Chapter 19 - ALLIE

Summary

Allie arrives at Dean’s penthouse for a romantic dinner he claims is a special occasion, but she cannot pinpoint the date. After eating an elaborate meal while Dean watches her intently, she realizes he intends to propose and immediately objects, citing their prior agreement that she is not ready for marriage or children yet. The disagreement escalates into a heated argument about whether he listened to her boundaries and if their relationship truly operates as a fifty-fifty compromise. When Dean questions her love and future plans with him, she confirms both but reiterates her current unwillingness to marry. Frustrated by her hesitation, Dean abruptly ends the dinner, leaves the dining room, and takes the elevator down to the hotel below, leaving Allie stunned at the table.

Characters

• Allie / Allie-Cat — Arrives at Dean’s penthouse for a romantic dinner and struggles to identify the occasion, eventually realizing he plans to propose. She objects to the timing, citing their previous agreement that she is not ready for marriage or children, which sparks a heated argument about boundaries and compromise. After confirming her love but reiterating her current hesitation, she watches him storm out and take the elevator down to the hotel below.
• Dean — Arranges an elaborate dinner at his mother’s penthouse under the guise of a special occasion before attempting to propose with a ring box. He becomes frustrated when Allie rejects the timing, arguing that four years together justifies moving forward now rather than waiting. After questioning her commitment and receiving a noncommittal answer, he abruptly ends the evening and leaves for the hotel downstairs.