I can't .

~35~

POV Carlos: 

Together with Toto, we carefully planned out every detail of this day, and so far, everything has been going perfectly. Y/n is delighted to see her parents again, and we're now on our way to dinner. Yet, despite everything going smoothly, I can't shake the nervous energy buzzing through me. I'm sitting in the passenger seat, my feet nervously bouncing up and down, a nervous tick I can't seem to control.

"Hey, honey, is something wrong?" Y/n glances over at me, concern flickering in her eyes. "You seem a little nervous."

I force a smile, trying to mask my unease. "No, nothing is wrong," I lie, my voice a bit too light. I immediately try to calm myself, but it's hard with the weight of what's about to happen pressing on my chest.

The ride feels endless, every second dragging by as I anxiously check my coat pocket, feeling the small box with her engagement ring—at least a hundred times today, making sure it's still there, still hidden. As soon as the car pulls up to the restaurant, I'm relieved. The air feels different outside, and I try to take a deep breath as I step out, the nerves still swirling inside me.

We walk into the restaurant, and I spot our table—everyone's already seated, which makes me feel slightly better. I need a moment alone to gather my thoughts, so I tell y/n I'll be right back and head toward the bathroom. But instead of going there, I slip past the counter, my heart racing, and hand the small box to the employee I'd spoken to earlier that day. A brief moment of relief washes over me as he nods, assuring me everything is ready.

Dinner feels like it takes forever. Every bite of food, every sip of wine, feels like it's dragging on. I try to engage in the conversation, staying present, but all I can think about is the moment I'm about to create. Thankfully, the topic of strategy comes up, and it's easy enough to stay involved since everyone seems focused on where there's room for improvement.

Toto cracks a joke, and I laugh a little more wearily than I intended. "Don't let me notice that Ferrari will suddenly start driving better soon, Carlos," he teases, and I smile, though my nerves tighten once again. My foot starts to bounce again, a clear sign that I'm still anxious.

Finally, the plates are cleared, and I'm thankful. I shoot a quick glance at Toto, who gives me a soft, subtle kick under the table. I look at him, confused for a moment, and he shakes his head, a silent warning. I swallow hard and try to compose myself. The moment of truth is near, but I can't seem to settle my nerves. When the desserts arrive, I feel the tension in my chest build even more.

The waiter asks, "Does anyone want another drink?" just as I had planned. I seize the opportunity to ask, "Can we have a bottle of champagne, please?"

"Do we have something to celebrate?" he asks, glancing around the table.

I shrug, feigning casualness. "Not that I know of," I reply with a smile. "But champagne never hurts, right? Seeing your parents again—that's reason enough, don't you think?" I nervously bite my nail as I try to keep my composure. Before y/n can ask any more questions, the waiter returns with a bottle of champagne and four glasses.

The tension in my chest grows as I watch him pour the champagne. He places y/n's glass in front of her last, and she's so engrossed in conversation with her mother that she doesn't even notice the ring resting at the bottom of the glass. I glance at Toto, who gives me another subtle kick under the table, a reminder to stay focused.

The moment feels like it's suspended in time. Y/n finally picks up her glass, and as she lifts it to her lips, her eyes fall on the ring in the bottom of the glass. I watch as her eyes widen in surprise, her hand instinctively flying to her mouth, the realization dawning on her.