I couldn't speak, my emotions caught in my throat. But then I nodded, my smile breaking through as I whispered, "Yes. Yes, Jake, a million times yes."Jake's face lit up with joy as he slipped the ring onto my finger. The room erupted into applause, the music swelling as he stood and pulled me into his arms. His relief and happiness were so tangible, I could feel them in the way he held me. He cupped my face with both hands, his thumbs brushing away my tears. "I love you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.Then, with a tenderness that took my breath away, he leaned in and kissed me. It was slow, deliberate, and filled with every ounce of love he had for me. The world around us seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of us in that perfect moment. His lips moved softly against mine, a dance of unspoken promises and unending devotion.My hands found their way to his chest, clutching his shirt as if grounding myself in the overwhelming rush of emotions. I kissed him back with equal fervor, pouring my heart into the connection. It was a kiss that spoke of our past, our present, and the beautiful future that awaited us.When we finally pulled apart, our foreheads rested together, our breaths mingling as we gazed at each other with tear-filled eyes. Jake smiled, his hands still cradling my face. "I'll spend the rest of my life making you happy, Leia. That's a promise."I nodded, my heart so full it felt as though it might burst. "You already do, Jake. Every single day."In that moment, surrounded by the city's brilliance and the warmth of our love, I felt a sense of completeness I had never known before. This was my forever, and it was more beautiful than I had ever imagined.After leaving the restaurant, the city seemed alive with possibilities. Jake and I walked hand in hand, the cool night air brushing against our flushed cheeks before we drove back to my place. Every now and then, Jake would steal glances at me, his grin wide and uncontainable. I was still lost in the whirlwind of emotions, unable to stop admiring the ring now adorning my finger. It sparkled under the streetlights, a symbol of everything we had built together.When we reached my apartment building, Jake opened the door for me, ever the gentleman. I led the way up the stairs, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I unlocked the door to my cozy one-bedroom condo and stepped inside, Jake following closely behind.The moment the door closed, Jake turned to me, his expression soft yet intense. "Leia," he murmured, his hands cupping my face. "You've made me the happiest man alive tonight."Before I could respond, he leaned down, capturing my lips in a kiss that was both tender and urgent. I melted into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as the world outside faded away. Jake's hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, and I felt the depth of his emotions in the way he kissed me.As we moved further into my apartment, the kisses grew hungrier, more insistent. Jake pressed me gently against the wall, his lips trailing down my neck, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. My breath hitched, my fingers threading through his hair as my heart pounded in my chest.We stumbled toward the bedroom, our movements uncoordinated but filled with passion. Jake's hands roamed my back, his touch firmer than usual, his kisses demanding. When we reached my bedroom door, he lifted me slightly, setting me down on the edge of the bed. His hands slid up my arms, his grip firm but not harsh, as his lips claimed mine again with a fervor I hadn't experienced before.My mind swirled with conflicting emotions. While the heat between us was undeniable, there was a new edge to Jake's movements—rougher, almost impatient. It wasn't the gentleness I had always known from him, and it sent a ripple of unease through me."Jake," I whispered, pulling back slightly, my hands pressing lightly against his chest. But he leaned in again, his kisses insistent, his hands gripping my hips with a strength that startled me."Jake," I said more firmly this time, pushing him back just enough to break the kiss. My eyes searched his, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. "Stop. Please."He froze immediately, his brows furrowing as he pulled back, his hands falling to his sides. "Leia," he said softly, his voice thick with regret. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to—" He swallowed hard, running a hand through his hair. "I got carried away. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."I nodded, my heart still racing, though relief washed over me at his quick response. "It's okay," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I just... I'm not ready."Jake knelt before me, taking my hands in his. His eyes, filled with remorse, locked onto mine. "Leia, I would never do anything to hurt you or make you feel pressured. I promise. I'll wait for as long as you need."I exhaled, my shoulders relaxing as I squeezed his hands. "Thank you. I just... I want to wait until we're married. It's important to me."I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. Jake remained kneeling in front of me, his expression conflicted. The silence between us stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside my window."Leia," Jake began softly, his voice calm but tinged with frustration. "I respect how you feel, I really do. But... we've been together for five years. I love you. I've waited this long because I wanted to honor your wishes, but don't you think we've already proven how much we mean to each other?"My brow furrowed as I met his gaze, my heart sinking at the vulnerability in his expression. "Jake, it's not about proving anything. I know you love me, and I love you too. This isn't about doubt—it's about how I've always imagined this part of my life."He let out a soft sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I get that. I do. But this is us, Leia. It's not just some fantasy or expectation—it's real. What we have is real. I just..." He trailed off, searching for the right words. "I don't think waiting longer is going to change what we already feel for each other."My chest tightened. "Jake, it's not about how long we've waited. It's about wanting to start our married life with something sacred—something we can look back on as part of that milestone."Jake nodded slowly, though his eyes betrayed his frustration. "I hear you," he said, his tone measured, "but don't you think that love is sacred too? That what we've built over these years is already the foundation of something amazing?"Tears welled in my eyes. "It is. But this is just something that matters to me."Jake sighed, his hands gripping mine gently. "Leia, you matter to me more than anything. Tonight felt perfect, like we've finally reached the beginning of the rest of our lives. I want to celebrate that with you."I squeezed his hands. "Jake, I love you for everything you are. Please, just trust me on this."Jake exhaled, then nodded. "Okay. We'll wait. For you, I'll wait as long as it takes."I pressed a grateful kiss to his lips. "I love you."He hugged me tightly. "I love you too. That hasn't changed and never will."