Chapter 59. It’s Now or Never

Blake stood in the shadow of a towering hibiscus, its vibrant blooms a striking contrast to the storm churning inside him. The petals, a fiery red against the fading afternoon light, seemed almost to mock the turmoil twisting his chest. With each passerby that glanced at the boutique’s window, he edged closer, the velvet box in his pocket growing heavier with each heartbeat.

“Come on, Blake,” he muttered under his breath, steeling his nerves. “It’s now or never.” His voice sounded foreign even to him, tinged with a mixture of fear and determination. He had rehearsed this moment in his mind countless times, yet standing on the threshold of possibility still left him trembling.

He pushed open the door to the quaint shop. A small bell chimed, its cheerful tone clashing with the tension coiling inside him. The familiar scent of roses, lilies, and fresh greenery enveloped him, grounding him momen