Chapter 5: A Sudden Surprise

Chloe’s POV

No one answered the door, so I decided to push it open myself. I shoved it hard, storming in with all the fury and accusations I had built up.

“Trevor! You’re disgusting! I’ll never forgive you!” I shouted, ready to unleash every angry word I’d rehearsed in my mind only to freeze in my tracks the next second.

The scene before me wasn’t at all what I had imagined. There was no sordid display, no betrayal. Instead, the room was a sea of pink. Ribbons, balloons, and flowers decorated the space, with a small stage at the center adorned with champagne and a cake.

Trevor stood in the middle of it all, wearing a sharp suit, a microphone in hand, staring at me with a mixture of shock and confusion. Beside him was Rachel, holding an empty ring box and looking equally awkward.

“Chloe, you…” Trevor’s voice trailed off as he blinked at me in surprise.

That was when it hit me—they were setting up a proposal.

All the sounds I had overheard were nothing more than a huge misunderstanding. They had been working together to prepare this surprise for me.

A wave of shame crashed over me, so overwhelming I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. What was I thinking barging in like this? Why hadn’t I trusted Trevor, the man who loved me so deeply?

And now, I’d completely ruined his carefully planned proposal. Trevor must be so disappointed. All his effort was wasted in an instant because of my impulsiveness.

Before I could process everything, a group of people suddenly jumped out from their hiding spots, shouting, “Surprise!”

They popped party streamers and sprayed confetti over Trevor and me.

I stood frozen, overwhelmed and mortified, as I took in the sight of everything he had prepared for me. Trevor had only wanted to surprise me with something beautiful, and I had doubted him so terribly.

Trevor stepped off the stage and walked up to me. Taking my hand in his, he spoke softly, “Chloe, I’m sorry for making you misunderstand. I wanted this to be a surprise, but I didn’t expect you to find us here like this.”

I lowered my head, unable to meet his eyes. He knew me too well, and it was clear from my reaction that I had jumped to the worst possible conclusion. My voice was barely audible as I mumbled, “I’m sorry… I acted too impulsively.”

Trevor let out a small laugh and pulled me into his arms.

His breath tickled my ear as he whispered, “Silly girl, it’s okay. As long as you know I love you, that’s all that matters. Besides, I know your reaction was just your way of showing how much you care about me, wasn’t it?”

My face burned as I leaned into his embrace, the guilt and love swirling together in my chest. At that moment, all I could do was hold onto him and remind myself to trust him the way he trusted me.

His embrace was warm and strong, instantly calming my restless heart. I looked up, meeting his deep, loving gaze, and in that moment, all my frustration and anger melted away like snow in the sun.

He chuckled softly, brushing his hand against my cheek.

"My jealous little kitten," he teased before pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.

The room erupted into playful cheers from our friends.

“Kiss her! Kiss her!”

Trevor suddenly dropped to one knee, pulling out the ring box with a heartfelt expression.

“Chloe, will you marry me?” he asked, his voice steady and full of love.

Tears blurred my vision as I choked back a sob. “Yes, I will!”

As the room burst into applause and cheers, Trevor gently cupped my face. His eyes, filled with warmth and tenderness, met mine before he leaned in to kiss me—a soft, delicate touch that spoke volumes of his love.

Then, as if unable to hold back, he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, deepening the kiss.

Our lips moved together, tongues intertwining as we lost ourselves in the moment. His fiery passion drew every breath from me, and it felt as though all my previous doubts and fears dissolved into this kiss.

I closed my eyes, surrendering to his searing warmth and the rhythmic beat of his heart.

Yes, this man loved me, and he always had.

From our university days, he had been by my side, shielding me from the storms of life. He always went above and beyond to fulfill my every wish. Like an unstoppable knight, he had tirelessly protected me, his ordinary princess.

Lately, the pregnancy hormones had been clouding my thoughts, stirring unwarranted doubts about this incredible man who loved me so completely.

Around us, the room was filled with thunderous applause and heartfelt congratulations.

Trevor opened the ring box, ready to slide the ring onto my finger. This moment was supposed to be the perfect ending, the fairy tale I’d dreamed of.

But then, we both froze.

The box was empty.

Trevor’s face paled with confusion. “The ring… it’s gone! It was here earlier when Rachel and I were rehearsing!”

Trevor turned to Rachel. “Rachel, do you have the ring?”

“How could it have gone missing?” she replied, her voice laced with disbelief.

“I clearly remember putting it in the box… unless it’s in the bag.” Rachel began rummaging through her handbag, her expression growing increasingly anxious. It was clear she wasn’t faking it and was genuinely concerned.

After a long search, she frowned, looking genuinely frustrated.

“It’s not here,” she said, shaking her head.

Trevor walked over to help. “Let’s keep looking.”

But Rachel suddenly stopped searching and crossed her arms, her tone shifting to one of defense. “I’m sure I gave it back to you earlier. It’s definitely not with me anymore!”

“Maybe it fell on the floor,” Trevor suggested, immediately dropping to his knees and beginning a thorough search.

We turned the entire room upside down, leaving no corner unchecked, but the ring was nowhere to be found.

Then I remembered the faint “clink” sound I had heard earlier.

We all got down on the floor, scanning it inch by inch. But the smooth surface of the floor was completely bare. There was nothing.

As disappointment sank in, I glanced up and my heart stopped.

Rachel was wearing a ring on her finger.

I recognized it instantly.

It was the same ring I’d seen in Trevor’s desk drawer earlier.