His Forbidden Touch

Chapter 25 : Daniel’s Proposal

The storm from the night before still lingered in Elena’s mind. She could still taste Adrian’s kiss, still feel his hands gripping her as though he would never let her go. The memory burned her skin, her lips, her heart.

But as morning came, reality came crashing back. Daniel.

Daniel had texted her early, asking her to meet him for dinner at their favorite little Italian restaurant. She agreed, hoping the familiarity of his warmth could steady the storm raging inside her.

By the time she arrived, Daniel was already waiting smiling nervously, dressed in his best shirt, his hair carefully combed. The sight of him, so earnest and kind, sent a pang of guilt slicing through her chest.

“Elena,” he said softly, standing to pull out her chair. He kissed her cheek, lingering just a second longer than usual.

Dinner passed in a blur of small talk and nervous laughter. Daniel seemed distracted, fiddling with his fork, his leg bouncing beneath the table. Elena watched him, sensing his unease but not daring to ask.

Then, just as dessert was served, Daniel reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His eyes were full of emotion—fear, hope, love all tangled together.

“Elena…” He swallowed hard. “I’ve been thinking about us. About everything we’ve been through. You’ve been my best friend, my safe place, my everything. And I don’t ever want to lose that.”

Her heart thudded painfully. She knew what was coming.

Daniel slid a small velvet box from his pocket, his hands trembling. He opened it to reveal a simple but elegant ring, the diamond catching the soft glow of the restaurant lights.

“Marry me,” he whispered, his voice breaking slightly. “Please, Elena. Be my wife.”

Time stopped.

Elena stared at the ring, her breath caught in her throat. Her chest tightened as two worlds collided inside her—Daniel’s steady, loyal love versus Adrian’s consuming fire.

Her fingers shook in Daniel’s grasp. She wanted to say yes, to give him the answer he deserved. But all she could see in her mind was Adrian’s eyes in the rain, his lips on hers, his voice whispering, You belong to me.

“Elena?” Daniel’s voice pulled her back, filled with hope, desperation.

She blinked rapidly, forcing tears back. “Daniel, I…”

Her voice faltered. Every word stuck in her throat.

Daniel’s face fell, his smile wavering, but he held her hand tighter. “Please. Don’t think too much. Just follow your heart.”

Her heart.

That was the problem her heart was no longer hers.

Elena forced a trembling smile, nodding slowly though her insides screamed with confusion. “Daniel… yes.”

The word left her lips like glass, sharp and painful.

Daniel’s face lit up, relief flooding his features as he slipped the ring onto her finger. He leaned across the table to kiss her, tender and full of promise.

But Elena’s eyes stayed open, staring past him.

Because even as Daniel held her close, the only man she could feel was Adrian Blackwell.