Eyes Don't Lie | Charles Leclerc

Part 67 | Take Me Back, To The Night We Met

November 5, 2023

The quiet of the apartment felt heavy with anticipation, and my palms were uncomfortably sweaty as I added the final touches around the room. Every little detail mattered, and I wanted everything to be perfect for her. I looked around the place, taking in the candles, the trail of roses leading from the door and the little table set up with a bottle of champagne and dinner.

I could hardly believe this moment was real. After weeks of imagining it, planning it, I was finally here, about to ask Aria to be with me forever. My heart pounded against my chest just thinking about her reaction. I'd tried my best to keep my nerves at bay, but now, with every second that passed, it was becoming more real. I wanted this moment to be perfect...no second guessing, no interruptions.

It was Charlotte, Carla, and my maman who had come up with the idea for a 'girls' day,' knowing I'd need some space and time to set up. They had taken Aria to a spa, giving her the full treatment. She'd have her nails, hair, everything done and she wouldn't suspect a thing. A small smile crept onto my face, picturing her reaction when she finally walked through that door.

I took one last look around, checking that the small velvet box was still safely tucked in my jacket pocket, right where it had been all day. Pulling it out quickly, I took another look at the ring in my hands. I'd chosen it carefully, wanting something as timeless and captivating as Aria herself. The setting was simple yet elegant, and on the inside of the band, I'd asked the jeweler to engrave our initials intertwined, A&C. It felt like a part of me now, something meaningful and uniquely ours.

This ring had taken a month to create, from selecting the diamond to perfecting the design and engraving. I'd wanted it to be perfect, something she would look at and feel my love in every tiny detail. Holding it now, I felt a rush of anticipation and a wave of nerves I could barely keep at bay.

The thought of sliding it onto her finger made my heart pound, but I knew it was more than just a ring. It was my commitment, my love, everything I wanted to share with her for the rest of our lives. I slipped it back into my jacket pocket, feeling the weight of it there and hoping that when she saw it, she would know just how much thought, care, and love had gone into every part of it.

I adjusted the candles one last time, took a deep breath, and steadied myself, mentally preparing for what was about to happen. 

Just then, my phone vibrated with a message from Charlotte. "We just dropped her off, she's on her way up."

I took a deep breath, letting it fill me with confidence. This was it. In just a few minutes, Aria would walk through that door, and everything would change.

I wanted this to be a night she'd remember, something as intimate and meaningful as everything we'd shared. The soft music playing in the background set the perfect mood. My heart pounded with anticipation, but I reminded myself this was everything I wanted. Everything we both wanted.

Just as I took a deep breath, I heard the door click open, and there she was...radiant and glowing from her day out, her eyes widening as she took in the room. She gasped softly, a smile spreading across her face as she looked at the petals, the candles, the food, and finally, me.

"Charles...," she whispered, taking a step forward, her eyes flicking over every detail.

I moved towards her, meeting her halfway and taking her hands in mine. "I wanted tonight to be special for you. For us," I whispered, feeling my voice catch with everything I wanted to say.

I could feel the small box in my pocket, heavy with all the meaning it held. But right now, I just wanted to see her face, to feel her in my arms and to savor the moment that would change both of our lives forever.