I’ve discovered that there’s this niche-ish romance trope I really like.
So you have the heroine and she has a “disposable fiancé” and then the other guy who is her “true love.”
The disposable fiancé proposes to the heroine, or otherwise expresses his affection, in a big, grandiose, show-offy way (buying her something big and expensive, taking her to a big party, etc)
Meanwhile, her real love interest does something smaller and less flashy (seeing her favorite flowers growing and picking a few for her, baking her favorite treat, buying her a signed copy of her favorite book by her favorite author, etc.)
Just like…the contrast between big and showy gestures (that could just as easily be for the guy to show off his own wealth and ego) versus taking the time to really pay attention to someone and notice their interests and preferences so you can get them a gift that is less flashy but much more personal and intimate…
like…that’s god-tie shit right there













