“I understand, Vivian,” He responded rising to his feet
and approaching me, his eyes reflecting both pain and
guilt.
“I know I have wronged you. I know It was wrong of
me to suddenly step back leaving you to shoulder the
relationship alone. But believe me, it wasn’t intentional,”
He said, his voice quivering with suppressed tears.
“Oh, yeah? It wasn’t intentional you say?” I retorted,
my tone charged with anger.

“Yes, as I mentioned earlier, my actions were
influenced by the fear of failing in a marriage with you,”
He explained.
“What marriage? Was there even a time you
entertained the notion of marrying me during the five
years we spent together?” I fired angrily at him.
“Yes, Vivian. Countless times, I have envisioned building a life and a future with you. But these dreams are often thwarted by my innermost fear of ending up like my father. I feared that I might not be the right man for you given your virtuous nature. You were just too good and perfect in every way,” He confessed, tears finally escaping his eyes.

Seeing him in tears, I was rendered speechless, unable
to find the right words in response.
“I believed that letting you go was the best most
selfless act I could do for you considering that I wasn’t
good enough and that you deserved better. But letting
you go created a void in my heart that no one else has been able to refill,” He d, standing before me.
Silent and contemplative, I watched him reach for my
left hand, his gaze fixated on the engagement ring
adorning my finger.

“How beautiful.” He murmured with a sad smile
emerging amidst his tears., “You know, I have always
fantasized about putting such a ring on your finger,” He
said.
Hearing this, I immediately freed my hand from his grip.
“Enough, Daniel. I belong to another now,” I asserted,
my gaze unwavering as I looked at him.
“Yes, I know. And I’m not going to ask you to leave
him as long as he makes you happy,” He said smiling
sadly at me while gently sweeping a few strands of
hair away from my face.

“Yes, he does make me happy if that’s what you need
to hear. I guess I can now take my leave,” I said
attempting to leave.
However, he immediately grabbed my waist and pulled me closer to himself.
“And what do think you are doing?” I questioned
glaring into his eyes in defense.
“Shhh,” He silenced me, placing his finger against my
lips.