"Not necessary. Please leave."
Instead, he comes even closer. "I've been thinking about what happened in Vegas. About us. About the mess I made of things back then."
"You can say that again." I cross my arms over my chest, creating a barrier between us.
"You took care of me when I was drunk out of my mind. You didn't have to. But you did."
His eyes search mine, and for a second, I see something genuine there.
"And it reminded me of who you are—who you've always been."
I stare at Joseph, my throat suddenly dry.
"What's all this about? You've never apologized to me before. About anything. Not even leaving me at the altar with 142 guests watching me cry."
He shifts his weight. "I was a jerk, and I know it. But I want to change all that. I want to be a better man."
He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a small velvet box.
"What's this?" I ask, though I already know.
"An engagement ring."
An uncharacteristic laugh escapes me. "Why now?"
"I want to marry you. For real this time. No mistakes. No running."
My heart pounds. "Please take your ring and leave. I don't have the energy to go through this again."
"That's just it. This time, it's for real. I don't know whathappened two months ago. I chickened out. I let a so-called friend talk me out of it, saying I could do better."
"Better!" The word hits me like a slap. I jump to my feet. "Just get the hell out of here, Joseph. I've had enough of your insults."
"Maddie, I didn't mean it that way." His voice softens, the way it used to when he wanted something.
"What I'm trying to say is that at the time, I didn't have enough confidence in myself to stand up to him."
"And you do now?" I scoff.
"Yes," he says, stepping closer. Even in the dim light, the ring glitters. I can see it’s enormous.
At least four carats, with smaller diamonds flanking it. No way is that cubic zirconia.
"I heard you were successful," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "But that ring must cost more than a hundred thousand dollars..."
"It does," he says. "I'm the golden boy at my company. Well paid, with incredible bonuses. They just keep getting larger."
"Good for you," I say, my voice as cold as the night air. "Not interested."
"Maddie, let me sit down." Without waiting for my answer, he settles onto the bench. "You must become my wife."
"Why?"
"Because I need you."
I look at his perfect hair, his perfect teeth, his perfect suit. "You don't need anyone, Joseph. Except some drinking buddy and a hooker once in a while."
"That's precisely the reason I need you."
