Not The Second Time

"There is no way in hell I am doing this. Not again, Leonardo."

Rita's voice dripped with anger, sharp and unwavering. Her hands clenched into fists by her sides, nails digging into her palms as she glared at the man sitting behind the massive oak desk. Everything about this room was a testament to his wealth-the sleek black leather chairs, the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, the faint scent of expensive cologne lingering in the air.

Leonardo chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an infuriating smirk. His dark brown eyes gleamed with amusement, as if her resistance was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

"Bebé, todavía vamos a hacer esto otra vez. No importa lo que digas." (Baby, we are still going to do this again. No matter what you say.)

Rita's lips curled in disgust. "Leonardo, I already told you. I am not interested."

"And you think I care? You think that bothers me?"

She exhaled sharply, her heart hammering against her ribcage. This wasn't the man she had married. Or maybe he was, and she had just been too blinded by love to see the real him. "Why won't you just leave me alone? Leave me the fuck alone, Leonardo. I don't want this. I don't want to be with you again."

"Why?"

She let out a bitter chuckle, crossing her arms. "Is that a question? Like, is that seriously a question?"

"Yes, it is." His tone was steady, unwavering, as if he genuinely believed he had done nothing wrong. "I left for our future."

She took a step closer, fire burning in her eyes. "You left because you were selfish. You motherfucker." Her voice cracked with rage, her chest rising and falling with each breath. "I gave everything up for you. I stood with you when no one did. I believed in you when you had nothing, Leonardo. And now you've returned after three years, dripping in wealth, and you think that means we have a chance together?" She shook her head, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Go to hell, Leonardo."

She grabbed her bag, turning sharply toward the door, but before she could reach the handle, his voice cut through the room like a blade.

"The moment you walk out that door, I will make sure no one in the entire state employs you. Leave if you want to."

The threat stopped her cold. She stiffened, the weight of his words pressing against her spine. Slowly, she turned around, her expression unreadable. "Excuse me?"

He remained seated, fingers steepled together as he studied her. "You heard what I said." His voice was calm, controlled, dangerous. "It's either you stay, we talk this through, and you sign that contract-or you face the consequences."

She let out a hollow laugh. "So it's come down to threats now? Money has changed you that much?"

Leonardo's gaze darkened, his smirk fading slightly.

"Bebé, esto no es sobre dinero. Es sobre anhelo. Es sobre amor. Es sobre deseo." (Baby, this isn't about money. It's about longing. It's about love. It's about desire.)

Rita scoffed, shaking her head. "Cut the bullshit, Leonardo. You know nothing-nothing-about love." She jabbed a finger at him, her body trembling with fury. "You selfish, egotistical jerk."

His lips twitched, as if her insult amused him. She hated that look, hated how he could remain so composed while she was falling apart inside.

The memory of their past came rushing back, unbidden. The small apartment they had shared, the sleepless nights spent whispering dreams of a better future, the way he used to hold her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

But all of that had been a lie.

A slow, dangerous smile played on his lips, but she didn't give him the satisfaction of another word. Instead, she snatched the contract from his desk, ripped it in half, and hurled the pieces in his face.

"You know what? Fuck you. Fuck your money. Fuck your company. And fuck this stupid contract."

She turned on her heel, storming out of the office, slamming the door so hard the walls trembled.

Silence filled the room.

Leonardo remained in his chair, unmoving. He reached out, picking up a torn piece of the contract, running his fingers over the paper. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes burned with something dark, something dangerous.

"Serás mía otra vez, Rita." (You'll be mine again, Rita.) "Te lo prometo." (I promise you.)

And he never broke a promise.

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.

Three years later

Rita's hands ached as she kneaded the dough for the next batch of croissants. The bakery had been unusually quiet today, the soft hum of the refrigerator the only noise in the background. The air smelled like fresh bread, a comforting aroma that, over the years, had become both a source of solace and a reminder of everything she had lost.

She paused for a moment, wiping the sweat from her forehead. The clock on the wall showed it was already past four. Max would be calling soon, like he always did. He was a good guy, really. He treated her well-better than Leo ever had, at least.

But still... there was something missing. A spark.

She shook her head and went back to the dough, pressing it down with a bit more force. No point in thinking about that now. Max was here, and he loved her, right?

Her phone buzzed against the counter, breaking her thoughts. She wiped her hands on her apron before picking it up and seeing Max's name on the screen.

"Hey, babe." Rita greeted him, trying to push the familiar weight in her chest aside.

"Hey, how's your day going?" Max's voice was warm, smooth like honey. Rita could hear the smile in his tone, even though it made her stomach twist a little.

"It's fine. Just the usual-baking, working, trying to get everything done," she said, her voice tired but trying to sound upbeat. She wasn't sure why she even bothered anymore. She wasn't really happy, but he didn't need to know that.

"I get that. You've been working a lot. You need to take it easy, babe," he said. Rita could hear the concern in his voice, the same concern that had made her gravitate toward him after Leo disappeared.

Rita forced a smile, even though she knew he couldn't see it. "I'll be fine. Just need to get through the day. You know how it is."

Max let out a chuckle. "Yeah, I know how it is. You're always working. I don't think you ever stop."

"I have to, don't I? You know how tight things are."

"Yeah, I know. But hey, how about we go out tonight? Dinner. Just the two of us. I'll pick you up at seven."

Rita hesitated for a moment. It had been a while since they had done anything special together. But she knew she was just going through the motions. Max was good to her. He wasn't Leo, but he was here now, and that had to count for something. Right?

"That sounds nice," she said, even though her heart wasn't really in it. She had tried. She really had. She had tried to move on, but something kept dragging her back. To him. To Leo.

Max sounded happy to hear that. "Great! I'll take you somewhere nice. We'll make it a fun night, just you and me. It'll be perfect, I promise."

Rita bit her lip, fighting the instinct to tell him she wasn't sure about this. Instead, she pushed the thought down. He was being nice. He wanted to make things work. He was here.

"Sounds good," she said again.

"I can't wait to see you, babe. You're everything to me." Max's voice softened, the words flowing with sincerity.

Rita closed her eyes for a second. She wasn't sure how she felt anymore. She cared about him, yes. But love? Love was different. Love was something she hadn't felt in a long time.

"I love you." Max's words made her chest tighten. She hadn't been expecting them.

Her hand tightened around the phone. She stared at the wall in front of her, hearing the steady hum of the bakery's oven. The words lingered in the air, but they felt foreign.

She hadn't said it back. Not because she didn't care, but because...

She still hadn't forgotten him.

She hadn't loved anyone since Leo. Max was a good guy. A nice guy. But she wasn't sure if she was in love with him. She had been in love with Leo. She had loved him like she thought she would never love anyone else. But that had been three years ago, hadn't it?

She was tired of waiting. Tired of holding on to the past. Leo had left her with no word, no explanation. He just vanished. He hadn't reached out once. Not a call. Not a text. Nothing.

And maybe, just maybe, she had given up on him. For real this time.

But hearing Max say those words-hearing him love her-made her realize something. She hadn't moved on. She hadn't stopped thinking about Leo. She couldn't even bring herself to say it back to Max.

Her chest felt heavy. She knew what she had to do.

"I... I'll see you tonight, Max," she said, her voice flat. She didn't want to say more. She didn't want to lie.

"Alright, babe. I love you." Max's voice was gentle, but there was something in the tone that made her stomach twist.

But she didn't say it back.

She ended the call quickly, her finger tapping the screen to disconnect the line before the words she hadn't spoken could haunt her even more.

For a moment, Rita just stood there. Her phone slipped from her hand and fell onto the counter with a dull thud.

She took a deep breath, pushing the waves of emotion aside. Get it together, Rita, she thought. She had done so much to move on, so much to survive. But in the quiet of the bakery, surrounded by the smell of bread and the hum of machines, she couldn't help but feel like she had been lying to herself.

She still loved Leo.

The stupid motherfucker.

She squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her hands to her face. Three years, and he hadn't even tried to reach out. He'd left her without a single word. He had promised her everything-forever-but now it was like none of that ever mattered. Like none of it ever happened.

But maybe that was what hurt the most.

She hadn't loved anyone else. And maybe she never would.