The room was filled with laughter, music, and happiness. Anthony had surprised Dinesha with a beautiful proposal, while Dave had made Amber feel like the most important woman in the world.

Shaila watched them with a forced smile. She wanted Chuck to give her the same unforgettable moment.

SHAILA

Look at Dinesha and Anthony. They look so happy together.

CHUCK

Of course, they’re happy. Anthony did something special for her, and Dave did something special for Amber, too.

SHAILA

Exactly! That’s what I’m talking about. They proposed in front of everyone. They didn’t hide their love.

CHUCK

That’s nice, Shaila. I’m happy for them.

SHAILA

And what about me? When are you going to do that for me?

Chuck’s smile slowly disappeared. He realized the conversation was becoming serious.

SHAILA

Anthony proposed to Dinesha. Dave proposed to Amber. Now I want you to do the same thing for me.

CHUCK

So, because they proposed to their women, now I have to do the same thing?

SHAILA

That’s not what I’m saying! I want to feel special, too. I want you to get down on one knee, look me in the eyes, and tell me you want me to be your wife.

CHUCK

After everything I’ve done for you, you still feel like you’re not special?

Shaila looked away, hurt by his response.

SHAILA

I never said you haven’t done anything for me. I just want one beautiful moment I can remember for the rest of my life.

CHUCK

And what if I want that moment to happen differently? Does my way of loving you mean nothing?

Chuck stood up and walked toward the window. He needed a moment to gather his thoughts.

SHAILA

Why are you acting like I’m asking you for something impossible?

CHUCK

Because you’re making it sound like my love isn’t enough unless I perform it in front of everybody!

SHAILA

I want a man who isn’t afraid to show the world that he loves me!

Her words struck Chuck harder than she intended.

CHUCK

You really think I’m afraid to show people that I love you? Maybe you should think before you speak.

He walked away, leaving Shaila standing alone while the music continued in the background.

Amber approached Shaila and noticed her tears.

AMBER

Shaila, are you okay? I’ve known you long enough to recognize that look on your face.

SHAILA

I told Chuck that I wanted him to propose to me in front of everyone, just like Dave proposed to you.

AMBER

Every woman wants to feel loved and appreciated. But there’s a difference between telling someone what you want and making them feel like they’re failing you.

SHAILA

I just don’t understand why he can’t do one thing that would make me happy.

AMBER

Maybe he’s hurt because he thinks you’re measuring his love against Dave’s. Talk to him when you’ve both calmed down.

Outside the living room, Dave found Chuck staring at his phone.

DAVE

What’s going on with you? You look like somebody just ruined your entire evening.

CHUCK

Shaila wants me to propose in front of everybody because you proposed to Amber and Anthony proposed to Dinesha.

DAVE

If you’re not ready, don’t propose just to stop an argument. But if you know you want to marry Shaila, don’t let your pride turn a simple conversation into something bigger.

Chuck remained silent. Dave’s words forced him to confront a question he had been avoiding.

Was he angry because Shaila had compared him to other men, or was he uncomfortable because she had asked him to make a decision he wasn’t ready to make?

Later that evening, Shaila found Chuck near the doorway.

SHAILA

I know I shouldn’t have compared you to Dave and Anthony. I wanted to experience something beautiful with you, too. I never wanted you to feel like everything you’ve done for me means nothing.

CHUCK

Then why did you make me feel that way?

SHAILA

Because sometimes I get scared. I’m scared that I’m giving my heart to someone who might never choose me completely.

CHUCK

You could have told me that without making me feel like I wasn’t good enough.

SHAILA

I don’t need you to copy Dave or Anthony. I just need to know that we’re moving toward the same future.

CHUCK

And what if I’m not ready to give you the answer you want?

Shaila stepped back, heartbroken by his uncertainty.

SHAILA

Then I guess I need to know how long I’m supposed to wait.

She walked away before he could respond.

That night, Chuck sat alone in his car. His phone suddenly rang. The caller’s name was unfamiliar.

CHUCK

Hello? Who is this?

UNKNOWN CALLER

I heard about what happened between you and Shaila. Don’t make a decision until you know the truth.

CHUCK

What truth?

UNKNOWN CALLER

You think Shaila is only asking you for a proposal because she saw what Dave and Anthony did. But there’s something you don’t know.

CHUCK

What are you talking about?

UNKNOWN CALLER

Ask Shaila why she suddenly needs an answer from you. Ask her who she’s been talking to behind your back.

The call disconnected. Chuck stared at his phone in disbelief. Was someone trying to destroy his relationship, or had Shaila been keeping something from him?

Chuck arrived home and sat on the edge of his bed. His phone vibrated. A message appeared from an unknown number.

“Before you decide whether to propose to Shaila, find out what she was planning to tell you tonight.”

Then a photograph arrived. It showed Shaila standing outside a building with someone whose face was partially hidden.

“She was going to tell you the truth. But now she may never get the chance.”

Chuck immediately called Shaila. No answer. Suddenly, someone knocked on his front door.

He looked through the peephole. It was Shaila, her eyes red and her face frightened.

CHUCK

Shaila? What’s wrong?

SHAILA

Chuck, I need you to listen to me. Something has happened.

CHUCK

Where did you get that picture? Who was that person standing beside you?

SHAILA

I can explain. I knew someone was going to find out.

Before Chuck could ask another question, someone knocked loudly on the door.

UNKNOWN MAN

Shaila, I know you’re in there. You need to tell Chuck the truth before somebody else does!

CHUCK

Who is that?

SHAILA

Please, don’t open that door.

CHUCK

Why?

UNKNOWN MAN

Chuck, you deserve to know why Shaila asked you to propose tonight. Because the proposal isn’t the real reason she’s afraid of losing you!

Chuck slowly turned toward Shaila. She began to cry.

CHUCK

Shaila… what have you been hiding from me?

SHAILA

I never wanted you to find out like this.

Suddenly, the door handle began to turn.

SHAILA

DON’T OPEN IT!

Chuck stopped. His phone vibrated one final time.

“If you let that man inside, your relationship will never be the same again.”

UNKNOWN MAN

Chuck, you have five seconds to decide. Do you want to hear the truth from me… or do you want to hear the lie she’s been preparing for you?

Chuck looked at Shaila. Then he slowly reached for the door lock.

Shaila stood behind him, crying silently. The mysterious man waited on the other side.