As Emily and I made our way through the crowds, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Rico was here, and I had no idea what he wanted.
I tried to push the thoughts aside and focus on the evening ahead. But it was hard to shake off the feeling that Rico's presence was going to disrupt my life in ways I couldn't even imagine.
As we mingled with the other guests, I found myself scanning the room for Rico. I didn't see him anywhere, but I knew he was here. I could feel it.
Suddenly, Emily grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the dance floor. "Come on, Vivienne, let's dance!" she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I hesitated for a moment, but then I let Emily drag me onto the dance floor. As we danced, I felt a sense of freedom that I hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe this evening wouldn't be so bad after all.
But as the music changed and the lights dimmed, I saw Rico standing at the edge of the dance floor, his eyes fixed intently on me.
My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt a rush of emotions that I couldn't quite process. Anger, fear, excitement - they all swirled together in a confusing mix.
Rico smiled, a slow, seductive smile that made my heart flutter. And then, he started walking towards me, his eyes never leaving mine.
I felt like I was frozen in place, unable to move or speak. All I could do was watch as Rico approached me, his presence drawing me in like a magnet.
As he reached me, Rico took my hand and pulled me close. "Vivienne," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "It's been a long time."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Rico's words sent a wave of memories crashing over me. Memories of our past, of the love we had shared, of the heartbreak that had torn us apart.
I tried to pull away, but Rico's grip was too strong. He held me close, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
"What do you want, Rico?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Rico smiled again, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I want to talk to you, Vivienne," he said. "I want to catch up on old times."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Old times?" I repeated. "You mean the times when you broke my heart into a million pieces?"
Rico's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a flash of regret in his eyes. But then, he recovered, his mask slipping back into place.
"I'm sorry, Vivienne," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I was young and stupid back then. I didn't know what I had until it was too late."
I felt a pang of sadness at Rico's words. He was right - we had been young and stupid back then. But that didn't excuse what he had done.
"I appreciate the apology, Rico," I said, trying to keep my voice even. "But it's a little late for apologies, don't you think?"
Rico's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I know I hurt you, Vivienne," he said. "But I'm not the same person I was back then. I've changed. I've grown up."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Really?" I said. "Then why are you here, Rico? What do you want from me?"
Rico's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "I want to make things right between us, Vivienne," he said. "I want to prove to you that I'm not the same person I was back then."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Rico's words sent a wave of emotions crashing over me. I didn't know what to make of Rico's apology, or his claims that he had changed.
As I looked into Rico's eyes, I saw a glimmer of sincerity that made me wonder if he was genuinely sorry for the pain he had caused me. But I wasn't ready to forgive him just yet. I needed to know more about what had brought him here tonight.
"So, Rico," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "What brings you to this charity gala? I wouldn't have pegged you as the philanthropic type."
Rico smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've changed, Vivienne," he said. "I've grown up. And I've realized that there's more to life than just making money and having fun."
I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Really?" I said. "Then why are you here, Rico? What's your angle?"
Rico's smile faltered for a moment, and I saw a flash of annoyance in his eyes. But then, he recovered, his mask slipping back into place.
"I'm here because I want to make a difference, Vivienne," he said. "I want to use my wealth and influence to help people who need it. And I want to start by making amends with the people I've hurt in the past."
I felt a pang of surprise at Rico's words. I hadn't expected him to be so... sincere. But I still wasn't convinced. I needed to know more about what had brought him here tonight.
"So, Rico," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "What makes you think that I'm the right person to make amends with? What makes you think that I'm even interested in hearing your apology?"
Rico's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze burning with intensity. "I know that I hurt you, Vivienne," he said. "I know that I broke your heart. But I also know that you're not the same person you were back then. You're stronger now, more confident. And I want to be a part of your life again."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Rico's words sent a wave of emotions crashing over me. I didn't know what to make of Rico's apology, or his claims that he had changed. But I did know that I wasn't ready to forgive him just yet.
"I appreciate your apology, Rico," I said, trying to keep my voice even and not show how affected I was by him. "But I need some time to think about it".
Rico nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'll give you all the time you need, Vivienne," he said. "But I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to be here, waiting for you, until you're ready to talk."
I felt a pang of unease at Rico's words. I didn't know what to make of his intensity, or his claims that he was willing to wait for me. But I did know that I needed to be careful around him.
"Thank you, Rico," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral. "I appreciate your patience."
Rico smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'll be patient, Vivienne," he said. "Because I know that you're worth waiting for."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Rico's words sent a wave of emotions crashing over me. I didn't know what to make of Rico's apology, or his claims that he had changed. But I did know that I needed to be careful around him, he had his way with words and I'd be a fool to fall back into his trap this easily
As Rico turned to leave, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was glad to be rid of him, at least for now.
But as I turned to leave, I saw Emily standing behind me, a look of concern on her face.
"Vivienne, are you okay?" Emily asked, her voice low and worried. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. "I'm fine, Emily," I said. "Just a little shaken up."
Emily nodded, her eyes never leaving mine. "What did Rico say to you?" she asked.
I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But then, I decided to tell Emily the truth.
"He apologized for hurting me," I said. "And he said that he's changed. That he wants to make amends and be a part of my life again."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's quite a turnaround," she said. "Do you believe him?"
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. Part of me wanted to believe Rico, to think that he had really changed. But another part of me was skeptical, wondering if Rico was just trying to manipulate me again.
"I don't know, Emily," I said finally. "I need some time to think about it."
Emily nodded, her eyes never leaving mine.