Chapter 5

Jacob opened the car door for Gloria, helping her get in with a courtesy that made her smile. Once seated at the wheel, he turned to her, his gaze betraying a slight nervousness.

— Ready for an unforgettable evening? he asked as he started the car.

— Absolutely, Gloria replied, her voice tinged with gentle anticipation.

After these words, they hit the road.

Charlotte had remained standing, her eyes fixed on Jacob's car until it disappeared at the end of the street. A tender smile on her lips, she let out a soft sigh before going back inside. She collapsed onto the sofa, her mind filled with silent thoughts. Murmuring to herself, she said, "I hope Gloria will finally realize that she shouldn't let this man slip away. Jacob is hopelessly in love with her, and I would have loved to see her build her life with him."

She paused, thinking about what she had just seen, and the flame that sparkled in both her sister's and Jacob's eyes. "This outing is nothing like their usual getaways. It’s a real turning point, a glimmer of hope for the future..."

Satisfied with her thoughts, Charlotte grabbed the remote and absentmindedly changed the TV channel. She finally stopped on her favorite show, settling comfortably to relax, while hoping her sister would seize the opportunity that was before her.

The drive to Romatica was lighthearted, with conversations alternating between work anecdotes and shared jokes. When the car stopped in front of the restaurant, Gloria couldn’t help but feel impressed by the place’s elegance. The dim lights, illuminated windows, and grand entrance gave the place an almost magical aura.

Jacob quickly got out of the car to open the door for Gloria, offering her his hand to help her out. She accepted his assistance with a smile, appreciating the gallantry. When they entered the restaurant, the soft ambiance and gentle background music immediately enveloped them.

The maître d', a distinguished man, led them to a table near a large bay window that offered a panoramic view of the illuminated city. Gloria sat comfortably, watching Jacob, who still seemed a little tense but determined to enjoy the evening.

After ordering, Gloria glanced at the beautifully set table. An ivory linen placemat covered the surface, with polished silverware and fine crystal glasses arranged on it. In the center of the table, a small copper lantern adorned with traditional motifs cast a soft, warm light, creating an intimate yet elegant atmosphere. A few brightly colored tropical flowers added an exotic touch, subtly reminding of the African origins of the dishes about to be served.

For the starter, they had chosen skewers of chicken marinated in a spicy sauce made with chili, ginger, and garlic, accompanied by a small portion of jollof rice, a traditional dish with vibrant colors and deep flavors. The rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with vegetables and African spices, released an irresistible aroma, catching Gloria’s attention as soon as it was placed on the table.

For the main course, Gloria had opted for grilled chicken, served with a generous portion of jasmine-scented white rice and perfectly golden fries. The chicken, cooked just right, was tender inside and crispy on the outside, with a marinade rich in African spices that set the taste buds alight. Jacob, on the other hand, had chosen grilled coastal fish, accompanied by fried plantains and sautéed vegetables. The fish, slightly smoked, was seasoned with a blend of local spices that enhanced its natural flavor.

The waiter returned with a bottle of red wine, which he expertly uncorked before pouring it delicately into their glasses. The wine, with deep aromas of red fruits and spices, complemented the dishes beautifully.

They were beginning to indulge, and Gloria noticed that Jacob was quieter than usual. She tilted her head slightly, looking at him with friendly curiosity.

— Jacob, is everything okay? You seem a bit preoccupied, she said softly.

Jacob smiled, taking a breath before responding.

— Yes, everything's fine. I just wanted to make sure everything was perfect tonight.

Gloria smiled at him, touched by his concern for doing everything right.

— Everything is already perfect, Jacob. Really. I’m so glad to spend this evening with you.

Encouraged by her words, Jacob relaxed a bit. Their conversation resumed, more fluid and natural. The dinner continued in a warm and companionable atmosphere, with exquisite dishes parading in front of them, further enhancing the brilliance of their evening.

When dessert was served, a magnificent chocolate fondant with red fruits, Jacob felt his heart race. This was the moment he had both feared and anticipated. He took a sip of wine to gather some courage, then turned to Gloria, his gaze locked on hers.

— Gloria, there's something I’d like to tell you...

She looked up at him, intrigued, but said nothing, giving him time to formulate his thoughts.

— Gloria... since I’ve known you, you’ve always been someone special to me. The more time passes, the more I realize that what I feel for you is far more than just friendship.

Gloria remained silent, her eyes studying Jacob, as if trying to decipher his emotions.

— I don't know how to say this any other way, but... I think I’m in love with you, Gloria, Jacob admitted, his voice both firm and hesitant.

Gloria felt her heart race, taken aback by this unexpected declaration. She had always enjoyed Jacob’s company, but had never really considered this possibility. She lowered her gaze for a moment, trying to find the right words.

— Jacob… I... I’m touched by what you just said. I wasn’t expecting this at all, she admitted, looking up at him softly.

Jacob waited for her response with a mix of impatience and fear, observing every movement of her face.

— I’ve always seen you as a dear friend, someone I can rely on, Gloria continued. I don’t know if I can see you any other way…

Gloria hadn’t finished her sentence when a soft violin melody started to play. The restaurant's orchestra slowly approached their table, attracting the attention of other diners. Gloria turned her head, intrigued, and quickly realized that all eyes were on them. At the same moment, Jacob stood up and, to the astonishment of everyone, knelt before her. He held in his hand a small velvet box, which he opened gently to reveal a beautiful engagement ring, its diamonds sparkling under the dim restaurant lights.

Gloria felt her heart race, unable to comprehend what was happening. Shock and disbelief were evident on her face as she stared at Jacob, trying to unravel the situation. Jacob, for his part, seemed about to speak, but the words were stuck in his throat, choked by emotion.

— Gloria... he began, but he didn’t have time to continue.

Gloria abruptly stood up, her eyes filled with confusion and anger.

— Jacob, what does all of this mean? What’s your problem? she snapped, her voice betraying a mix of fear and frustration.

Jacob, still kneeling, was taken aback. His heart pounded in his chest, and he tried to speak again, but Gloria interrupted him once more.

— Gloria, I... he stammered.

She wouldn’t let him finish. Bag in hand, she turned away from him and quickly left the restaurant, the shocked gazes of the other patrons following her to the door. Whispers began to circulate among the guests, some even pulling out their phones to capture this moment that had turned into a disaster. The romantic atmosphere that had filled the room had suddenly turned into a scene of great disappointment.

Jacob, shaken, stood up and rushed outside to follow Gloria. She was already on the sidewalk, desperately trying to hail a taxi. He approached quickly, his heart still racing, and called out to her insistently.

— Gloria, Gloria, what’s wrong? he asked, anxiety clearly showing in his voice.

When he reached her, he saw that her eyes were filled with anger, an anger he had never seen in her before.

— Are you serious with this question you're asking me? she cried. If you had told me you were bringing me to this restaurant to embarrass me like this, I would never have come! Do you really think I see you as anything other than a simple friend? What made you think it was a good idea to propose to me without even knowing how I feel?

Jacob, bewildered, tried to calm her down.

— Gloria, I’m in love with you... I love you, and I want to spend my life with you, he stammered, his voice trembling with emotion.

— Jacob, I’m not interested! she snapped, cutting off his pleas. You’re not my type, and this dream you have, it will never come true. So, either you take me home, or I’ll take a taxi, but I don’t want to hear anything else.

Shock swept across Jacob’s face like a wave. He didn’t understand how everything had gone so wrong, but he knew he couldn’t force her to feel the same way.

— Okay... alright, he murmured, his heart heavy.

Without another word, he unlocked the car so she could get in. Once inside, he asked for a minute, then briefly returned to the restaurant. Gloria, sitting in the car, was seething with anger, her mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. When he came back, he settled behind the wheel, took a deep breath to calm his nerves, and started the car after making sure she had fastened her seatbelt.