Melanie

As Daniel returns to the table and takes his seat across from me, my heart sinks at the sight of his troubled expression. I take a sip of my coffee, trying to steady my nerves as I prepare for the difficult conversation ahead.

"Would you like anything to drink?" I ask softly, attempting to break the tension that hangs heavy in the air. We can signal the waitress."

Daniel shakes his head, his eyes downcast. "No, thanks," he murmurs. "My stomach's in knots. I don't think I could drink anything right now."

I nod understandingly, a pang of guilt twisting in my chest. "I hate seeing you like this," I confess softly. "I wish there was something I could do to make it easier for you."

Daniel looks up at me, his eyes filled with sadness. "There is," he says quietly.

My heart sinks at his words, knowing what he's going to say next. "Daniel," I begin, my voice trembling slightly. "I don't want to get back together."

His face falls, and he looks away, blinking back tears. "Is there someone else?" he asks, his voice barely a whisper.

I shake my head adamantly. "No, there isn't," I insist, the words tasting bitter on my tongue.

Daniel's shoulders slump in defeat. "There has to be," he insists, his voice breaking. "I know you, Melanie. And I know you wouldn't end things with me unless there was someone else waiting in the wings."

I sigh, frustration bubbling up inside me. "I'm not with Marcus," I say firmly, meeting his gaze head-on.

"But you will be," he insists, his voice tinged with resignation. "If you're not already."

I shake my head, feeling a surge of frustration rise within me. "No, I won't," I declare, my voice firm with determination. "And it doesn't matter anyway."

Daniel shakes his head, tears glistening in his eyes. "But it does matter," he insists, his voice trembling with emotion. "You would be mine if it wasn't for him."

I feel a surge of anger rising within me. "You can't blame Marcus for our breakup," I retort sharply. "That's on you, Daniel, not him."

He hangs his head, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "I know," he admits, his voice barely audible. "But you won't even give me a chance to make things right."

I'm taken aback by his words, a pang of guilt stabbing at my heart. The truth is, I haven't given Daniel any opportunities to correct his mistakes. Instead, I just ran into Marcus' arms not even a week after our breakup.

"I'm sorry, Daniel," I say softly, my voice filled with remorse. "I haven't been fair to you."

He looks up at me, his eyes filled with hope. "But I can change," he insists earnestly. "My therapist showed me the errors I made in our relationship, and I want to make them right."

I'm speechless, stunned by his sincerity. Could Daniel really change? Could we have a future together if he did?

But then I remember all the times he's promised to change in the past, only to fall back into old patterns. Can I really trust him this time?

"I don't know, Daniel," I say finally, my voice wavering with uncertainty. "I need time to think."

He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "Please, Melanie," he pleads, his eyes searching mine desperately. "Don't shut me out. Give me a chance to show you how much I love you."

I feel a tear slide down my cheek as I look into his eyes, seeing the depth of his pain and regret. Can I really turn my back on him now, when he needs me the most?

But then I think of Marcus, and the love and support he's given me throughout all of this. Can I betray him by going back to Daniel?

I squeeze Daniel's hand gently, my heart torn between these two men. "I'll think about it," I promise softly. "But I can't make any promises."

Daniel nods, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Melanie," he says earnestly. "That's all I ask."

We sit in silence for a moment, the weight of our conversation hanging heavy in the air. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart.

But before I can say anything else, Daniel's phone buzzes loudly, breaking the silence. He pulls it out of his pocket, his brow furrowing in confusion as he reads the message.

"What is it?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

Daniel's expression darkens as he reads the message aloud. "It's from Jessica," he says, his voice cold. "She wants to know how it's going between us."

I sigh, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "I'm glad your therapist is so caring," I murmur softly.

Daniel smiles at me, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Do you mind if I go home and call Jessica?" he asks tentatively. "I want to tell her all about our meeting."

I nod, forcing a smile. "I think that's a great idea," I reply, trying to sound supportive despite the ache in my chest.

Daniel grins and stands up, and I follow suit, extending a hand to him. He hesitates for a moment before speaking again.

"Can I hug you?" he asks quietly, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to respond. But then I nod, a small smile playing on my lips. "Okay," I say softly.

Daniel wraps his arms around me, squeezing me tight for a moment before releasing me. He kisses my forehead gently, his touch lingering for just a moment before he pulls away.

"I'll wait for you," he says earnestly. "I won't attempt to communicate until you're ready."

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Okay," I whisper, my voice barely audible.

Daniel smiles at me, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Goodnight, Melanie," he says softly before turning and leaving the café.

I sink back into the chair, feeling drained and exhausted. A few moments later, Evie sits down across from me, her expression filled with concern.

"How are you?" she asks gently, reaching out to squeeze my hand.

I force a smile, trying to push aside the whirlwind of emotions raging inside me. "I'll be okay," I reply, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"Fuck, this was a bad idea, wasn't it," Evie mutters, her frustration evident in her tone.

I shake my head, a sense of determination coursing through me. "No, it wasn't," I reply firmly. "We can contact Daniel's therapist now."

But despite my bravado, my heart tugs with uncertainty. What if Daniel's therapist confirms he is trying to change? What if she tells me that I'm causing damage to Daniel's mental health by refusing to give him another chance?

Evie smiles reassuringly, her confidence unwavering. "It will all be over soon," she says, her voice filled with conviction.

I force a smile, trying to quell the anxiety gnawing at my insides. "Finally," I say softly, but deep down, I'm dreading what is to come.

Before I can dwell on it any further, Jason approaches the table, a playful grin on his face. "I've settled the bills, so we can go whenever you ladies are ready," he announces.

I nod, relief flooding through me. "I'm ready," I say, grabbing my bag and standing up.

Evie nods eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I'm so ready to go," she says emphatically. "I don't want to set foot in this café ever again."

Jason feigns hurt, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "I thought we had a good time," he says with a mock pout.

Evie smiles at him affectionately, her tone teasing. "You know that's not what I meant," she retorts, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

We step out of the café, the cool night air providing a welcome relief from the tension inside. Jason breaks the silence with a charming smile. "Well, ladies, it was really nice to meet you," he says warmly. "I hope I'll see you again soon."

He winks at Evie, who returns his smile. "Goodnight, Jason," she replies sweetly.

I offer a friendly wave. "Bye, Jason. It was nice meeting you too," I say, feeling a sense of gratitude for his support.

Jason turns and disappears into the night, leaving Evie and me to make our way to my car. Once we're out of earshot, I turn to Evie, curiosity piqued. "How did it go with Jason?" I ask, glancing at her.

Evie links her arm with mine, sighing softly as she looks up at the sky. Leaning in closer to me, she replies, "It went great. Jason is wonderful, kind, and interesting. Not to mention, hot as fuck."

I chuckle at her description, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "I'm glad you were satisfied with Marcus' friend," I say sincerely.

Evie smiles in agreement. "Me too," she says softly, her voice filled with contentment.

We walk in silence for a while, the weight of the evening still lingering in the air. I try to push aside thoughts of the next few days, but it's impossible to ignore them, especially when Evie brings up the topic.

"When are you going to call Daniel's therapist?" she asks, her voice filled with concern.

I sigh, feeling a knot form in my stomach. "Probably tomorrow," I reply hesitantly, my mind already racing with apprehension.

The truth is, I'm anxious about what our meeting will unveil. I have no idea what to expect, and the thought of confronting Daniel's therapist fills me with a sense of dread. But I know it's something I have to do, no matter how daunting it may seem.