Conflicted Hearts>3

Anne ended the call abruptly. "What happened, sweetheart?" Asher asked, wrapping an arm around my waist. "They're probably getting the wrong idea," I said. "Oh," he murmured, resting his chin on my shoulder. "It's tickling me," I chuckled softly. We finished hanging all my paintings in the secret room and placed the two sketches side by side in front of our beds. It was a beautiful sight. "Let's get dressed," Asher said, glancing at the time, which was nearing 8:30. We hurried downstairs. Opening my wardrobe, I was met with a plethora of stunning party dresses. "Asher," I called out. He joined me, his presence a reminder of how out of my league he seemed. "Yes, my love?" he replied, slipping an arm around my waist. "What should I wear?" I inquired. He selected a striking red party dress, its length and design exuding elegance. "Alright," I said, taking it from him. The dress fit me perfectly, and I emerged from the changing room. Asher was still in the midst of changing. As I awaited his emergence, I surveyed the dresses. Suddenly, Asher grabbed me by the waist, lifting me up playfully. "I'm gonna fall!" I exclaimed, blushing furiously. He chuckled and gently set me down. Exiting the room together, we made our way to the top floor where the music was already playing, and some of Asher's friends had arrived. They congratulated us, and we bashfully accepted their well wishes. Accepting glasses of wine, we joined the festivities. Asher drifted away to chat with a girl, leaving me amidst his friends who began dancing around me. The music pulsed, and I found myself dancing with them, catching glimpses of Asher watching me from afar. His evident jealousy was exactly what I had hoped for. Abruptly, he approached, seizing me by the waist again. "Hey, let go!" I protested as he dragged me into the washroom and placed me on the sink. "Princess, do you want to cause a scene?" he demanded, his face inches from mine. "Leave me," I insisted, tears welling in my eyes. His demeanour softened, but before we could reconcile, the girl who had approached him earlier entered. I quickly composed myself and exited. Anne and Jackson approached, with Detstvo beside them. "Anne!" I called out, drawing her attention. As they greeted us, Asher's grand gesture caught everyone's eye. He knelt before me, producing a diamond ring adorned with rubies, the silence palpable as he awaited my response. My heart conflicted, but as I met his gaze, I knew my answer. "What are you waiting for when you know my answer?" I declared, the tension breaking as Asher's smile returned. He rose from his seat, prompting a laugh from me as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Our eyes met as I quipped, "It's always a yes," eliciting cheers from the crowd. He embraced me tightly, murmuring, "All the city lights shine bright as your eyes." A blush crept onto my cheeks as fireworks lit up the sky. As the night wore on, drinks flowed freely, and by 2 am, we were all intoxicated, stumbling in the euphoria of the moment.