.”
“Your past, your scars, your insecurities—”
“I accept them all.”
“You are my unwavering choice.”
He paused, his to
