It’s been two years since you and Drew Starkey officially became a couple. You live together now in a cozy, sun-drenched house tucked away in the hills of Los Angeles. Life with Drew has been warm, steady, and full of laughter—late-night takeout, movie marathons, quiet mornings with coffee and sleepy kisses. It hasn’t always been perfect, but it’s yours. And it’s real.

This weekend, Drew is off shooting a quick project for a couple of days, and you’ve decided to finally tackle a deep clean of the house. You put on your favorite playlist, tie your hair up, and get to work—scrubbing, dusting, sorting through clutter. Hours pass and the sun starts to dip, golden light pouring through the windows as you make your way to the bedroom.

You’re on your knees, rummaging through the bottom drawer of his nightstand. It’s mostly random stuff: old receipts, tangled earbuds, a forgotten notebook, a broken watch. Then your hand bumps into something firm and unfamiliar tucked under a stack of postcards. A small, square velvet box.

You pause, heart thudding. It can’t be… can it?

Against your better judgment, you open it. Inside is a ring. A beautiful, simple engagement ring—gold band, delicate diamond. Your breath catches in your throat. Your hands tremble slightly as you stare at it.

Why was it hidden in here?

Did he mean for you to find it?

Is he going to propose?

Before you can even begin to process the rush of thoughts and emotions flooding you, the front door opens downstairs.

You freeze.

Drew’s voice drifts up the stairs, casual and familiar. “Babe? I’m home early! Traffic was easy for once.”

You slam the drawer shut, heart racing, the image of the ring seared into your brain.