Chapter 2 When We Were Happy

Three Years Ago

The jewelry store had a golden glow, the light bouncing off the pristine glass cases lined with dazzling rings. Leonardo stood near the counter, his fingers grazing the velvet box that now held the perfect symbol of his love for Rita. The ring was simple yet elegant-a delicate band with a brilliant-cut diamond that sparkled under the warm light.

He picked up the small box and opened it again, a rare, genuine smile curling his lips. Es perfecta. It was exactly what Rita deserved.

Sliding the box into his pocket, he turned toward the glass doors of the store, stepping out onto the bustling street. The evening breeze ruffled his dark hair, the deep sunken eyes that usually held sharp intensity now softened by something else-excitement, maybe even nervousness. His five o'clock shadow framed his chiseled jaw, adding to the effortless charm that had always made him stand out.

As he reached for his car keys, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw the name flashing on the screen-Mamá. A smirk tugged at his lips as he answered.

"Hola, mamá."

"Hola, hijo," his mother's warm voice came through the line. "¿Cómo estás?" (Hi, son. How are you?)

"Estoy bien, mamá. De hecho, estoy muy feliz." (I'm fine, Mom. Actually, I'm very happy.)

His mother let out a soft chuckle. "¿Seguro que estás listo para pasar el resto de tu vida con ella?" (Are you sure you're ready to spend the rest of your life with her?)

Leonardo didn't hesitate. "Sí, mamá. Ella es la indicada." His voice was firm, unwavering. She is the one. "Hemos pasado por tanto juntos, y sé que es la mujer que mejor me complementa." (We've been through so much together, and I know she's the one that suits me best.)

His mother paused for a moment before sighing softly. "Si eres feliz, entonces tienes mi apoyo." (If you're happy, then you have my support.)

Leonardo closed his eyes briefly, the tension he hadn't realized was there melting away. "Gracias, mamá." (Thank you, Mom.)

"Asegúrate de decirle que la quiero y que tienen que visitarme." (Make sure you tell her I love her and that you guys need to visit me.)

He chuckled. "Sí, mamá."

"Te amo, mijo." (Love you, son.)

"Yo también te amo." (Love you too.)

As the call ended, Leonardo exhaled deeply, staring at the ring in his pocket once more. He wasn't nervous about proposing-he knew Rita loved him. But something about making it official, about binding himself to her forever, made his heart race.

He slid into his car and drove home-to their home.

The apartment was quiet, save for the soft hum of jazz music playing from the speakers. Leonardo had spent the past hour setting everything up. Balloons floated near the ceiling, their soft glow adding warmth to the space. The dining table was set, though he hadn't cooked-he knew better than to ruin a special night with his terrible cooking skills. Instead, he had ordered Chinese takeout, knowing it was Rita's favorite.

By the time the clock struck eight, everything was perfect. The candles flickered, the plates were ready, and Leonardo stood in front of the table, waiting. He had changed into his best clothes-a crisp button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of well-fitted jeans. Casual but good-looking. In his hand, he held a single red rose.

The door creaked open.

Rita stepped in, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion. Her black hair was pulled into a messy bun, a few strands falling around her face. Her clerk uniform looked slightly wrinkled, a clear sign of how long her shift had been. She let out a sigh as she closed the door behind her, but then she stilled.

Her tired eyes swept over the decorated apartment, the table, the balloons.

She blinked. "What the hell is going on?"

Leonardo stepped forward, offering her the rose.

She narrowed her eyes, taking off her jacket and tossing it onto the stand. "Leo, what's going on?"

He grinned. "Come on, come in. Sit down. Let's have dinner."

She chuckled, shaking her head. "You do know this is going to come out of your paycheck, right?"

Leonardo let out a loud laugh. "I know."

They sat down together, Rita still eyeing him suspiciously. "You got fast food?" She lifted the lid of one of the takeout boxes. "How much did you spend on all this, Leo?"

"Would you stop worrying about that?" he groaned.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine."

Leonardo served her Chinese rice and chicken, and for a few moments, they ate in comfortable silence. But Rita kept sneaking glances at him, her brows furrowing.

Then, she set her fork down and folded her arms. "Okay, what did you do?"

Leonardo tilted his head. "What?"

"You hardly do romantic things like this unless you've done something bad and you want me to forgive you."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I haven't done anything bad. I swear. I'm innocent."

Rita squinted at him. "Mmm. Fine. Whatever you say."

They continued eating, but then Leonardo set his fork down. He looked at her, really looked at her.

"You're the best," he said softly. "You're the love of my life."

Rita choked on her food.

"Whoa, whoa, are you okay?" Leonardo reached for her, alarmed.

She grabbed her water, gulping it down. "Okay, what the fuck is going on, Leo? Speak up."

He sighed dramatically, grumbling, "You always spoil every romantic moment."

She smirked. "You do know I'm not the romantic one in this relationship, right?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I know."

And then, before she could say anything else, he got down on one knee.

Rita's eyes widened. Her hands flew to her mouth. "Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Are you going to fucking propose right now?"

Leonardo pulled the velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing the ring. His heart pounded, but his voice remained steady.

"There is no one I'd rather spend the rest of my life with than you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You are everything to me. Everything." He took a deep breath. "So please, I am asking-"

Then, in Spanish, he said: "¿Pasarás el resto de tu vida conmigo, amor?" (Would you spend the rest of your life with me, love?)

Rita was crying. She nodded so fast he thought she might pass out.

"Fuck yes," she whispered, then laughed through her tears. "Of course I'll spend the rest of my life with you, baby."

She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He held her tight, burying his face in her shoulder, breathing in the scent of her.

Oh, how peaceful that day was.