Love hurts

I’m struggling with a situation, and I need advice. I’ve been talking to this girl for a month, and I’ve developed romantic feelings for her. Recently, she told me that she sees our interactions as friendly, not romantic, even though I was flirting and talking to her in a way I thought was clear about my intentions. She said she didn’t think I was pursuing her romantically.

I tried explaining that I see relationships as both friendship and romance combined, and I was trying to get to know her on both levels. She’s never been in a serious relationship before, she’s went on dates and entered talking stages, but it didn’t work out, so I think she’s still figuring out what she wants. I told her how I feel and that I’m not angry, but I’m struggling to figure out what to do next. I don’t want to come across as desperate, but I also don’t want to waste time if this isn’t going anywhere romantically.

I feel like I’m second-guessing all my actions now. For example, I’ve been complimenting her, checking on her day, and wishing her sweet dreams—things I thought were romantic gestures. I want to tell her that if she doesn’t feel romantic feelings toward me by the 19th, it might be best if we stop talking because I didn’t pursue her for friendship. I feel bad for putting a time limit on her emotions, but I also need clarity for myself. No need to force anything we are both adults

Am I handling this the wrong way? How do I pursue someone romantically in a way that’s clear but not overbearing? Any advice would be appreciated.

If I’m speaking, honestly i wants to cry because if I was good enough, these issues wouldn’t be the case they wouldn’t happen. However, those are just pain aches my heart’s displaying.