g through his head. It seemed like forever that went by without Lily. He had tried everything to elicit a response, including texting, c

re both so familiar and yet so alien at the same time. She had always been the one person he

ife had been destroyed by ambition. He was oblivious to her needs and suffering because of his fixation with

as well have been glowing. It was only now that he realised how much he had missed her. It was more than simply her beauty; it was her energy, her spirit,

d given her every excuse to go. He got up to greet her and murmured, "Hi," in a quiet voice. "Thanks for

n, Richard went on, "I didn't think you'd agree to meet me." "I know I've made a mess of things between us." Lily's cauti

you are here. Richard leaned forward with his elbows resting on t

th you. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. You must be aware of that. There was a little so

ard balled his hands into fists. "I want to be the man you need now, but I haven't been that way. I'm want an op

ter having your chance. In an attempt to control the torrent of emotion that swept through him, Richard's throa

ered. However, I'm not yet pleading for your pardon. I'm requesting an opportunity to prove my abilities to y

e past were still so vivid. There was a long pause before she spoke. "Richard, you'll have to show me. Show that this is about more than just your business. Show that you've changed for the be

orking on the project together, their professional collaboration fluid but tinged with tension. Their ideas flowed

den beneath layers of hurt, distrust, and unsolved problems. Even though Richard desperately wan

tails, Richard noticed something in Lily's eyes that went beyond the project manager,

finalizing this phase," he stated. Lily nodded, but he couldn't help but notice the fatigue on her face. She had been putting h

s more to it. Startled by the warmth in his voice, Lily looked up. She answered, "I know," with a tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I've

compliment for a fleeting moment. The walls, however, were put back up just as fast, and she w

rd later escorted her out of the office following the conclusion of the meeting. Despite taking a chance and showing goodwill, she didn't seem

s eyes widened a little at the unexpected suggestion. She started to reply, but the words stuck in her throat. Was there more going on here, or was this just a

But we maintain a professional demeanour. A glimmer of relief was

vy and tangible even after they closed. Candlelight flickered softly on the tables in the diml

ituation seemed to dampen Richard's normally assured manner. He looked at Lily across the table, who was studying the menu with an expr

k, we have hardly had time to catch up. Lily met his eyes as she raised her head from the menu. "I've been fine," she said in a tone that was almos

ollowing their breakup, but he was aware that it would be premature. He murmured softly, "I und

u've got plenty of women around you who can tell you that." Richard's smile dimmed a bit

llness passed, and Lily inhaled deeply. Richard, I'm not the same person I once was.

I've given it some thought, Richard. I've considered what we might have been. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to return ther

ned. Her voice was no more than a whisper as she swallowed hard. "I can't just allow you back in. Richard, you'll have to prove it. Show me you're not