Chapter 7: Petals, Proposals, and Promises

Three years later, on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, we held a grand fashion show. The city skyline sparkled outside the windows. The moment felt unreal.

"Mrs. Whitaker, you’re here too? This brand must be something special to attract you." A guest teased. She smiled, proud.

"It’s wonderful. I really like it." Julian’s mother sat in the front row, wine glass in hand, politely mingling. She looked proud, even if she’d never admit it. My heart swelled.

"Julian, I’m so nervous! What do I do?!" My hands shook as I fixed my hair backstage. I could barely breathe.

"Deep breath, Savannah. You did it. Everyone sees your talent! You’ll always be the best in my eyes." He squeezed my shoulders, his touch grounding me. I smiled.

I sat at the makeup table, so nervous I felt sick. His encouragement made me laugh. I took a shaky breath and smiled at my reflection. I could do this.

Julian kept soothing me, massaging my shoulders. His hands were warm, steady. I leaned into his touch.

The brand we started together, Timeless, now had over four thousand stores nationwide. Many of my designs had made magazine covers. Julian’s investment firm, also called Timeless, was making waves. We were building something real, together. I was proud.

Gradually, even Julian’s mother—who once cared so much about status—accepted us. She started sending me recipes and calling just to chat. I felt like family.

A knock sounded at the door. I took a deep breath, linked arms with Julian, and walked onto my stage. The applause was thunderous. I felt unstoppable.

As the models finished, applause erupted. The lights glimmered on the runway. My heart soared.

I led the final two models to the front and bowed deeply. My heart pounded with pride. I’d made it.

"Thank you all for loving the Timeless brand. I hope my designs bring you confidence and happiness. Today, I want to thank my partner, Julian Whitaker, most of all." My voice rang out.

The spotlight followed my gaze to Julian in the audience. He smiled, eyes shining. I smiled back.

I looked at him and said, "Without his support and encouragement, I’d still be a struggling worker. He gave me courage and confidence, helped me see my own light." My voice trembled with gratitude.

"I want to share something for all of us: The world changes in an instant, but love doesn’t. Love humbles the proud and makes the timid brave. We all deserve love. We’ll all become our best selves." My words echoed in the hall.

"Thank you!" I finished. The relief was overwhelming.

Thunderous applause. The models beamed, but all I could see was Julian, shining just like he did in college. My heart was full. I was home.

Suddenly, a loud rumble sounded. The lights went out. The room plunged into darkness. My heart raced.

An accident? I wondered. The crowd murmured.

I tried to reassure everyone, but the mic was dead. My voice echoed in the silence. I felt helpless.

The hall went dark. I could hear the models moving around me. Whispers spread through the crowd. I strained to hear.

What was going on? My mind spun.

Boom! A spotlight hit me. I squinted up, shielding my eyes. The light was blinding.

Dozens of drones flew in, dropping flower petals. The petals floated down like snow. The room gasped.

As they approached, I saw some were trailing a sparkling white veil. My breath caught in my throat. I froze.

What…? My mind blanked. Was this real?

My heart pounded, mind blank. Was this really happening? I felt dizzy.

Music began to play. Smoke curled around me. I realized the darkness had been filled with flowers. The air smelled sweet, almost magical. I was in a dream.

A path was left open, leading to Julian at the end. He stood, waiting, in a sharp white suit. My knees went weak.

Petals and veil leading the way, Julian walked toward me in a sharp white suit. He looked like he’d stepped out of a dream. I couldn’t breathe.

Each step matched my heartbeat. I could barely breathe. The world faded away.

He reached me, and the drones dropped the veil onto my head. My hands trembled as I touched it. Tears filled my eyes.

Julian gazed at me, slowly kneeling down. The whole room held its breath. My world stopped.

"The odds of two people meeting are tiny, but for us, it was always meant to be. You always say you’re lucky to have met me, but I’m the lucky one. Today is a milestone in your life. I hope today can also be a new milestone for us." His voice shook.

He held up a ring, eyes shining with tears. "Savannah Carter, I love you. Will you marry me?" My breath caught.

Drones kept dropping petals. Julian looked like a prince from a dream, and I, finally an independent princess, could walk beside my prince. My heart overflowed. I was complete.

"I do!" My voice rang out, clear and sure. I meant it.

Julian smiled, slipped the ring on my finger, lifted my veil, and kissed me. The world faded away. All that was left was us.

The crowd cheered and applauded. His mom and mine were both in the front row, wiping away tears. We were surrounded by love. I felt invincible.

Everything was perfect. Truly perfect. It felt like the world was finally on our side. I wanted to freeze the moment.

Suddenly, my stomach lurched. I doubled over and gagged. The moment shattered. Panic surged.

"Savannah, what’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?" Julian’s voice was full of worry. He hovered, anxious.

I frowned. "It’s nothing, just—ugh!" My stomach churned. I covered my mouth, about to throw up. I felt faint.

Julian hugged me, panicking. His arms were steady, but his eyes were wide with fear. He held me close.

"Savannah, did you get your period this month?" his mom whispered in my ear, her voice conspiratorial. I blushed furiously.

"Uh… I don’t think so." My cheeks burned. My eyes darted away.

Blushing, I looked at her, embarrassed. She winked at me, a knowing smile on her lips. I felt my heart race.

She smiled knowingly, grabbing both our hands. "You two should go to the hospital and get checked out." Her voice was gentle.

Wait—

Julian’s eyes widened in delight! His grin was infectious. He looked like a kid on Christmas.

Could it be…? He scooped me up and carried me backstage. The crowd whooped and cheered. I laughed through my embarrassment.

"Julian, I can walk! Put me down, everyone’s watching!" I protested, but he just held me tighter. I gave in.

"No way, I can’t let you get tired." His voice was stubborn, but sweet.

"We don’t even know for sure yet!" I squeaked, but he didn’t care.

"Doesn’t matter. Either way, tomorrow you’ll be my wife! We’ll have plenty of chances!" His voice was full of hope. I melted.

Seeing his earnest face… I melted. I couldn’t resist.

"Thank you, Julian." My voice was soft, full of love.

"No, thank you, Savannah. Thank you for coming into my life." His eyes shone with tears.

—The End—