"Oh, Ella…" Rita ran forward and hugged her tightly, clinging as if seeking the comfort of a lifeline. "Thank you for coming," she whispered, her voice trembling with raw emotion.
Ella froze for a moment, caught off guard by the intensity of Rita's embrace. "I never expected you… looking at how badly I've treated you," Rita added, her voice breaking as tears threatened to fall.
"This is… surprising, Rita," Ella said softly, still stunned by the sudden vulnerability.
"I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's unfortunate, but we can't change reality, we can only accept it," Ella continued, her hands gently resting on Rita's shoulders, offering warmth and reassurance. She wanted Rita to feel cared for, to understand that none of this was her fault.
"Thank you, Ella… this means so much to me," Rita murmured, holding Ella's hands as if to anchor herself to something real.
"Where's he?" Ella asked gently.
"Ben… he has been distant ever since that incident occurred. I guess he's still trying to accept what happened and move on…" Rita said, her face falling with sadness.
"Don't worry, he'll definitely come around. Just focus on yourself and be strong," Ella added, her voice soft but firm, encouraging her.
"Right… get healed so we can prepare for another baby," Ella said jokingly, making them both laugh, a brief spark of joy breaking through the heaviness of the moment.
Ella stayed with Rita for a while, engaging her in conversation, coaxing a fragile smile, and letting her feel the comfort of genuine companionship.
As Ella was having lunch with Rita, her phone rang, but she ignored it, thinking, Today is for Rita. Yet, as it continued ringing insistently, she finally picked it up.
"Ella… you need to come here now. I need you," Jasper's voice rang urgently through the phone, tight and desperate, pulling at Ella's instincts.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Ella asked, a wave of fear threading through her voice.
"I need to go, Rita. I think Jasper is in a bad situation," Ella told Rita hurriedly, her own voice tense as she rushed out the door, heading toward Jasper.
Rita immediately gave a devilish smile, her mind calculating. She knew exactly why Jasper had called.
This is the best time to do this… now that I have no child for Ben, I need to act fast, she whispered to herself, eyes glinting with determination as Ella sped away.
Ella drove as fast as she could, hands gripping the wheel tightly, knuckles white with worry. Every second felt like an eternity. "I hope he's safe," she whispered under her breath, her mind racing through worst-case scenarios.
When she arrived, she rushed inside, heart pounding, adrenaline flooding her veins. As she stepped through the doorway, she froze. What she saw was completely unexpected, something she had never imagined. It was far too early, far too soon… and yet, it was happening right before her eyes.
"No… Jasper, no," Ella breathed, her chest tightening as she took in the scene.
Jasper was kneeling on one knee, a wide, hopeful smile on his face. The room was beautifully decorated with flowers, hanging balloons, and a bold banner that read: "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"
Ella's heart sank, not with joy, but with the realization that she didn't see Jasper as the man she wanted to spend her life with. Although she loved him, it wasn't enough to take this step.
"What are you doing?" Ella asked, her voice caught between shock and disbelief.
"We've spoken about this countless times, Ella. I know you're not ready," Jasper said gently, still smiling, his eyes filled with hope.
"I know, Jasper… I'm not ready," Ella replied, her chest heavy with conflicting emotions.
"I know, Ella. I know. But please… just say yes. We won't rush into marriage. Just see this as a sign of us growing stronger," Jasper added, his voice soft yet unwavering.
Ella exhaled heavily, thoughts racing through her mind. But seeing the friends gathered around, she couldn't bring herself to disappoint them or disgrace Jasper publicly.
"Yes, I will…" Ella said quietly, extending her hand. Jasper slipped the ring onto her finger with a beaming smile.
"Thank you, Ella. Thank you. As I always say, I'll never make you regret this…" he whispered, lifting her off the ground in excitement and swinging her around in sheer joy.
"Congratulations!" everyone cheered, glasses of wine raised in celebration.
Everyone was happy, including Ella. Yet, deep inside, something felt off, a gnawing uncertainty. She found herself wishing she had said no, a small shadow of regret lurking beneath the surface.