Chapter 16

The scene before Julia overlapped with a memory from years ago. For a moment, she felt as if she'd been transported back in time—to when Keith had dropped to one knee. Overflowing with love, he had proposed after two years of dating, right under the cherry blossom tree where they'd first fallen for each other. She remembered how thrilled she'd been that day and how her heart had raced with excitement about their future together. Now, she felt that same flutter but something else too—doubt. Julia had indeed moved on from Keith. But love still felt foreign to her, like uncharted territory she wasn't sure she was brave enough to explore again. After all, she'd always been a coward when it came to taking risks. Whether it was Keith's 100 declarations of love back then or Calvin's proposal now, her response had always been the same—to be paralyzed by fear. She was terrified that Calvin might turn out to be another Keith. Just then, Julia felt a gentle squeeze on her hand. Looking down,