Tonight had to be perfect.
He looked up at her, his eyes filled with genuine remorse. "I want to truly earn your love this time. Not by force, not by manipulation, not by making you feel like you have no other choice. I want you to choose me because you want to be with me."
Emerald felt her breath catch in her throat. The sincerity in his voice, the vulnerability in his posture were so unlike the Rick she knew.
"I... I don't know what to say to that," she admitted honestly.
Rick stood up slowly, giving her a small, sad smile. "Take your time. Think about it. We still have dinner tonight… that's if you still want to come."
After he left, Emerald sank into her chair, her mind reeling. What was happening? What kind of game was Rick playing now? She struggled to believe he was being sincere. The timing felt too convenient, too calculated.
Did he somehow know about her plan? Was this all an elaborate attempt to throw her off guard?
A soft knock interrupted her spiralling thoughts.
