O P H E L I A ' S  P O V

We sat in silence in the quiet room. We were facing each other and his eyes stuck to me as mine travelled everywhere but him.

It was a while before he broke the awkward silence. "I know that you're expecting an apology," His voice sounded rugged and deep as if he hadn't spoken a word in days.

I didn't reply, but in all honesty, I thought that he would've come into this room and pleaded with me to forgive him.

But I came to the conclusion that I'm not that special to deserve an apology.

At least this is what I thought before I heard his next words, "But if I apologise, it'd give you more of a reason to believe that I actually did cheat on you. And I don't want that."

My eyes finally found his own, "I-I know what I saw." I said softly, trying not to let any tears escape to look weak in front of him.

"I know what you saw, and this might sound stupid, but it was not what it looked like." He said as he pushed his sleeves above his elbows.

"Then tell me what it was." My voice raised slightly. "Because I find it really hard to think of any other scenario." I was slightly angry now that he was insinuating that I didn't see what I saw.

"I think it'll be easier if you ask what you want to know." He hesitantly moved forward in his seat.

"Okay," I swallowed the lump in my throat. "D-Did you kiss her?" My voice shook.

"No," He said right away without missing a beat. "She kissed me." He explained.

"And did you kiss back?" I questioned again.

"Not even for a second." He informed me. "I pushed her off as soon as she did."

I bit my lip, "So you're saying that I came in the exact second that she kissed you?" I mumbled. That didn't sound right at all.

"As if our life is written as a story, that's exactly what happened." He clarified. "Look," He cleared his throat. "Amanda's a conniving woman that thinks she can get whatever she wants. I didn't push her off because I saw you. I saw you after I pushed her away." He said softly.

I rose from my seat abruptly, "So why didn't you tell security not to let her come up or something!" I cried. "Did you want her to be there?"

He rose slowly from his seat with his hands outstretched. "As you know, we've been in a relationship before you, a fake one, but still one nonetheless. The whole point that my parents thought it'd be good for the business is because of publicity since her father is one of our best investors and a neighbouring company," He paused and took a deep sigh. "Since I met you and broke up with her, although she still doesn't get it, her father said that any documents and files will be sent by her, or he would withdraw. He stated because he was busy but I knew that he was hoping that she could slither her way back in my life. Look, I know it sounds stupid and dumb, but it's the truth. I couldn't lose him as an investor. That's why security knew to let her in. Her father even refused to let her give it to the security to bring up to me since it had "important information" that he didn't want anyone else to see." He finished off, taking a deep breath.

I was looking down at the floor the entire time, "S-So you didn't c-cheat on me?" I choked.

I heard his hesitant footsteps until he was inches in front of me. He slowly raised his hand to touch my cheek but paused, closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then lowered it solemnly. "I could never cheat on you, Ophelia," He said lowly. "It'd be the biggest mistake of my life."

A breath got hitched in my throat, "I-I'm s—" Levi cut me off with an instant shake of his head.

"Don't." He said. "Just please don't apologise." His eyes fluttered closed.

"From the moment I realised that she didn't have any documents. I should've instantly told her to leave, " He stated. "This is all my fault. Anyone in your situation would think the same thing."

But it was partially my fault also. I should've at least let him explain first, even if it was as clear as day. If I did, we wouldn't be in this mess right now. But I was just so upset when I saw him and Amanda.

"Do you— Do you forgive me?" He questioned with his head downcast.

What was I supposed to be forgiving him for? From what he told me, he didn't do anything wrong.

But since he insisted, my eyes looked up from the floor and into his pleading eyes.

"I—" Did this mean that he expected me to move back in with him? I didn't think I was ready for that. I had a lot of thinking to do.

"It's okay." He shook his head when he didn't get an answer. "I understand you need more time."

I looked down at the floor.

"I was just hoping that— maybe we could go out for dinner sometime this week, saying that you have work tomorrow?" He questioned softly.

I looked back up at him. He wasn't asking me to go home with him, nor did he seem angry that I ignored him for the past week and a half without even talking to him. Dinner wouldn't hurt.

"I guess," I rubbed my forearm shyly.

He let out a breath of relief, "Thank you. I should be going now." He said softly.

"I'll walk you to t-the door." I offered as I took a step closer to him in the direction of the door.

"No, no." He held out his hand in front of him and let out a short humourless chuckle, "I don't think I can handle being any closer to you and not losing control. I can see myself out."

I blushed as I looked down, nodding my head in understanding as he made a move to leave, shutting the door softly behind him.

Only then do I let out a breath.

-----------

Three days had passed and now here I am, looking through Shalissa's closet for something to wear. Everything she owned was just so classy, short or revealing.

"What about this?" She asked as she pulled out a dress.

My eyes scrutinised it. "It looks okay," I mumbled. But would Levi like it? He's called me twice in these three days to finalise the plans for dinner. The second time was just to check up on me, but unfortunately, it only lasted about 3 minutes.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked down at the dress that Shalissa picked out.

It was beautiful but I hoped it wasn't over-dressing. I liked that it didn't show too much cleavage and hugged my curves perfectly. The slit on the left leg wasn't too high up to make me uncomfortable and I paired it with a pair of Shalissa's golden shoes and a matching purse.

Shalissa simply braided five rows on the right side of my head and left the ends opened as the rest of my curly hair cascaded down to my breast.

I didn't get any time to do anything else as I heard the doorbell chime. Elijah was currently at work so it was only Shalissa and I in the house. I checked my phone and saw that Levi was 7 minutes early.

Descending the stairs after Shalissa made me promise to have a good time and to not let him get off so easily, I grabbed the doorknob and twisted to reveal Levi clad in a black dress shirt and matching slacks, hair styled, chin and moustache shaved perfectly.

I felt a blush come to my cheeks when I took note of the bouquet of red roses in his hands. When he took me out, he always gave me chocolate, teddy bears or even a beautiful bracelet. He had never brought me flowers though, and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I thought that it was the most romantic gesture ever, especially roses.

"You— You look beautiful," He breathed as his eyes trailed over me.

"T-Thank you," I fumbled with my fingers around the purse.

"Oh!" He cleared his throat. "For you." He extended the flowers in my hand, which I took gently with a smile on my face. "They're beautiful," I mumbled as I turned away to place them in a vase with some water.

I came back to the door and exited before shutting it.

He hesitantly outstretched his hand for me to take and I did.

I looked down at the ground as I frowned. He would always give me a kiss, even if it was a slight peck whenever he took me out. But I guess I was just being hypocritical about the entire situation.

He opened the door as I got in and with a gentle push after ensuring that I was comfortable, the door closed.