consequence of desire

chapter 5: proposal rehearsal

Daniel showed up at Franklyn’s apartment two nights later with a bottle of wine under one arm and a velvet ring box in his pocket. He didn’t even bother with small talk — just dropped himself onto the couch and pulled out the box like it was a winning lottery ticket.

“Well?” he asked, popping it open to reveal a simple but elegant diamond ring.

Franklyn studied it, his expression unreadable. “She’ll like it.”

“Like it?” Daniel scoffed. “She’ll love it. She has to.” He snapped the box shut and shoved it back in his pocket. “Now, help me practice.”

Franklyn raised an eyebrow. “Practice?”

“You know. The proposal speech.” Daniel cleared his throat, sat up straighter, and put on his most serious face. “‘Eliana, from the moment I met you, my life has been brighter. You make me want to be a better man. Will you do me the honor—’” He broke off, laughing at himself. “God, that sounds awful.”

Franklyn poured himself a glass of wine, the motion deliberate, measured. “It sounds like you.”

“Exactly,” Daniel said, pointing at him. “That’s the problem. I need it to sound romantic, not like I’m fumbling my way through a business pitch.”

Franklyn took a sip of wine, watching his brother flail and gesture. Part of him wanted to laugh, but another part — the part that felt heavier every time Eliana’s name left Daniel’s mouth — stayed very still.

“Say it simply,” Franklyn said at last. “You’re not trying to impress her. You’re asking her to share her life with you. Speak to her, not to some imaginary audience.”

Daniel blinked, then nodded slowly. “Huh. You’re right. Keep it simple.” He rubbed his palms against his jeans. “You really think she’ll say yes?”

Franklyn forced himself to meet his brother’s eyes. “Yes. She will.”

Daniel let out a breath, smiling wide, as if that settled everything. He leaned back on the couch, already picturing the moment in his head.

Franklyn set down his glass, turning slightly so Daniel couldn’t see the flicker in his expression. He had spoken the truth — Eliana would say yes. But the words had left his mouth like stones, each one heavier than the last.

When Daniel left later that night, humming to himself as he bounded down the hall, Franklyn sat in the quiet apartment long after the door closed. The ring’s image burned in his mind, brighter than the city lights outside.

And for the first time, he wondered what it might feel like if Eliana had been meant for him instead.