Two Can Play (Celeste and Dominic) novel Chapter 415

My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. He sounded sincere. But this could still be a mistake. He still had feelings for Sharon, feelings that had grown over so many years, and that kind of love did not go away. What if one day he forgave her? He was saying all of this now because he was angry, because she had betrayed him. What if he forgave her tomorrow? What would happen to us then?

"I'm not sure I want to risk my heart," I said.

"Just give me a chance, Pat." His hand tightened around mine. "I promise I won't make you regret it. How can you tell how it will be if you don't try? If we miss this chance, we'll always regret losing the opportunity of spending a wonderful life together.

I know without a doubt that you're the one meant for me. I know that with you by my side, my life will be fulfilling. I'm not asking for a fairy tale. I'm just asking you to give me a chance. If we try and fail, then we know we tried. But don't push me away. I'm really sincere toward you, Pat. Just give me a chance."

I was quiet for a long while. Then I said, "I'll give you my answer. But right now I have to get back. Celeste isn't feeling well, and I'm worried about her."

His expression shifted into concern. "What happened to Celeste?"

"I'm not sure. It might have something to do with Sharon. Her mood turned really bad after she saw her. I just have to check on her."

"No problem. I'll take you back."

He drove me back to Helix, and all the way, a hundred thoughts ran through my mind. But something he had said kept coming back to me, and by the time the car stopped in front of Helix, I had made my decision.

I got out, and he got out too and walked around to where I stood. He opened his mouth to speak, but I spoke first.

"My answer is yes."

He blinked. "What do you mean? You mean... you accept my proposal?"

I nodded. "Let's give it a try. If we fail, then we'll know we tried and failed. As for the ring... you'll hold on to it for now. When we're very sure, then you can give it back to me."

I had not finished speaking when he pulled me into his arms and hugged me so tight I could barely breathe. Held that close, I felt my heart hammering against his chest and butterflies swarming in my stomach, and it was so overwhelming that I had to pull away.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" He asked happily.

"I'll let you know." My cheeks were burning. I turned and walked quickly toward the door of Helix, and I could feel his eyes on my back the whole way.

At the door, I stopped and stared at him. He was still in his car, watching me. And I felt a happiness so deep and inexplicable that I could not have described it if I tried. There was still the fear underneath, the fear that I would get hurt, but I could not control the happiness.

I wondered: is this how Celeste feels? This must be how she feels. I never thought the idea of being in a relationship with a man who actively wants to be with you could bring this much happiness. No wonder she's always smiling.

He waved before he started the car and drove away, and I smiled and ran into Helix.

But as I walked inside, I remembered the heaviness in Celeste's eyes, and I went straight to her office. She was seated at her desk, lost in thought, and her mood was no better than when I had left her.

"Sharon," I said softly. "You have a history with her."