Chapter 15: A Leap of Faith
500 Words
Noah sat on Olivia’s couch, his hands clasped together tightly as he watched her pace the living room. The air between them was thick with unsaid words, but he knew better than to push her.
"Say something, Liv," he finally said, his voice quiet but steady.
She stopped pacing, arms crossed. "I don’t know what to say, Noah. This isn’t something small. You were engaged. That’s a huge part of your past that you never mentioned."
"I know," he admitted. "And I should have told you sooner. I just... I was afraid it would change things between us."
Olivia let out a humorless laugh. "Well, congratulations, because it has."
Noah sighed, rubbing his face. "Liv, I get it. You have every right to be upset. But what I had with Cassandra—it’s over. It’s been over for years. You are the one I want."
She studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "And if she came back? If she knocked on your door tomorrow, what would you do?"
Noah met her gaze without hesitation. "I’d close the door. Because she’s not you."
A long silence stretched between them before Olivia let out a slow breath. "I want to believe you. I really do. But trust isn’t something I can just give away, Noah. It has to be built."
"Then let me build it," he said firmly. "Day by day, moment by moment. I’m not going to disappear. I’m not going to run. I’ll prove it to you, Olivia."
Her eyes softened slightly, but there was still hesitation. "Okay," she said finally. "But this is going to take time."
"I’ll wait for as long as it takes."
---
The next few weeks passed in a blur of slow, steady steps. Noah made good on his word—he showed up. Whether it was a simple text message to check in, an impromptu coffee date, or just being there when she needed him, he was present in a way Olivia had never expected.
One evening, they found themselves at the park, sitting side by side on a bench overlooking the lake. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the water.
"It’s funny," Olivia mused, her gaze on the horizon. "A few months ago, I never would have pictured myself here, with you."
Noah chuckled. "I like to think fate has a sense of humor."
She turned to look at him. "Do you believe in fate?"
He thought for a moment. "I believe in choices. And right now, I’m choosing you."
Her breath hitched slightly, and she looked away. "You make it sound so simple."
"It is simple, Liv. We make things complicated because we’re scared. But love—it’s about taking a leap. And I’m ready to jump if you are."
She studied him, searching his face for any sign of doubt. But there was none.
Maybe, just maybe, he was right.
And maybe, for the first time in a long time, Olivia was ready to leap too.
- Writer
