Two Worlds Collide

Chapter 33

Rylee was getting ready for her date with Henrie, but she was super nervous. She knew she still had feelings for Henrie, but how could she forgive him completely after that interview? Camille and her mom were there to help her get ready. They tried to calm her down and reassure her that everything would be okay.

"Rylee, you look beautiful," mom said. "Henrie is going to be blown away."

"Thanks mom," Rylee said, still fidgeting with her dress. "I just don't know if I can do this. I mean, he really hurt me."

"I know he did," Camille said. "But he's been trying to make it up to you, hasn't he?"

Rylee nodded. "Yeah, he has. But it's hard to forget what he said. I don't know if I can trust him again."

Camille put a gentle hand on Rylee's shoulder. "Just take it one step at a time, honey. You don't have to forgive him right away. But if he's really sorry and he's been trying to make things right, then maybe it's worth giving him another chance."

Rylee sighed. "I guess you're right. It's just hard."

"I know," Camille said, giving her friend a hug. "But remember, we're here for you no matter what. From my experience being married to another Archibald, I can tell you that they can definitely be stupid at times. However, when they love, they love hard. I know Henrie's heart belongs to Rylee. I've been around him ever since the interview, and all he talks about is ways to win you back and, of course, Dash and how much of an idiot he is for messing up," Camille said teasingly.

Rylee smiled and hugged Camille back. "Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it."

As Rylee finished getting ready and headed out the door, Camille and her mom exchanged knowing glances. They both hoped that Rylee would be able to forgive Henrie and move forward with him. Only time would tell what would happen on the date.

Henrie nervously walked up to Rylee's door holding a bouquet of flowers. When she opened the door, he couldn't help but tell her how beautiful she looked. "Rylee, you look absolutely stunning," Henrie said with a smile. "I'm so nervous, but also really excited that you gave me a chance to take you on a date."

Rylee smiled and blushed at the compliment. "Thank you, Henrie. You look pretty handsome yourself," she said, looking him up and down.

As they arrived at the restaurant, Henrie had arranged for a private section with a beautiful view. The couple was escorted to the back of the restaurant, where they could see the city skyline and a river flowing beneath them. The view was breathtaking, and Rylee couldn't help but gasp.

Henrie smiled and took her hand. "I wanted to make this night really special for you, Rylee," he said. "You mean everything to me, and I would do anything to make you happy. That's why I rented out this private section, just for us."

Rylee looked at him, her heart fluttering. "Henrie, I don't know what to say," she said, taking a deep breath. "Thank you, this is amazing."

Henrie smiled and reached for her hand across the table. "Rylee, I know I messed up, but I want to make things right. I love you, and I would do anything for the woman who makes my heart beat," he said, looking into her eyes. "I just want the opportunity to continue my life with you. Will you give me that chance?"

Tears welled up in Rylee's eyes as she looked at him. She could see the sincerity and love in his gaze, and she knew she still had feelings for him. "Henrie, I... I don't know," she said, her voice shaking. "But I want to try. I want to see if we can make this work. However, I have a few questions."

Rylee looked at Henrie, wanting to understand more. "Henrie, I need to know. Why did you downplay our relationship in that interview? Why did you make it seem like you were single and available?" Henrie looked down, ashamed.

"I don't know, Rylee. I guess I was just scared. Scared of how much I loved you and how much I needed you. I was afraid that if I showed too much emotion or commitment, you would leave me. So I downplayed everything, thinking it would make me seem more aloof and less vulnerable." Rylee's eyes softened as she listened. "Henrie, I understand that you were scared. But you have to understand that by downplaying everything, you hurt me. You made me feel like I wasn't important to you, like our relationship wasn't worth acknowledging. And that hurt more than anything else."

"During that interview, Rylee, I wasn't myself. Even backstage, my thoughts were all over the place. I felt like I couldn't breathe when I got onstage, and she started asking questions about my relationship. All my thoughts started spinning because while I'm used to this lifestyle, you and Dash aren't. I didn't want to subject you to it, but at the same time, I wasn't thinking. I wasn't trying to ruin us, but I started thinking about how I'd mess up your life and what people would think. Sadly, I did what I always do and reverted back to my usual ways. It's my biggest regret, and I promise that I'm in therapy. It's made me realize that if I continue going back to my old ways, I'll continue to lose precious things. I couldn't allow it to continue, so I sought help," Henrie says.

"Henrie, I had no idea you were going to therapy. That's admirable of you," Rylee said, her voice softening. "I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability, and I want to believe that you're sincere in wanting to make things right especially with all you've done".

Henrie reached for Rylee's hand and looked into her eyes. "Rylee, I know I messed up and hurt you. Do you think you could ever fully love me again?"

Rylee took a deep breath and looked down for a moment before looking back at Henrie. "Henrie, you hurt me deeply, but my heart never stopped loving you. Seeing the changes you made after becoming Dash's father and creating this new life with our baby on the way, it gave me hope that we could find our way back to each other. But I need you to understand that my heart can't take this kind of pain again. If you do something like this again, I will have to force myself to close the door on us."

Henrie looked shocked but relieved at Rylee's words. He got up and pulled her into a deep kiss. When they pulled away, Henrie got down on one knee, causing Rylee to freak out and try to get him up. "No, Henrie. You don't have to do this. I'm already giving you a chance," she said.

"No, Rylee. This is my promise to you: I will be the man you deserve, and you will be the only woman I ever change for. I promise to get down on one knee twice - once now with this promise ring and again when I officially ask you to be my wife - or as many times as it takes to make you the future Mrs. Archibald. Please accept this promise ring, knowing that I will do whatever it takes and promise to be the man I know I can be for you, Dash, and our baby girl on the way," Henrie said, looking up at Rylee with love in his eyes.

Rylee couldn't hold back the tears as she looked at Henrie, realizing how much he truly loved her. "Yes, Henrie. I will give you another chance, and yes, I will accept this ring"

Henrie smiles and presses his lips onto Rylee's. He picks her up, spins her around, and plants a kiss on her pregnant belly. He looks into her eyes and says, "Let's start rebuilding and focusing on us and our future with our kids, baby. God, I missed having you in my arms. And I love you, never forget that."