Elise's pov

The room was lit by soft light to set the mood, the trail of petals led further into the house but I couldn't move. My heart was in my throat and at that moment all I could do was stare.

It was all how I had dreamed.

We had once had a conversation before about proposals and I was so surprised he remembered.

My hands came up to my mouth to stop the son that broke through. I knew my perfect makeup was ruined by the involuntary tears spilling down my face but I could care less.

The candles, the scent of the roses. Everything was all too overwhelming but I loved it.

This is it. This has to be it.

The giddiness bubbling inside me nearly spilled out as I continued to try and convince myself that it wasn't a dream but real.

He was waiting.

“Okay, you've got this Elise.” a little pep talk to get over the nerves because I knew that at the end of the trial Marcus was waiting for me and it was best I didn't keep him waiting any longer.

Slowly and shakily, I took the first step. Then another.

That's it, one foot in front of the other.

The trail led me further into the house and my heart swelled with each step.

As I got closer to the main part of the house, I noticed that my family was present and they were smiling. I also say his family.

Oh my God, oh my God. I panicked internally not being able to believe that he got everyone here to witness such a beautiful moment.

He was really thoughtful.

Finally the path gave way and there he was.

He was dressed in a beautiful black, perfectly tailored suit with a bouquet in his hand and the most handsome smile on his face.

A little band behind him started to play a slow love song that added to the atmosphere and made me start to tear up again.

My eyes drifted to the neon sign behind him which said “Will you marry me?”

This was real. I couldn't believe it.

“Marcus…” was all I could say.

“Elise.” He said my name for the first time in years, he only said it when he was very serious. “Today is about to be the happiest day of my life. I can hardly believe it!” He laughed.

“I know, I know.” More tears kept pouring out and my throat bobbed as I swallowed down a sob. I can't believe it too. This is all… so beautiful.”

“I took everything you said about a proposal back when we were in college. I noted it down and made sure to do everything perfectly just to impress you.”

A chorus of “awnn” could be heard from his family and mine.

But he wasn't done. “All this wouldn't have been possible without you, Elise. I would have been so lost but I'm glad I had you by my side every step of the way.”

“I'm glad I had you too.”

“Elise—”

“Just skip the proposal and pop out the question.”

My rush made everyone laugh, him as well.

“Okay, okay.” He laughed slowly, lowering himself on one knee.

“She said the long speech isn't necessary so here goes.”

Time slowed as I watched my dream finally become a reality.

“Will you marry me?”

I opened my mouth to say it.

“Yes.”

That was it. That word to seal it all but…

It hadn't come from me.

I stood frozen as Victoria stepped out from behind me, running into his arms. He lifted her, spinning and laughing.

Everything replayed in my head.

I had been so delusional that I didn't see that his eyes kept flickering behind me. He wasn't thanking me for giving him tips for my proposal.

He was thanking me for giving him tips to plan this proposal… for her.

I felt a presence come up behind me, the person leaned close to my ear and said, “The only crime you committed was loving my brother?”

Brother?

Marcus didn't have any siblings.

Turning, my eyes landed on the person who spoke and it was someone I had never expected.