Chapter 59
Theo and Daphne
The soft strains of a classic waltz filled the air, the gentle melody weaving through the grand ballroom like a whisper. The warm glow of chandeliers bathed the space in golden light, casting a dreamlike ambiance over the couples gliding gracefully across the polished floor.
Theo held Daphne close as they swayed in time to the music. His hand rested firmly yet tenderly at the small of her back, guiding her effortlessly. Her maroon gown flowed around her like liquid elegance, and her cheeks flushed slightly as she caught him staring.
"You're staring," she said softly, tilting her head up to meet his gaze, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
Theo's dark eyes never wavered from hers, a quiet intensity flickering within them. He tightened his hold just slightly, drawing her closer. "I can't help it," he murmured, his voice low and rich, like velvet. "You look... breathtaking tonight. I've never seen anyone more beautiful."
Daphne's breath hitched, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his tone. "Theo..."
"I mean it," he interrupted gently, his thumb brushing lightly against her waist. "The way you move, the way you light up a roomâ I can't take my eyes off you."
Her smile softened, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "You have a way with words, Theodore," she said, her voice light but trembling just enough to give her away.
He grinned, his lips curving in that signature way that always made her pulse quicken. "Only when it comes to you."
They continued to sway as the music built to a gentle crescendo, the world around them fading until it felt as though they were the only two in the room. Theo leaned down, his forehead brushing against hers. "Thank you for being here with me tonight," he whispered.
"Always," she replied, her voice barely audible but brimming with feeling.
For a moment, they simply held each other, the music and the magic of the night wrapping them in a cocoon of warmth and unspoken promises.
The soft glow of the chandeliers and the romantic waltz created an intimate bubble around Theo and Daphne as they swayed together. Theo's warm hand on her waist and the tenderness in his eyes made the rest of the world melt awayâuntil a deep, familiar voice broke through the spell.
"Mind if I cut in?"
Daphne froze, her breath catching in her throat as she turned toward the source of the voice. Standing before them was an older gentleman, impeccably dressed in a tailored tuxedo, his gray hair and sharp features exuding a quiet authority. Her stomach twisted into knots at the sight of him. She knew himâtoo well.
"Of course," Theo replied politely, though his hand lingered on Daphne's waist for a fraction longer, his dark eyes flicking to her for reassurance.
Daphne forced a smile, masking the dread tightening her chest. "Theo, this is Mr. Donovan," she said, her voice wavering slightly as she gestured to the man. "Mr. Donovan, this is Theo Silvano."
"A pleasure," Donovan said smoothly, offering his hand.
Theo shook it firmly, his gaze steady. "Likewise."
Donovan turned his attention back to Daphne, his smile polite but holding an edge that sent a chill down her spine. "Shall we?"
Daphne hesitated, but before she could find an excuse, Theo gently released her. "I'll grab us something to drink," he said softly, brushing his thumb along her hand before stepping back.
Her heart sank as Theo disappeared into the crowd, leaving her alone with Donovan. She placed a trembling hand on his shoulder as his hand settled at her waist, leading her into the slow rhythm of the waltz.
"You look as stunning as ever, Miss Dashwood," Donovan remarked, his tone smooth but carrying an undertone that made her skin crawl.
"Thank you," Daphne replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You seem nervous," he observed, his gaze intent on her. "I hope it's not because of me."
Daphne forced a small, tight-lipped smile. "It's a bit overwhelming, that's all."
He chuckled softly, his hand tightening slightly at her waist. "You've always handled yourself with such grace. It's one of the things I admired about you."
She felt her pulse quicken, fear bubbling beneath her composed exterior as her gaze flickered toward Theo. Every step of the dance felt like a precarious balancing act, her mind racing.
As they moved across the floor, Daphne couldn't help but glance over Donovan's shoulder, searching for Theo again. The sight of him at the bar, chatting with another guest, brought a momentary sense of reliefâbut it was fleeting.
Donovan leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. "You've come a long way from where we first met."
Daphne stiffened, her lips parting to respond, but no words came. She could only hope the dance would end soon, and with it, this suffocating tension.
"How much is he paying you?" Donovan asked, following Daphne's gaze to Theo.
Daphne's grip on Donovan's shoulder tightened instinctively as his words pierced the air like a blade. Her gaze darted briefly to Theo, still unaware of the exchange and entirely too far away to provide her with any comfort.
"Nothing," she repeated firmly, her voice steadier now as she forced herself to meet Donovan's calculating gaze.
"Nothing?" Donovan echoed, his brow arching in mock surprise.
Daphne took a deep breath, determined not to let her nerves betray her. "Theo and I are together," she said, her words deliberate and clear.
Donovan's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Of course."
"No," Daphne interrupted, her tone sharpening as she straightened her posture, determined to leave no room for doubt. "We're together. I don't... I don't go on dates anymore."
For a moment, Donovan's expression remained unreadable, the only indication of his thoughts the slight narrowing of his eyes. Then, he smiled againâthis time, slower, as though he'd unraveled a mystery only he was privy to.
"Oh," he said smoothly, his voice tinged with amusement. "I see."
The dance seemed to drag on endlessly, but Daphne held her ground, her heart pounding as she waited for Donovan to release her. Every step felt like a test of her resolve, and every second spent in his presence felt heavier than the last.
"Congratulations, then," Donovan finally said, his tone laced with an almost imperceptible condescension. "Does he know about ... ?"
Daphne nodded, her jaw tightening as the song drew to its conclusion. When Donovan finally stepped back and offered a polite bow, she nodded stiffly, forcing a small, tight smile before turning on her heel and making her way toward Theo.
As soon as she reached him, her fingers curled around his arm, her relief palpable as she looked up into his warm, concerned eyes.
"Everything okay?" Theo asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Daphne nodded quickly, though the tension in her shoulders betrayed her unease.
"Can we.....can we step out for a minute?" she asked softly, her voice almost pleading.
Theo's sharp eyes swept over her as she clung to his arm, her usual poise replaced by something fragile and unnerving. The faint tremor in her voice and the tightness in her grip set his instincts ablaze.
Before he could answer, Donovan's voice sliced through the moment.
"Miss. Dashwood," he said smoothly with a chuckle, his stride unhurried as he approached. "You ran off like Cinderella at the ball."
Theo stiffened, his gaze flicking between Daphne and the older man. Donovan stopped a few feet away, his hands casually clasped behind his back.
"Thank you for the dance," he said, his tone polite but carrying a distinct edge. His attention shifted to Theo, and his smile widened. "You're a lucky man. Someone finally managed to tame her."
Theo's jaw tightened, his hand instinctively curling around Daphne's.
"Tame?" he repeated.
Donovan chuckled softly. "Oh, Daphne and I go way back," he said. "She's quite the firecracker when she wants to be. I'm glad she's found someone who can handle her."
Daphne's breath hitched, and she turned her face away, but the reaction only deepened Theo's suspicion.
"What exactly do you mean by 'go way back'?" Theo asked, his voice calm, though a storm brewed in his dark eyes.
Donovan's smile was maddeningly nonchalant. "Just that we've shared some... memorable evenings in the past," he said with a sly tilt of his head. "But of course, that's ancient history now. Isn't it, Daphne?"
Theo's entire body tensed, his gaze narrowing on Daphne as she stood frozen, her lips parted but no words coming forth. A heavy silence fell between them before Donovan broke it with a chuckle.
Daphne's nails dug into Theo's arm, praying his anger wouldn't slip in front of everyone.
"It was good seeing you, darling," Donovan said. "Let me know if you start working again. I would love to hire you again."
With a slight bow of his head, he turned and walked away, leaving a heavy weight in his wake.
Theo stared after him for a moment, his fists clenched at his sides. Then his eyes moved to Daphne, who was avoiding his gaze and holding her breath.
"What was that about?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and barely contained anger.
Daphne looked down, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Theo, I... I didn't think he would be here."
His heart sank as the pieces began to fit together, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "How do you know him, Daphne..."
Daphne didn't know how to answer. Her heart lodged into her throat as her eyes looked around. Theo watched her closely, her silence was all the confirmation he needed. The fury in his chest roared to life, but he kept his voice low and steady.
"Did you..... ," he began, his tone controlled but slipping. "Was he...."
Theo's jaw clenched, the words catching in his throat as his mind raced. He couldn't bring himself to finish the question, but the look in his eyes demanded an answer. Daphne's silence and the flicker of panic on her face made his fury swell.
Without another word, he turned sharply and strode toward the exit, his fists clenched and his mind a storm of emotions.
"Theo!" Daphne called after him, her voice cracking. She hurried after him, the click of her heels echoing in the marble hallway. "Theo, wait! Please, just stop!"
He pushed open the glass doors to the empty hotel lobby, his breaths ragged and his vision blurred with anger. The quiet space did nothing to soothe the fire inside him. He stopped near a column, pressing his palms against it, his head bowed as he struggled to control the rage boiling under his skin.
Daphne caught up to him, breathless and desperate. "Theo, please," she said softly, placing a tentative hand on his arm.
He jerked away as if her touch burned him, turning to face her with a glare that made her heart sink.
"Don't," he said, his voice low but cutting. "Don't try to calm me down right now."
Daphne's chest tightened as she watched him pace, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
"I didn't know he would be here," she said quickly, her voice pleading. "I didn't want you to ever come face to face with any of them."
Theo stopped, his eyes narrowing as he turned to her.
"Them?" he demanded, his voice sharp. "Them, Daphne? Them!"
She swallowed hard, her eyes welling with tears. "I never lied to you about my past."
"Do you have any idea what it felt like to stand there and hear him talk about you like that?" he asked, his voice rising. "Like you were nothing? Like he could just... summon you whenever he wanted?"
Daphne flinched, her tears spilling over as she shook her head. She tried to speak but no words came out. Theo's eyes softened momentarily at her tears, but the weight of Donovan's words still hung between them like a noose. He stepped back, needing space to breathe before the fury consumed him again.
"I've never lied to you about myself," Daphne said, her voice trembling. "You knew everything. You know I never did anything.....wrong......I've never allowed them to touch me or â-"
"Stop talking," Theo demanded, his jaw clenching. He looked at her, his expression torn between anger and hurt. "Stop talking about them."
Daphne took a shaky step closer. "Theo, please...," she whispered. "I love you, and I need you to understandâ"
"I just need a minute," he cut her off, his voice barely controlled. "I can't think straight right now knowing there are men out...men in that room who..."
Daphne felt a flutter of anger rise up from under her tears. Her brows furrowed and she stepped closer.
"Do not speak about me like that," she said. "I didn't sleep with any of them. I didn't exchange sex for money either. It was just dates, dates you yourself have paid me for too."
Theo's jaw tensed, her words hitting him like a slap. His eyes flickered with something unreadableârage, anger, and maybe guilt. For a moment, they just stood there, the tension crackling between them.
"You don't get to stand here and insinuate these vile notions about me like that, Theodore," Daphne said firmly, her voice trembling but steady. "Not when you knew exactly what I allow and what you were getting into with me."
Theo stared at her, his chest rising and falling as he tried to process her words. She was right, and it only made his frustration burn hotter, not at her but at himselfâfor how easily Donovan's words had gotten under his skin, for how fiercely he hated the thought of her ever being in that situation.
Theo's jaw tightened, his hand running through his hair again as if trying to pull himself together. Finally, he stopped pacing and turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch.
For a few long, tense seconds, he just stared at her, the turmoil in his expression making her stomach twist. Then, without a word, he stepped forward, grabbed her hand, and started marching toward the exit.
"What are you doing?" Daphne stumbled slightly, struggling to keep up with his determined pace.
"We're leaving," he said shortly, his tone brooking no argument.
Daphne's chest tightened as they stepped into the cool night air. "Theo, stop! We need to talk about this!"
He turned to face her, his grip on her hand firm but not unkind. "We will," he said, his voice low and determined. "But not here."
Before she could argue, he stepped to the car, pulling the door open and gesturing for her to get in. His eyes locked onto hers, silently urging her not to push him further.
"Get in," he said, his voice a strained command. "Now."
Daphne hesitated, taking in his rigid posture, the barely controlled anger simmering beneath his calm facade. With a deep breath, she slid into the passenger seat, the soft click of the door shutting behind her sending a shiver down her spine.
Theo rounded the car and slid into the driver's seat, his jaw tight and knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. Daphne had barely reached for her seatbelt when the car lurched into motion, the tires screeching slightly as they sped onto the street.
"Slow down!" she said, fumbling in the dark to secure her seatbelt.
Without a word, Theo reached over, grabbed the belt, and snapped it into place for her. His touch was quick and deliberate, but he didn't spare her a glance, his eyes fixed on the road ahead as he maneuvered through the streets of New York like a man possessed.
"How many?" he asked, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
"What?" Daphne's heart skipped a beat.
"How many were there?" His tone was sharp, each word laced with barely suppressed fury.
Daphne's stomach turned, her hands clutching her lap as she turned her gaze to the window. "Three," she said softly, her voice trembling.
Theo's jaw clenched tighter, his knuckles flexing on the steering wheel. "Names," he demanded, his voice rising.
"Theoâ"
"Names, Daphne!" His voice cracked, the raw edge of his anger slicing through the air
"Thomas Donovan," Daphne began. "Greg Ridgewood, and Henry Wolf."
"Greg Ridgewood?" Theo's eyes narrowed.
"You know him?" Daphne asked, already regretting the question as his jaw tightened further.
"Of course, I do!" Theo snapped, his teeth clenched. "Anyone else?"
Daphne shook her head, frustration beginning to simmer beneath the hurt. "No."
"What did you do with them?" His words came fast and sharp, leaving no room for ambiguity, but the implication in his tone struck a nerve.
Daphne's eyes flared, her anger rising to match his. "What did I do with them?" she repeated, her voice icy and incredulous.
Theo's silence was deafening, his glare pressing her for answers she didn't owe him.
She straightened in her seat, her tone biting. "I attended Greg's high school reunion with him, and his sister's wedding. Henry asked me to go to a yacht party, and Donovan took me to a company dinner. That's all, Theo."
Her hands clenched into fists in her lap as she glared at him. "But clearly, you've already made up your mind about what kind of person I am."
Theo's knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, but he didn't interrupt. The silence that followed was thick with tension, and when Daphne spoke again, her voice cracked under the weight of her hurt.
"How dare you make it sound like Iâ" She broke off, shaking her head, unwilling to say the words aloud. "You think so little of me that you can't even ask without accusing?"
Theo's chest rose and fell rapidly, his grip slackening slightly as her words sank in. But Daphne didn't wait for him to speak.
"I've put up with your temper, your jealousy, and your need to control everything, but this?" Her voice shook, her anger and pain spilling over. "This crosses the line, Theo."
She turned her face toward the window, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears threatening to fall, leaving Theo to grapple with the weight of her words in the oppressive silence.
Theo exhaled sharply, his grip on the steering wheel loosening as guilt crept into his features. He rubbed a hand over his face, his frustration now directed inward.
"Daphne," he began, his voice softer, though still laced with tension. "I didn't mean it like that."
She didn't turn, her gaze fixed out the window, but the set of her shoulders told him she was listening.
"I wasn't accusing you," he continued, his voice rough with emotion. "I wasn't trying to imply anything about... that. It's not what I meant."
"Then what did you mean?" Her voice was sharp and brittle, like glass on the verge of breaking. "Because it sure as hell sounded like an accusation to me."
He winced, running a hand through his hair before gripping the wheel again. "It's justâ" He paused, searching for the right words. "The thought of them... having even a moment of your time, of your attentionâ" His voice cracked, raw and unfiltered. "It kills me, Daphne. It makes me see red."
She finally turned to face him, her eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and lingering anger.
"You think I don't know how incredible you are?" he went on, his tone desperate now, his gaze flicking to her before returning to the road. "The way you light up a room just by walking into it, the way you make people feel like they're the center of the universe when you're with them. They got to have that. You. Even for a little while. And it makes me furious because I can't stand the idea of sharing youânot with them, not with anyone."
Daphne blinked, her anger softening slightly as the weight of his confession settled over her.
"I'm not proud of it," Theo admitted, his voice quieter now, almost ashamed. "I know it's selfish and unfair, but it's the truth. It's not about what you did or didn't do with themâit's just... them having you in any way feels like too much."
She stared at him, her chest tight with a conflicting swirl of emotions.
Theo's grip on the steering wheel tightened again, his knuckles turning white. His voice, low and hoarse, filled the tense silence. "It's not just about them being near you either, Daphne. It's about what they think. About youâabout us."
Her brows furrowed, confusion flickering in her eyes as she looked at him. "What do you mean?"
Theo glanced at her briefly before focusing back on the road. "I can't stand the idea of them thinking... that what I have with you is as shallow, as meaningless, as whatever they had. Like you're just some fleeting part of my life, the way you were for them. It's eating at me." His voice cracked, raw with the weight of his emotions.
Daphne's lips parted slightly, her breath catching as she processed his words.
"They had you, even for a moment," he continued, his tone sharp with frustration. "And I can't stop picturing them thinking that their moment with you compares to what you mean to me. That what we have could ever be measured against anything they had with you. They don't get to think that, baby. They don't deserve to."
His words hung heavy in the air, raw and unpolished, each one laced with a vulnerability he rarely let show.
"Theo..." she started, her voice barely above a whisper, but he cut her off.
"I know it's irrational," he admitted, shaking his head slightly as if trying to clear it. "I know I shouldn't care what they think, but I do. Because you're mineânot theirs. Not anyone else's. And I need them to know that."
Her chest tightened, her heart racing at the intensity of his words. The anger she'd felt earlier had dissipated, replaced by something deeperâan ache at his vulnerability and the weight of his insecurities.
"You're not just some chapter in my life," Theo said, his voice trembling as he glanced at her again. "You're the whole damn story, Daphne. And the thought of anyone else thinking they could ever claim even a fraction of thatâit drives me insane."
Daphne stared at him, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm. She wanted to be angry, to push back against his possessiveness, but she couldn't ignore the raw honesty in his voice, the pain etched in every word.
Her voice was soft when she finally spoke. "Theo... they don't matter. None of them ever did."
His jaw slackened slightly, the weight of her words sinking in, but the storm in his eyes remained.
After a few minutes, Theo pulled the car to a sudden halt in front of an opulent storefront, its gold-accented windows glimmering under the streetlights. The sign above read Cartier, bold and unmistakable.
Daphne's brows furrowed as she turned to him, her confusion evident. "What are we doing here?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he stepped out of the car, coming around to her side in a flash. Opening her door, he extended a hand. "Come with me."
"Theoâ" she started, but his unrelenting expression silenced her argument. She placed her hand in his, letting him pull her to her feet.
Without another word, he marched toward the grand entrance, his grip on her hand firm and purposeful. The moment they stepped inside, the hushed sophistication of the space gave way to sudden activity. Store associates and the manager, dressed impeccably, rushed toward them, their polite smiles and keen attentiveness betraying the awareness of who Theo was.
"Mr. Silvano," the manager greeted, a mix of deference and enthusiasm in his voice. "How can we assist you this evening?"
"I want the private room," Theo said, his tone brooking no delay or negotiation. "And I want you to bring out your brightest, biggest, and most expensive engagement rings."
Daphne froze, her heart skipping a beat as his words registered. "Engagement rings?" she echoed, her voice a mix of shock and disbelief. "Theo, what are you doing?"
He glanced at her, his expression softening just slightly. "I told you....you're the whole damn story."
Before she could form a coherent response, the manager gestured for them to follow. Daphne's pulse raced as Theo led her down a gilded hallway, past glass cases filled with glittering treasures, until they reached an exclusive private room adorned with plush chairs and soft, golden lighting.
As they entered, Theo's grip on her hand remained steady, grounding her in the midst of her whirlwind emotions. A small team of associates appeared moments later, carrying trays upon trays of rings that sparkled like captured starlight.
Daphne turned to him, her voice hushed but urgent. "Theo, you're not seriouslyâ"
"I am," he interrupted, his voice calm but resolute. He faced her fully, his intense gaze locking onto hers. "You think I'd let anyone else walk away with the privilege of calling you theirs? Not a chance."
Her breath caught in her throat as he gestured to the array of rings.
"Pick one," he said simply. "Or I will."
Daphne's mind spun, caught between disbelief and the undeniable pull of his determination. Theo Silvano was a man on a missionâand she was the center of it all.
"Please...." Daphne tried. "You're not in your right mindâ"
"Any ring, Daphne," Theo's voice silenced her. "Think of it as a god damn place holder until I get you something better. But you're not leaving this room tonight without a ring on your finger."
Daphne felt the weight of Theo's words press down on her, her heart racing and her mind reeling. The room felt smaller, the air thicker, as if the grandiosity of the jewelry and the luxury surrounding them only heightened her sense of claustrophobia. She needed space, needed air, and she needed to think. The eyes of the staff, all focused on them, felt like an invisible spotlight.
She took a step back, trying to steady her breath, and glanced at Theo. His face was set, unwavering in its determination. She wasn't sure if it was the overwhelming luxury of the room, the pressure of his intense gaze, or the words he'd just spoken, but she felt a sudden surge of panic.
"Can you all give us some privacy?" she asked, her voice trembling more than she meant it to. The words tasted foreign on her tongueâhow had it come to this?
The staff hesitated for a moment before nodding and slowly excusing themselves, the manager being the last to leave, bowing deeply to Theo before slipping out the door. As the door clicked shut behind them, the room felt quieter, less suffocating. But Daphne couldn't shake the chaos swirling inside her.
Theo turned to face her, a quiet but fierce energy radiating off him. She swallowed, her chest tight. She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't ready to pick a ring without fully knowing what it meant, without understanding the depth of what was unfolding.
"I'm not going to pick a ring," Daphne said, her voice firm but shaking with the emotion bubbling inside her. "Not tonight. I can't. I don't want our next chapter to begin in a rush or thoughtlessly, Theo."
Theo's jaw clenched but he remained silent.
"I don't want a ring picked for me in a moment like this," Daphne said, her voice barely above a whisper, but steady with the weight of her conviction. "Not like this."
The silence between them was thick, but Daphne refused to look away. She wasn't going to let him force her hand, even if he was everything she wanted.
Daphne took a steadying breath, trying to hold her ground as Theo's anger simmered, his jaw clenched tight, eyes burning with frustration. The ring display still glittered behind them, but the weight of the conversationâthe weight of everything between themâfelt heavier than any piece of jewelry could ever be.
"Theo," she began, her voice calm but with an edge that belied the storm brewing inside her, "we can't just get engaged because you're upset about my past. That's not how this works."
Theo's hands tightened into fists at his sides, the tension in his body rippling with barely contained fury.
"I'm not just upset about your past," he muttered through clenched teeth. "I'm furious about the thought of those other menâ"
Daphne's stomach twisted, but she held her ground, her voice rising now, her own anger building with each word.
"That's not how this work! That's not how any of this works, Theodore! I didn't fly off the handle when your past came up. I didn't ask you about every woman you've been with. I didn't demand to know what happened between you and Ava or where and when those pictures were taken!"
Theo froze, his expression faltering for just a fraction of a second before he quickly regained control. His eyes darkened, the sudden tension between them more electric than before.
"What?" Theo's voice was a low growl, and he took a step toward her, demanding an explanation.
Daphne felt the heat of the moment pulse through her, her heart pounding harder now that the truth was out. She met his gaze, her own eyes flashing with the weight of everything she had kept buried.
"Ava," she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "She sent you photos. Photos of you and her. Of you touching her, kissing her, laying in bed with her, your bodies next to one another the way I lay next to you every night."
Theo's entire demeanor shifted in an instantâhis jaw tightened, his hands balled into fists again.
"She...," he began slowly, voice cold and controlled, "She sent you photos?" His voice was deceptively calm, but Daphne could see the storm raging inside him.
Daphne nodded, her chest tight as she fought to keep her emotions in check. "Yes. She sent them. To you actually. I just happened to get to them first."
Theo looked as if he was going to be sick.
"And she made it very clear she still wants you," Daphne continued. "Do you have any idea what seeing those photos did to me?"
Theo stood still, the tension between them so thick it almost felt suffocating. His gaze was fixed on Daphne, his fists still clenched as he processed her words, but the cold edge in his eyes was now replaced with a flicker of something elseâguilt, regret, or maybe a growing realization of the pain he had inadvertently caused.
Daphne's breath was shallow, her emotions a mix of anger, hurt, and a quiet desperation to be understood. She held his gaze, forcing herself to stay strong, even though everything inside her screamed to break down. She couldn'tâwouldn'tâallow this to tear them down.
"You have no idea," she said softly, her voice trembling with the weight of her feelings. "What it did to me. To see those imagesâof you with her, looking so content, like you're as connected to her as you are to me. It ripped something inside me. You can't even think about me with someone else. I had to see it!"
The colors slowly drained from Theo's face as Daphne placed her hand over her mouth for the brifest of seconds, trying her best to gather herself.
"I didn't let that destroy me, or us." Her voice quivered with the rawness of it all, but she refused to look away from him.
Theo's face twisted with self-loathing, and he took a step toward her, his voice low, almost pained. "Daphne, I didn'tâ"
"I trust you," she interrupted, her voice sharp now, the emotion spilling out. "I trust you with my heart, and I didn't let your past with Ava taint what we have. But now, you're asking me to do the opposite. To let your jealousy and your insecurities about my past dictate our future. To let that make us rush into something we might not be ready for, all because you can't handle it."
Theo's shoulders sagged slightly, the weight of her words hitting him harder than anything she had said before. He opened his mouth to respond, but Daphne raised a hand, stopping him.
"No," she said, her voice firm yet full of vulnerability. "This is too important for us to act out of impulse. Just because you're upset about what happened doesn't mean we should make life-altering decisions in a rush. It's not fair to either of us. You can't use my past as an excuse to push us into something before we've worked through this. We're not perfect, Theo. But we need to talk about this, really talk about it, before we take the next step."
Theo stood there, his chest rising and falling with a deep, silent breath. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The silence was heavy, but it wasn't just filled with tension anymoreâit was filled with a strange understanding, a realization that both of them had to reckon with their pasts before moving forward.
Finally, Theo's voice broke the silence, quieter now, laced with the vulnerability that had been hidden behind his anger.
"I don't want to rush it," He said. "But the thought of losing you... it's tearing me apart."
Daphne's heart softened at his words, the anger and frustration still there, but now mixed with a deep, aching tenderness. She stepped closer to him, her hand reaching for his, her voice gentle but firm.
"Then let's slow down," she said. "Let's talk about this...let's take one step at a time without letting everything from our pasts control us."
Theo looked at her, the turmoil in his eyes slowly ebbing as he took her hand in his, the touch grounding him.
"Okay...," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I can do that for you."
"And for us," she whispered back, the weight of everything she had just said settling between them like a promise. "Sometimes, love means taking a step back, taking a breath, and trusting each other to work through the hard parts before moving forward....I like to believe our love can handle that."
"Of course it can," Theo said, pulling her closer and engulfing her. He wrapped his arms around Daphne, his embrace firm yet tender, as if he were holding onto her as much for his own comfort as for hers. His heart, still racing with the fear of losing her, began to steady as he felt her warmth against him.
"I'm sorry," Theo murmured into her hair, his voice thick with regret. "I let my jealousy and my fears cloud everything. I'm so sorry."
Daphne lifted her head slightly to look up at him, her fingers tracing the side of his jaw softly. "You've always been honest with me, even when it hurt. I just need you to trust that I'm here, that I'm not going anywhere. I want to do this with you. I want to make this work forever."
Theo's gaze softened, and he nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in. "I do trust you," he whispered. "And I know you're right. I need to stop trying to control everything. I need to let us breathe and figure this out."
Daphne smiled, a small, reassuring gesture that seemed to ease the last of the tension from his shoulders.
"Together," she repeated softly, a promise in her voice. "One step at a time. No rush."
Theo cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheek in a tender, slow movement.
"I don't want to do this without you," he said, his voice steady now, no longer edged with anger or fear.
"And you won't have to," she replied, her smile widening slightly. "We'll take our time. And we'll build it right. Our love deserves that."
He leaned down, pressing his forehead gently against hers, his breath mingling with hers in the quiet moment they shared. In the stillness, all the noise of their past arguments, the fears, the doubtsâthey began to fade, replaced by something much stronger. A love that was willing to grow, to adapt, and to endure.
Finally, Theo pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his gaze steady and full of intent. "I'll show you I can be the man you need. The man you deserve."
"You are the man I need and the man I deserve," Daphne reminded him. "I want you more than anything but I don't want the next chapter of our story to begin like this."
Theo nodded, "We'll do it right."
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart and hope to die."
Their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss, full of the tenderness. It was a kiss that spoke of forgiveness, of a love willing to weather the storms of their past, and of a future they were both now committed to building.
As they pulled apart slowly, both of them sighed, the weight of the conversation still hanging in the air, but the storm inside them beginning to subside.
Daphne glanced around the luxurious private room, her eyes falling on the glimmering engagement rings that were still laid out before them. Her heart tightened, not from the beauty of the rings, but from the pressure of the moment. She took a deep breath and turned to Theo.
"We should call the manager back in," she said softly, her voice steady but resolute. "Tell them to put all of this back."
Theo's eyes wondered over the jewels. "I feel terrible for the trouble I've caused."
"Such a hothead, honestly," Daphne teased.
"I should buy something," Theo said. "To make up for this... and to show you how serious I am about you."
Daphne shook her head gently, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You don't have to buy anything. I know my value in your life."
He met her gaze, his expression filled with a mixture of tenderness and determination. "I can't leave here empty-handed. I had the whole staff running around."
Theo's words lingered in the air as he looked around the room, his eyes scanning the jewelry that had so recently filled them with tension. Daphne's gaze softened, but she didn't argue. She knew him too well. When Theo felt that he'd caused trouble, he couldn't leave without somehow making amends.
She watched as Theo reached for the phone on the polished table and dialed the manager, his voice low, calm, and polite as he arranged for the staff to return. Daphne felt a quiet mix of affection and amusement stir within her as she watched him, knowing that despite the earlier chaos, he was still the same Theoâdetermined, fiercely protective, and willing to go to great lengths to prove his intentions.
When the manager arrived, Theo immediately turned his attention back to the display of jewelry, his brow furrowing in thought.
"I need something... special ," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Nothing comes close to how beautiful she is but I'll take the next best thing."
The manager nodded, his professionalism unwavering, and gestured toward a case near the far end of the room. "Perhaps these might suit your needs."
Theo's eyes followed the motion, and as the manager opened the case, a set of diamond earringsâdelicate, sparkling, and elegantâwas revealed.
The diamonds, cut into perfect teardrop shapes and set in platinum, shimmered with an elegance that almost seemed to pale in comparison to Daphne. The sight took her breath away, but it wasn't just the beauty of the earrings that left her stunnedâit was the weight of Theo's words. He wasn't just buying her something extravagant. He was choosing the most precious thing they had, one of the rarest vintage sets in the store, as if it meant nothing in the face of what he felt for her.
Theo's voice brought her back to reality, as he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes locking with hers.
"What do you think, my love?" he asked, the warmth in his tone softening his words. "Do you like them?"
Daphne, still a little dazed from the sheer magnitude of the gesture, blinked as her heart skipped a beat. She was torn between the overwhelming beauty of the earrings and the profound love Theo had shown in choosing them.
It wasn't about the priceâit was about how much he was willing to give her, how far he'd go to make her feel cherished. She met his gaze, the words catching in her throat for a moment.
"They're... stunning," she said. But in reality they were more than just beautifulâthey were a reflection of the love and devotion Theo had for her, a devotion that seemed to transcend the material world altogether.
Theo gave a small, almost playful smile, as if the cost, the rarity, the grandeur of the earrings meant little in comparison to the simple act of giving them to her. They weren't just diamonds. They were a piece of his heart, and that made them priceless.
Oh, Theo....making me melt, I swear <3