Chapter 13: Breaking the Walls

Rebecca stood in front of her apartment window, staring out at the twinkling lights of the city below. It was late, and the world outside felt distant—quiet, like it was waiting for her to make a choice. Her mind, on the other hand, was anything but quiet.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind. Ethan had slowly inched his way deeper into her life, and each step had left her questioning everything she thought she knew about love and trust. She had tried to keep her distance, to keep her heart safe from the possibility of another betrayal, but every conversation, every laugh they shared, only made her want to let her guard down.

But Noah's face kept haunting her. The betrayal, the hurt—it was too fresh, too raw. Could she really let herself love again?

Was it even worth it?

Her phone buzzed, cutting through her thoughts.

Ethan: I'm outside. I want to show you something.

Rebecca's heart skipped a beat. He'd been persistent lately, pushing gently but steadily for her to open up more. They'd gone on several dates, talked about their hopes and dreams, but every time things started to feel too real, she pulled back.

Tonight, she was feeling the pull, though. Maybe it was the way he looked at her with such patience and understanding. Maybe it was the way he respected her boundaries without pushing.

She grabbed her jacket and hurried out of the apartment, her thoughts racing.

When Rebecca stepped outside, she immediately spotted Ethan leaning against his sleek black car, the headlights casting a soft glow on his face. His usual sharp suit was replaced with a more casual look—a navy blue jacket and dark jeans that highlighted his tall frame. His expression softened when he saw her, and he straightened up, his smile reaching his eyes.

"Hey," he said, his voice warm. "You look great."

Rebecca managed a small smile. "What's all this about?"

Ethan stepped forward, holding out his hand. "Come with me. I promise you'll see."

She hesitated for a moment, wondering where this night might take her, but then placed her hand in his.

"Lead the way," she said softly.

They drove in comfortable silence, the city passing by in a blur. Ethan took a turn onto a quiet street that led into a secluded part of the city. Rebecca couldn't help but feel curious—what exactly was he planning?

The car pulled up to a small park, its gates open and inviting. Ethan parked and got out, walking around to open her door. Rebecca stepped out, her eyes taking in the surroundings. The park was serene, quiet, and illuminated by soft lights that made everything look magical.

"This place… it's beautiful," she said, looking around in awe.

Ethan smiled, his eyes bright with something like anticipation. "I come here when I need to think. I thought you might like it."

Rebecca's chest tightened. There was something about the way he said it—so personal, so intimate—that made her feel like he was giving her a glimpse into his world.

He walked ahead, leading her to a small gazebo at the edge of the park. The soft hum of the city felt distant here, replaced by the sounds of nature and the rhythmic rustle of leaves. Ethan stopped at the center of the gazebo and turned to face her.

"I know this is hard for you," he began, his voice quiet but steady. "And I know that I can't just erase everything that's happened in your past. But I need you to know something."

Rebecca swallowed, her heart racing. "What?"

Ethan stepped closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "I'm not asking you to forget your past. I'm asking you to trust me with your future. With us."

The air between them seemed to grow heavier, charged with the weight of his words. Rebecca stood frozen for a moment, the world narrowing to just the two of them. She felt something in her chest loosen—something she hadn't even realized had been held so tightly.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this," she admitted softly.

"I know," Ethan said, his voice gentle. "And I'm not rushing you. But I can't keep pretending that I'm okay with how things are between us. I want more, Rebecca. I want to build something real."

His words settled in her chest, and for the first time in weeks, Rebecca didn't feel like she was being forced to make a decision. Ethan was giving her space, allowing her to take her time, but his sincerity was undeniable.

Rebecca closed her eyes, feeling the cool breeze against her skin. Could she do this? Could she trust him enough to let herself fall?

When she opened her eyes, she met his gaze—steadier now, her heart beating in a rhythm she didn't want to ignore.

"I'm scared, Ethan," she whispered. "I'm scared of getting hurt again."

"I know." He reached out, his hand brushing against her cheek, his touch soft and reassuring. "But I promise you, I'm not like him. I won't hurt you."

His words, so simple yet so filled with conviction, brought something to the surface in her. A flicker of hope. A spark of something she thought she had lost forever.

Ethan gently cupped her face, leaning in slowly, his lips brushing against hers. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but it grew deeper, more urgent, as if they were both fighting against everything they had feared.

When they finally pulled away, Rebecca's breath was shaky, her heart racing.

"I want to believe you," she whispered. "I really do."

Ethan smiled, his eyes softening. "Then take a chance on me, Rebecca."

For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel afraid. She felt something else. Something real.

And maybe—just maybe—this was the beginning of something beautiful.