Chapter 3 Confession

The restaurant where they were having dinner was a five-star restaurant. The place looked so classy and everyone was dressed so elegantly that she felt out of place.

Everything on the menu was so expensive that she had a hard time making a choice.

In the end, she asked the waiter to give her recommendations or she would have what Ethan Blackwood was having.

It was a three-course meal paired with a nice wine. She'd never eaten anything so expensive in her life.

She felt so full afterward and so grateful and she had to keep reminding herself this wasn't a date, it was just a treat. This was just her boss being nice and it didn't mean anything.

"Would you like to take a walk?" Mr Blackwood asked as they walked towards the parking lot.

"Sure."

And he held her hand as they walked out into the street. Her heart was racing at this point. He's just being a gentleman she told herself.

They had light conversations as they walked, and he made her laugh a lot.

Their footsteps synchronized without effort, they walked close enough for their arms to brush, the accidental touches sending a flutter through her heart. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the world seemed to narrow down to the space between them.

Their eyes met frequently, and she always looked away because it made her heart flutter.

"Sophia," he called out, stopping suddenly.

She paused and turned, their eyes locked, the world around them melting into the background.

Without a word, he reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. She leaned in, her heart racing, as he drew closer, their lips meeting in a soft, gentle kiss. The world around them dissolved, leaving only the sensation of their lips touching, the warmth of their breaths mingling.

Time stood still, the only sound the quiet beating of their hearts, the only sensation the tender pressure of their lips.

They broke apart and stood facing each other, their lips still warm from the kiss they had shared. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"Sophia," he whispered, his voice low and husky. "I didn't plan for this to happen. But I couldn't help myself."

Ethan took a step closer, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm saying that I have feelings for you, Sophia. Feelings that go beyond employer and employee."

Sophia's cheeks flushed her heart racing. "Really? Do you mean it," she asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes Sophia."

Sophia nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "what does this mean for us? For our working relationship?"

Ethan's expression turned serious. "I don't know, Sophia. But I'm willing to figure it out with you. I want to marry you Sophia, that's what I want."

"What?" She asked in disbelief, her heart soaring. "What are you saying? Marry me?" She couldn't believe her ears. Was this really happening? Was Ethan Blackwood confessing his feelings for her and saying he wanted to marry her? No, she must be dreaming.

"I mean it Sophia I want you to be my wife."

"Me?" She asked still in disbelief

"Yes Sophia. I've felt this way for a long time. Don't you feel anything for me?" He asked looking expectant

"I..I do," she stuttered

Ethan's face lit up with a smile "really?"

"Yes. But you're my boss."

"Let's figure this out together," he said holding her chin up.

"Will you give a thought to my proposal?"

"Yes I will."

Ethan smiled broadly "good."

"Now let me get you home," he says taking her back in the direction they came from.

He wanted to take her home but she refused insisting she take a taxi. She didn't want her mom and sister to see him dropping her off at home.

He eventually obliged her and got a taxi to take her home.

Once Sophia was home, she crept to her room and lay on her bed she knew there wouldn't be any sleep for her tonight. She was too excited. She can't believe what happened tonight.

Ethan Blackwood was in love with her!

She squealed into her pillow out of excitement.

Every time she remembered the kiss, it sent sweet shivers down to her nerve endings.

What was she going to do? Could she really be with him? All these questions played in her mind with no forthcoming answers. She decided to take a shower. Maybe she would think properly after that. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

The next day at work Sophia rarely saw Mr Blackwood. He was so busy going from one meeting to another. Sophia was was grateful for this because she didn't know how she could face him after last night. She wanted to avoid any awkward encounter. She left her work at her usual closing time that day so as to avoid any encounter with her boss. But then, she was also worried he was trying to avoid her. Did he not mean all he said last night? She encouraged herself not to overthink.

On her way home, her phone chime. It was a text from mr Blackwood, it read:

" I wanted to spend time with you today, but I didn't get the chance. Work was hectic. Would you like to have a dinner date with me tomorrow? Please say yes."

she smiled so much after reading the text and replied with "yes I'd love to."

She felt so happy and relieved he had texted her but her happiness was cut short when she got home and met Doctor Manny at the dinner table with her mom and sister.

"Come join us Sophia," her mom ordered pointing to the chair next to doctor manny.

Why must her happiness always be cut short? Sophia wondered as she hesitantly walked over to the table.