Chapter 7 - The Man Who Finally Asked
Six months later, Nebula stood outside another country club.
But there was no rain.
No torn dress.
No Richard.
Chloe and her new husband were hosting an anniversary dinner because, as Chloe explained, their original reception had become “a complete disaster involving organized crime, police reports and Aunt Linda stealing four centerpieces.”
Nebula laughed.
Life had become strangely normal.
Richard was awaiting trial on multiple charges related to fraud and threats. The divorce was finalized.
Nebula had rented her own apartment.
In her own name.
She had returned to work.
She had rebuilt relationships with her family carefully, not automatically.
And Gilbert?
Gilbert had done something nobody expected.
Nothing.
He didn't pressure her.
Didn't send extravagant gifts.
Didn't station guards outside her apartment.
He called when invited.
Visited when asked.
And occasionally sent ridiculous texts.
Dinner?
Nebula would answer:
Where?
Gilbert:
Your choice.
Every time.
Tonight he stood near the fountain outside Oakridge.
Black suit.
Dark shirt.
Tattoos visible at his collar and hands.
Nebula approached.
“You're avoiding everyone.”
“I've been informed your Aunt Linda wants to introduce me to her daughter.”
“She knows we're dating.”
“Apparently she's optimistic.”
Nebula laughed.
Gilbert smiled.
“You look happy.”
“I am.”
His expression softened.
“Good.”
Nebula studied him.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“You're terrible at nothing.”
Gilbert reached into his pocket.
Nebula immediately narrowed her eyes.
“Gilbert.”
He froze.
“What?”
“If that's a ring, put it away.”
Slowly, Gilbert removed his hand.
Empty.
Nebula stared.
“You don't have one?”
“No.”
“Seriously?”
“I've learned.”
She started laughing.
Gilbert looked offended.
“I'm being respectful.”
“You're terrified.”
“Also true.”
Nebula stepped closer.
“Would you like to marry me someday?”
Gilbert stopped breathing.
“Nebula.”
“That's a question.”
“Yes.”
“How badly?”
“Catastrophically.”
She smiled.
“Then why don't you have a ring?”
“Because you just told me to put it away.”
“I thought you had one.”
“I don't.”
“You're impossible.”
Gilbert stared at her.
“Are you asking me to buy one?”
“Maybe.”
“That's extremely unclear.”
“Good.”
“Nebula.”
She laughed again.
Then became serious.
“Gilbert.”
“Yes?”
“Three years ago, I left because I couldn't breathe inside your life.”
“I know.”
“Six months ago, I called because I thought I might die inside Richard's.”
Gilbert's smile disappeared.
Nebula took his hand.
“But neither of those men gets to decide who I become.”
“No.”
“Not Richard.”
“No.”
“Not you.”
“Never again.”
Nebula looked toward the building where her family waited.
Then back at him.
“I don't need you to rescue me.”
Gilbert nodded.
“I know.”
“I don't need your permission.”
“I know.”
“And if we ever get married, I don't become part of your empire.”
Gilbert considered that.
“Can my empire become part of yours?”
Nebula laughed.
“Nice try.”
“I'm negotiating.”
“You're losing.”
“I usually do with you.”
Nebula stepped closer.
Gilbert waited.
He always waited now.
She kissed him.
When they separated, Gilbert rested his forehead gently against hers.
“May I ask you something?”
“You just did.”
His eyes narrowed.
Nebula smiled.
“Go ahead.”
“Can I take you home?”
She thought about the word.
Home.
Once, it had meant Richard's locked doors.
Before that, it had meant Gilbert's guarded mansion.
Now it meant something completely different.
Nebula squeezed his hand.
“No.”
Gilbert blinked.
Then she pointed toward her car.
“You can come home with me.”
A slow smile appeared on his face.
“Yes, ma'am.”
They walked toward the parking lot together.
Gilbert did not lead.
Nebula did not follow.
They walked side by side.
And that was how Nebula finally knew the difference between being possessed and being loved.
One demanded she stay.
The other gave her the freedom to leave—
May you like
and became the person she chose to come back to.
THE END
