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Gabrielle knew something was definitely up when Julian showed up at their apartment unannounced.

Matthew had been acting suspicious for days, but now Julian was involved? That meant trouble.

She stood with her arms crossed as Julian leaned casually against the doorway, looking far too smug for her liking.

“Good evening, dear Gabrielle,” he greeted smoothly.

“What do you want?” she asked flatly.

Julian grinned. “Why do you assume I want something?”

“Because you never show up without an ulterior motive,” she shot back. Then, narrowing her eyes, she added, “And because you and Matthew have been acting weird for days.”

Julian’s grin widened. “Ah, so you have noticed.”

Gabrielle glanced at Matthew, who was sitting on the couch, looking far too relaxed.

“Matthew,” she said slowly, “why is Julian here?”

Matthew smirked. “We have a little outing planned.”

Gabrielle’s suspicion deepened. “What kind of outing?”

Julian clapped his hands together. “Oh, just a special evening for you, my dear.”

Gabrielle narrowed her eyes. “I don’t trust either of you.”

Matthew chuckled, standing up and walking over to her. He brushed a kiss against her temple. “You’ll love it, I promise.”

Gabrielle wanted to keep questioning them, but at this point, she knew she wasn’t getting any answers.

She sighed. “Fine. But if this is some elaborate prank, I will kill both of you.”

Julian grinned. “Duly noted.”

A Few Hours Later…

Gabrielle hadn’t expected to be blindfolded.

She sat in the passenger seat of Matthew’s car, her arms crossed as he drove through the city.

“This is so unnecessary,” she grumbled.

Matthew chuckled. “Patience, love.”

“I don’t do patience.”

Julian’s voice piped up from the backseat. “That is very true.”

Gabrielle groaned. “I hate both of you.”

Matthew smirked. “You’ll change your mind soon.”

After what felt like an eternity, the car finally stopped. Gabrielle heard the door open, and then Matthew’s hands were gently helping her out.

“Alright, no peeking,” he murmured.

She let out an exasperated sigh but allowed him to guide her forward. The air smelled fresh, with a hint of something familiar—like roses and candle wax.

Then, finally—

Matthew reached behind her head and untied the blindfold.

Gabrielle blinked as her vision adjusted, and when she finally took in her surroundings—her breath caught.

They were standing in a beautifully decorated garden, fairy lights twinkling in the trees, soft candles flickering along a pathway lined with white rose petals. A small, elegant table was set up in the center, with champagne waiting in a bucket of ice.

The entire scene looked like something straight out of a dream.

Gabrielle turned to Matthew, her heart pounding. “What… is this?”

Matthew smiled—really smiled. The kind of rare, completely unguarded smile that made her knees weak.

“This,” he said softly, “is for you.”

Gabrielle’s throat felt tight. “Matthew…”

He took a slow step forward, reaching into his pocket.

And then—before she could even process what was happening—

He dropped to one knee.

Gabrielle froze.

Her hands flew to her mouth as Matthew pulled out a small velvet box, flipping it open to reveal a breathtaking diamond ring.

Her heart stopped.

For the first time ever, Gabrielle was completely speechless.

Matthew looked up at her, his expression filled with nothing but love.

“Gabrielle,” he murmured, his voice steady but soft. “I have lived for over a century. I have seen and done things that most people could never imagine. And yet… nothing in all my years has ever come close to you.”

Gabrielle’s breath hitched.

“You are my heart. My home. My everything.” His gaze held hers, unwavering. “And I don’t want to spend another moment of this life without you.”

He took a slow breath, his voice dropping lower.

“So, my love… will you marry me?”

Gabrielle was shaking.

Tears burned in her eyes as she stared at him, completely overwhelmed.

Then—without hesitation—she threw herself into his arms.

“Yes,” she breathed against his neck. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.”

Matthew laughed—a deep, genuine laugh—as he caught her, holding her close.

Julian, who had been silently watching from the sidelines, pumped his fist in victory. “Finally!”

Matthew ignored him, gently pulling back to slip the ring onto Gabrielle’s finger. It fit perfectly.

Gabrielle stared at it, then back at Matthew, her heart nearly bursting.

“This is real, right?” she whispered.

Matthew leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against her lips.

“Completely.”

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms beneath the glow of fairy lights—Gabrielle knew, without a doubt—

She had just said yes to the best decision of her life.