A Crossroads of Love: Choosing Forever.
After days of internal struggle, I finally made up my mind. Maxwell was the man I wanted to spend my life with, despite my friends' reservations and my lingering guilt about Fredrick. The hardest part was ahead—telling Fredrick the truth. I spent countless nights rehearsing the words, searching for a way to break his heart gently.
One quiet afternoon, as I worked in my office, Max sent me a text:
"Are you still mad at me?"
I smiled faintly and replied, "No."
Almost instantly, my phone rang. It was Max.
The moment I picked up, his smooth voice poured through the line like warm honey.
"My love, my queen, the reason I breathe... I thought I lost you. If you hadn't forgiven me, I don't know what I would've done. Baby, you have no idea what you mean to me."
His words, though exaggerated, melted my resolve. We spent nearly an hour on the phone, exchanging sweet nothings and playful banter. Before we hung up, he promised to give me the most unforgettable Valentine's Day.
"Baby, I love you," I said softly. "I just want you to keep that promise and never hurt me again."
"I swear," he replied. "I'll prove it every day."
On Valentine's Day, I cleared my schedule at the hospital, eager for the special evening Max had planned. I wanted to look perfect, so I spent hours going through my wardrobe, trying to find the ideal outfit.
Just as I was about to settle on a dress, a knock came at my door. Startled, I froze for a moment. Who could it be? I peered through the peephole and was surprised to see Fredrick standing there, holding a bouquet of red roses.
My heart sank. I hadn't been answering his calls, hoping to avoid this confrontation. But now, fate had brought him to my doorstep. Resolving to tell him the truth, I opened the door.
Fredrick stepped inside, his usual confidence softened by vulnerability. He handed me the bouquet, its vibrant red roses almost too perfect, their fragrance filling the room.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Anna," he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
I thanked him and took the flowers, but guilt weighed heavily on my chest. As he began expressing his feelings, speaking in poetic, heartfelt phrases, my heart broke a little more with every word.
Finally, I couldn't bear it any longer. I took a deep breath and spoke:
"Fredrick, I... I need to tell you something."
The smile faded from his face.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice tinged with unease.
"You've been nothing but kind to me, and you deserve the best... but I've made a choice. I'm in love with someone else."
His face fell, and he stood there, stunned. After a pause, he whispered, "Who?"
"Maxwell," I replied, my voice trembling.
He stared at me, processing the revelation. For a moment, he seemed as if he might argue, but instead, he asked quietly, "Why him, Anna? Why not me?"
I had no answer that could soften the blow, so I stayed silent. Fredrick let out a heavy sigh, his hands on his hips as he wrestled with his emotions. Finally, he looked at me, his expression a mix of hurt and resignation.
"I hope you don't regret this," he said before turning and walking out the door.
As he left, I felt a pang of regret, but I knew my decision was the right one.
Minutes later, another knock came at the door. This time, it was Max. The sight of him instantly lifted my spirits. He greeted me with a warm smile and pulled me into a tight hug.
"Ready for our date, beautiful?" he asked.
The evening was magical. Max had planned everything to perfection—a candlelit dinner at an elegant restaurant, complete with soft music and endless laughter. After dinner, he suggested we take a walk through the city streets. The night air was crisp, and the streets sparkled with lights, adding to the romance of the evening.
As we walked, Max turned to me, his expression serious yet tender.
"Anna, can I ask you something?"
"Of course," I said, curious.
"How many kids do you want when we get married?"
I laughed. "Nine or ten, maybe more."
Max chuckled, his deep laugh echoing in the quiet street. "Well, lucky for you, I'm strong, tall, and up for the challenge."
"Oh?" I teased, rolling my eyes.
Before I could say more, Max suddenly stopped walking. When I turned to him, he was on one knee, holding a small box with a glittering diamond ring inside.
My breath caught.
"Max... what are you doing?"
His eyes met mine, filled with emotion. "Anna, I love you. You're the missing piece in my life. Will you marry me?"
Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded vigorously. "Yes! Yes, Max, I'll marry you!"
He slipped the ring onto my finger, and we kissed passionately as passersby clapped and cheered. The world around us faded, leaving only the two of us and the promise of forever.
That night, as we drove back home, I felt a sense of peace and certainty I had never known before. I had chosen my path, and it led straight to Max, the man who held my heart.