The Model Couple

🌻 Chapter 51

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Max opens a red heart shaped box and holds out a ring with a little diamond chip on it. All I can think is 'Please no, please no, please no. Not this. Not here.' I practically choke with the feeling of drowning. This can't really be happening. My hands start to shake with nervousness and I can't even make sure I have an appropriate expression on my face for the cameras.

"Brooklyn, I came to apologize and officially ask you to marry me." His eyes bore into mine with confidence. We can't do this here. Not in front of everyone.

"Max." There is no mistaking the urgency in my voice. What is he thinking to do this on TV in front of the whole world?

He shakes his head, "Quiet Brook. Let me finish." I obediently close my mouth and try to get my heart rate under control. He takes a deep breath, "I know I messed up and made you mad. And I'm very sorry that happened." I'm taken aback by his seemingly sincere apology. I'm used to them being laced with sarcasm and accusation. "But you know we belong together. We've wanted to get married since we were in elementary school. And I promise I will be the best husband I can be." I hear someone scoff behind me. "I know you won't let this little lover's spat ruin our whole future. Say you forgive me and that we can get married." He doesn't even look worried or nervous. There is a little smirk on his face like he's confident that I will just say 'yes'. "Come on Honey, do the right thing and say we're back together. You know I've been miserable without you."

The little bit of regret in his expression makes me believe that he has probably missed me. But the problem is that I haven't missed him. At all. Not once have I regretted ending it with him. Ry has shown me what being in a relationship should be like. He is so sweet with me and loving. I can be myself around him and don't have to obsess over making a mistake. There is no way I could possibly go back to dating Max after knowing how good it can be.

Everyone is looking at me and I know I have to say something. I clear my throat. "Max, can we please do this in private?" 

His nostrils flare with annoyance. He had one response in mind and I didn't give it to him. Patience never was his strong suit. "Of course, we can talk more in private. I just need you to say we are back together, that we are engaged again. Then we'll talk more later. I want to take you home, where you belong."

There is no way I can say what I'm actually thinking, he'd go ballistic. As I formulate my response I can see Max is getting more impatient. In my nervousness the words tumble out, "Max, I completely forgive you." A huge smile breaks out on his face. My mouth keeps talking, "I promise that I hold no anger or resentment toward you for anything you've done." Is that triumph in his eyes? Why does he glance over my shoulder? I realize I'm speaking from my heart, it feels right. "So you are completely forgiven. But..." His smile falters just a bit. "But I don't want to continue being in a relationship with you."

Although my words surprise me, I realize that I can honestly forgive Max because I barely even think of him now. Is it weird that he was such an integral part of my life for so long and now he is nothing to me? Him cheating somehow allowed me to completely break free of him. I can forgive him because I want my heart and mind to be totally released from his influence. I don't want to allow him to bring any amount of anger or regret into my life. I merely want him gone.

He looks outraged, "You are confused! " He stands and moves toward me. "They've brainwashed you here. How dare you defy me?!" He's mad. He's always hated being embarrassed in public.

I feel the tingle of Ry's arms wrap around me a pull me back to his chest, away from Max. Max's eyes go wild, "Don't fucking touch her!" He reaches for my wrist and grabs me. "Get your hands off my girlfriend, Asshole! She's mine and always will be!" With one jerk he tries to pull me away from Ry.