Chapter 79: An Emotional Appeal

Adrian and Sharon sat across from each other, their conversation drifting through the soft hum of the restaurant. He had a hopeful glint in his eyes, a determination that had brought him to this moment.

He understood the need for caution; after all, it took a lot of persuasion to convince her to go on a date with him, especially considering she had initially referred to their memorable night as a one-night stand…the second time? Her words.

"Sharon," Adrian began earnestly, bringing their other idle conversations to a halt. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since the other night at Urban Bistro. I'd like you to be my girlfriend."

Sharon hesitated, her gaze dropping to her wine glass. Her past was a heavy presence in her life, casting shadows on her heart. She looked up at Adrian, her eyes revealing the pain she had endured.

"Adrian, you're wonderful, and I appreciate your feelings, but you should know why I've been hesitant."

Adrian leaned forward, his expression filled with empathy.

"I know you've been through a lot, Sharon, and I don't want to rush you into anything you're not ready for. But I want to understand."

Sharon took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts.

"My marriage…it was a nightmare. I thought I knew what love was, but it turned into something destructive. The divorce was painful, and it left me with terrible scars. I'm afraid, Adrian. I can't go through that again."

Adrian reached out, gently placing his hand over hers.

"Sharon, I can't promise you a perfect relationship, but I can promise you this, I'll be patient with you, and I'll show you that love can be kind and nurturing."

Tears welled up in Sharon's eyes as she looked at Adrian, touched by his sincerity.

"Adrian. Your words are soothing but…I don't believe in such anymore."

"Sharon…if you can just…"

"I'm sorry, Adrian. I can't give you what you're looking for. I have nothing left to give," she said, cutting him off. She turned her face away from him, like a stubborn child would.

Adrian's heart sank, and he was taken aback by Sharon's rejection. It was a feeling he was entirely unaccustomed to, as no woman had ever turned him down before. The notion of not having what he wanted was foreign and unsettling.

But Adrian was not one to easily accept defeat. He had a determination that ran deep, and he believed in the possibility of turning things around.

Instead of allowing frustration or disappointment to consume him, he decided on a different approach. He was unwilling to give up on the connection he felt with Sharon.

He thought about proposing friendship to her, hoping that over time, their bond would deepen, and perhaps, they could evolve into something more than just friends.

It was a gamble, but Adrian was determined to explore this new path, willing to wait and see if their story could eventually transform into a love story.

With a thoughtful look in his eyes, he said, "Sharon, I respect your decision. I totally understand, but I want to have you in my life. Can we be friends?"

Sharon looked at him, surprised by his response. She had expected him to be upset or pushy, but his willingness to remain friends was unexpected and reassuring.

"Friends?" she asked.

"Yeah. Close friends. We'll check up on each other and help each other out when we need each other," he elaborated, hopeful.

"I suppose," she said, a little relieved. The tension between them began to dissipate, and she started to feel more at ease.

Adrian smiled, relieved that he had found a way to keep Sharon in his life.

"Good," he said, smiling.

He commended himself for making a crack in the wall. Over time, many things would pass through that opening to eventually break that wall down.

"To our friendship," he said, raising his wine glass.

"To our friendship," she responded, raising her glass up and clicking with his before taking a sip. "Now, that we are friends, can I ask you something?

"Yeah, sure."

"Why would you even consider having me as your girlfriend?"

"Why not?" he responded, his brows meeting in confusion.

"There are so many attractive girls out there. You're quite handsome, and these girls would easily be drawn to you."

"You think I'm quite handsome?" he echoed, latching onto the only thing he heard in her statement.

"Yeah. You dress nicely, and you appear somewhat well-off."

"Somewhat?" he asked, flashing a smile.

"Yeah, I mean, the hotel suite looks lavish, and your car is quite impressive," she remarked, then leaned closer across the table, piquing his curiosity.

He leaned in as well, eager to hear her thoughts. It seemed like something important was on her mind.

"You have a chauffeur and a guy who finds things out for you," she whispered, her hand covering the side of her mouth as though sharing a secret.

Her comment sent him into fits of laughter.

"The car and suite could belong to the company I work for," he explained.

She waved her hand dismissively.