Melanie

The yellow sundress clings to my figure, the fabric swaying gently with each step in my white high-heeled sandals. I've adorned myself with delicate gold jewelry, the subtle glint matching the late afternoon sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. A touch of pink lipstick graces my lips, and my eyelids shimmer with a light bronze eyeshadow. I've applied highlighter strategically on my cheekbones, nose, and collarbones, ensuring that my skin glows in all the right places. Twirling in front of the mirror, I take in the reflection, satisfied with the image that gazes back at me.

Sitting on my bed, I steal a glance at the clock on the nightstand. Daniel will be here in fifteen minutes. The anticipation settles in, and I can't shake the nerves that flutter in the pit of my stomach.

A year and a half have passed since I last saw him. The memory lingers like a ghost – the shock, the betrayal, the abrupt end to whatever twisted connection we shared. It's hard to label it as a relationship because, truth be told, we were never really together. He always made it clear that he wasn't "relationship material," a statement I conveniently ignored in the haze of whatever we had.

It all came crashing down when I walked in on him with another girl. The excuses flowed, attempting to downplay what we were, or more accurately, what we weren't. He insisted we were never in a relationship, but the sight of him with someone else felt like a sudden awakening from a trance. A trance he had skillfully induced, clouding my judgment and distorting my perception of reality.

With a deep breath, I push myself off the bed. The clock ticks relentlessly, counting down the minutes until I have to face Daniel. The uncertainty hangs in the air, but I refuse to let it overshadow the strength I've gained in his absence. I remind myself that this meeting is for closure, a chance to confront the lingering questions and put an end to the unfinished business.

Ten more minutes.

Ugh, this wait is excruciating. While getting ready, my mind was focused on the task at hand, but now, my thoughts unravel. I move to the window nook in my room, the sun beginning its descent, casting a warm glow over everything. The days are getting shorter; summer is almost over.

My summer vacations were definitely not what I expected. Sure, Evie and I had a great time, but I had hoped to share it with Marcus. What a mistake that turned out to be. Marcus, what a dirtbag. I shake my head, frustrated at my taste in men. Why can't I attract someone normal, someone who won't betray my trust?

I wish I could talk to Mallory about it, but she's been through enough this summer. I don't want to burden her with my own troubles. I'll tell her everything once it's all over. And to be perfectly honest, there isn't much to tell right now.

Five more minutes.

Mallory would undoubtedly try to convince me not to meet Daniel, and I can already hear her voice echoing in my mind. Mallory never liked Daniel, and she was visibly relieved when I put an end to whatever it was we had – or didn't have. But that's all in the past; I've moved on now.

Marcus's face intrudes on my thoughts, his handsome features imprinting themselves on my mind. Handsome, charming Marcus – the one who seemed perfect until he wasn't. A groan escapes me as I lean my head back against the wall. He left a mark on me, not just emotionally, but physically. The memory of the mind-blowing orgasms he gave me lingers, and I can't help but wonder if he's ruined me for other men. I haven't been interested in anyone since our tumultuous ending. Sure, I wasn't interested in anyone after Daniel too, but this is different. I still had casual sex after Daniel, but now the prospect of meaningless flings holds no appeal.

My phone buzzes, interrupting the spiral of thoughts. I grab it, finding a message from Daniel. He's waiting outside. A surge of nerves courses through me, and I take a moment to collect myself. This is it—time to confront the past and, hopefully, find the closure I've been seeking.

One last glance in the mirror reassures me; I'm pleased with the way I look. A subtle smile plays on my lips as I grab my purse and step outside. Daniel's car, a sleek silver sedan, is parked on the street. I climb into the passenger seat, and as Daniel turns to greet me, his surprise is evident.

"Melanie, you look..."

"Save the compliments," I cut him off, not wanting to be swayed by sweet words. "Let's get this over with."

"Okay," he says, and without further ado, he starts the car. Silence stretches between us, and I stare out of the window, the passing scenery a distraction from the tension in the car. The familiar streets lead us to the restaurant Daniel chose – of course, it's his choice. We never went anywhere I picked.

Daniel parks the car outside the restaurant, and we both step out. Daniel extends his arm as if offering it to me, but I shake my head, not interested in any gestures of chivalry. I start walking towards the entrance, determined to keep a distance. Daniel rushes ahead and opens the door for me.

Inside the restaurant, Daniel approaches the hostess and inquires about a table for two. She smiles and asks us to follow her. Marcus always made reservations. The thought involuntarily creeps into my mind, and I groan internally, reminding myself to focus on the present. I really need to stop thinking about Marcus.

We follow the hostess to a dimly lit corner of the restaurant, where a neatly set table awaits us. Daniel pulls out the chair for me, and I take my seat. The atmosphere is tense as we sit across from each other. The waiter hands us menus, and I pretend to peruse it, my mind still reeling from the memories that threaten to resurface.

The waiter takes our orders, and the silence hangs heavy between us. I glance out the window, watching the city lights twinkle in the distance. The clinking of silverware and distant murmur of conversations create a backdrop to the unspoken tension at our table.

"How have you been, Melanie?" Daniel inquires, his eyes searching mine.

I maintain a calm expression. "I've been good. And you?"

Daniel offers a small smile. "I've been good too. I missed you."

I roll my eyes at the directness of his words. "Right to the chase, huh?"

He chuckles, the sound making my stomach churn with a mix of irritation and nostalgia. "Well, I've waited long enough, didn't I?"

I narrow my eyes at him. "What do you mean?"

Daniel's expression turns serious. "When you left, Melanie, I felt this void deep inside me. I couldn't shake it; I felt awful about what happened."

I shake my head, looking away to hide the bitter smile that tugs at my lips. "Yeah, I'm sure it was devastating for you."

Daniel reaches for my hand, but I pull away. "I know it was worse for you, Mel. I get it. But it wasn't easy for me either. That's why I started seeing a therapist."

My head snaps back to Daniel, incredulity etched across my face. "A therapist?"

He nods. "Yeah. I've been working on myself, trying to be the person you deserve. I'm ready now, Melanie. Ready to be with you, the right way."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "What makes you think you're ready?"

"For starters, my therapist thinks so," he replies. "And secondly, I only think about you, no one else. I'm finally in a place where I know I can be committed to you and only you, if you'll have me."

"Daniel," I begin cautiously, "I appreciate that you've sought help and worked on yourself. But it's not just about you. It's about me too. Trust was shattered, and wounds run deep. Why should I believe you now?"

He looks at me earnestly, his gaze unwavering. "Because I love you, Melanie. I messed up, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. I want another chance."