“Let's just put this on for now, okay?" Marcus suggested softly.

Melissa glanced down at the diamond ring, her heart racing before she removed it to have a better look.

It was the same ring she had seen previously in the apartment, the one engraved with initials.

With a gentle hold, Marcus' voice, low and raspy, filled the air.

"Melissa, let's start over."

Melissa glanced at Marcus, feeling a sudden urge to cry.

The sight of the diamond ring brought back painful memories, and she couldn't understand why Marcus had brought it out now.

Marcus seemed to read her thoughts.

He took her hand in his, his large hands enveloping hers completely.

After a moment, he leaned in close and whispered, “I had this ring made just for you."

It was a one-of-a-kind piece, with engravings that signified its uniqueness.

It was never that Melissa had been desperately begging to stay by his side. The feelings were mutual from the beginning and Marcus had always wanted her too.

His voice, filled with emotion, softly urged, "Wear this for me.

Let's go slowly this time."

He then took her hand, sliding the ring onto her middle finger instead of her ring finger. She had lost weight, making the ring fit her middle finger perfectly now. It seemed to suit her even better this way.

Following the gesture, he kissed her and wrapped his arms around her.

They had been through a rollercoaster relationship for five years, and only they truly understood the depth of their feelings at that moment.

In a quiet voice, Melissa brought up, "You mentioned going slow, but what about last night..."

Marcus responded with a light chuckle, soothingly rubbing her back as he asked, “Didn't you want that too? Despite being upset, you didn't say no, right?"

A woman couldn't win such an argument against him.