The ring stayed in his palm.... long after...….. he closed the box and pressed it into my hand.
I won't rush you.... Just …..… don't say no yet....… think about it.
"I need time…..…" I whispered.
He nodded immediately.
"Take all the time you need."
After a pause, he added almost like he was afraid I'd change my mind...….
"But keep it...… please...….. While you think about it..... Just....… hold on to it...… That's all I'm asking."
My eyes met his and something in them... hope, fear, desperation...…. made my chest ache.
I nodded....
"Okay..."
A sad smile touched his lips.
"Thank you."
Silence fell between us again...…. he stepped closer, not touching me this time, just standing there like he didn't trust himself to.
"I'm sorry…..…. Aria," he said voice breaking slightly.
"I promised I'd make you happy and instead I've put you through hell."
"I still love you" he added.
