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Marnie's face reddens as I raise the question about her relationship with Ethan Dawson. I didn't want to sound like a stalker but I couldn't resist asking her about this guy. I've seen many pictures and articles about the new happy couple. My heart broke all over again the first time I saw the photo of them on the beach holding hands, gazing into each other's eyes.

I guess I was unprepared to watch Marnie move on with another guy.

I brace myself for her reaction, I'm just hoping it's not as serious as many people believe. I don't think my heart can take it.

It was only a few months ago when I glanced at the front cover of some trashy magazine that I saw the picture of Marnie smiling brightly with the good-looking blond actor. My blood boiled and my chest tightened as I gazed at her smiling face fixed on him.

Does he make her happy? Does he treat her the way she deserves to be treated?

After staring at that magazine, my eyes burning with rage, I felt my heart shatter and I knew I would never truly be happy again without her in my life. This is my last ditched effort, I will do anything to gain her trust, for her to give me one last chance for us.

There's also a high chance that she's moved on and I will completely understand if she's serious with this other man.

Marnie's face softens and I'm on the edge of my seat, waiting for an answer. "We've been together for a year. Ethan has a busy schedule filming at different locations and I'm always on tour or in the studio. It's not an easy relationship at times but he's sweet to me. He's a good man."

I try my best to keep my face neutral but my heart feels like it's been sliced with a knife.

She's happy. She's moved on with another man. A better man.

Maybe I've waited too long or maybe there was no hope for us getting back together after I messed up. What was I thinking? Goddamit.

"I'm happy for you." I manage a small smile and her beautiful blue eyes sparkle in the warm light of the restaurant.

"Thank you," her face shifts and suddenly I feel nervous again. "What about you? I heard you're dating the famous model, what was her name again? Rose? Rosie?"

I take a quick sip of my glass of water to distract myself from her heavy gaze.

Damn those bloody tabloids.

Rosalie James is no more than a friend. Although she believes we'll become something more in future, she isn't the girl I want. We met at an after-party one night during an award show. Jared was talking to a Victoria's secret model in the corner of the room. Rosalie sat next to them while her gaze was fixed solely on me.

A few years back I would have jumped at the chance to spend the night with a gorgeous woman like her. She is flawless with her glossy honey-coloured hair, doe caramel eyes and dazzling smile. Her smooth tanned skin and perfect body make men swoon over her.

She was the center of everyone's attention and she knew it. I just wasn't interested.

I guess years of playing the field with women have made the game boring. I no longer wanted one-night stands or casual sex. I wanted commitment, someone I could come home to at the end of a tough day. I wanted to talk for hours about meaningless topics, laugh, cuddle and love.

I wanted one girl that I couldn't have, that I craved for since the moment she slipped out of my life.

"Rosalie? She's just a friend." Marnie didn't seem too convinced. It was the truth, I've never even kissed Rosalie or any woman since I broke things off with Kira in high school.

Something had changed in me. Suddenly I became this new person, a better version of myself. At first, I thought I lost my mind. I mean, I had all these beautiful women throwing themselves at me willingly and I turned every single one down. Jared and Maddox wondered why I was so distant and I told them about my reputation in high school and how Marnie changed me for the better.

Of course, they couldn't believe I dated superstar Marnie Love, they thought it was some tragic typical movie shit. They couldn't understand why I felt so repulsed around beautiful women. Maybe there is something wrong with me? Maybe I'm lovesick?

Rosalie continued to cling to my side, always showing up to watch my shows, interviews, red carpets and parties. Don't get me wrong, Rose is beautiful, kind and intelligent -- she would have no problem finding a nice guy one day. I'm just not the man for her. She knows this.

Nevertheless, she's a relentless woman and that's why the media have come up with these false headlines claiming we're an item.

"Really? You're always spotted with her, I just assumed you were in a relationship?" I grin broadly. Is she jealous?

A small part of me loves the fact that Marnie saw pictures of me, despite knowing I was sitting next to Rosalie, does she still care about me?

"As I said, I'm not that guy you knew back in high school. I've changed Marns, believe me." my heart beats wildly as I pour my emotions out in front of her. She is the only person who I can open up to since my brother. Marnie is special and I need her to know how much she means to me. "You changed me into a better man. Honestly, I felt broken when you left. I know it was my fault, I wish things had been different. When I left home, I grew up fast."

Marnie stares at me like I've grown a second head. I know what she's thinking, she doesn't believe a word I'm saying. And why would she? Why would she trust me?

"I've spent two years living my best life. Creating music, touring, travelling the world and doing everything I've ever dreamed of doing. The only thing that was missing was the one person who believed in me -- the person who gave me hope, the one person I fell in love with."

Marnie's blue eyes widen in shock, I never told her how I felt back in high school. I never knew how she felt about me, maybe she never had the same feelings. It doesn't change how I feel, I've loved her for a very long time and I still do. She's always been my Marns.

"I'm sorry for not coming here sooner. I don't know whether you're in a serious relationship with this other guy but if you are, I'll accept that and leave you alone if that's what you want. I don't know how you feel about me. I know we broke up all those years ago because I was a selfish ass and I rightfully deserved it. Yet I can't stop thinking about you and I know what we had was real. I fell in love with you. I still love you. I'll never love anyone the way I love you and I want you to know that."

She gasps, pure shock washes over her face.

I take a deep breath, "If you give me a second chance, I can promise I'll worship you for the rest of my life."

Silence.

My hands shake, waiting eagerly for a response.

"Reese..." her voice is small, timid. My heart is pounding while my nerves escalate. I've told Marnie exactly what I've wanted to say for so long. I've exposed my true feelings and now the ball is in her court. I stare at the beautiful blonde, anxiously waiting for a reaction, anything.

Please. I need you to feel something for me, Angel.

"I'm sorry. I... can't... I... I'm engaged."

What?

Did I just hear her right?

"You're... sorry? You're getting married?" the words fall flat from my mouth. My mind can't comprehend what she's just told me.

"It's recent. Ethan proposed last week on a video chat while he was filming in Australia. We're keeping it quiet until he comes back after the movie is finished so we can start the wedding planning together. I'm sorry Reese."

My heart slices and my body slumps in my seat. Pain attacks me full force, it felt like every word she said was a dagger tearing right through my chest.

I grip the table, trying to calm my ragged breaths. When I look up, I see Marnie watching me with concern and worry and if I'm not mistaken... regret.

Anger burns through my veins and I glance down at her small hand resting at the edge of the table. "You aren't wearing an engagement ring?"

She clenches her hand before dragging it away from my line of sight, her face flames as if she's embarrassed. "I'm not wearing it until we officially break the news. Otherwise, it'll be in the magazines." she softly whispers.

I close my eyes, breathing heavily.

"Okay," I reply brokenly.

Goddamnit, why did I leave it too long to seek her out? Of course, another guy could swoop in and claim her because she's perfect and I've lost my chance with her.

"I'm so sorry." Marnie can't even look at me and my chest constricts further.

As much as I am devasted by the news, I knew it was too good to be true. I didn't expect to walk into her life and accept a second chance. I knew I had to work for her trust, but I never expected this news.

She's getting married.

No.

Marnie's a beautiful, kind, talented, intelligent, caring person and any man would be lucky enough to have her. I was foolish to think I deserved her, I'll never be good enough for her -- as much as I would have tried.

She deserves the best. She deserves a man like Ethan. I know he'll no doubt take care of Marnie.

I fucking hope he does. Otherwise, I'll hunt him down and kill him with my bare hands.

I lost my shot.

It's over.

"It's okay Marns, this is wonderful news. I wish you the best with everything and I hope you'll be happy."

And that's what I want. As much as it kills me to see her moving on with her life with another man by her side, I know it's for the best.

"Thank you, Reese." I smile.

"Isn't it amazing."

She looks up at me with a slight frown. "What?"

"How far we've come. Once we were just kids wishing to be stars. Now our dreams are real."

She giggles and my heart pinches at the sound. "Yeah, it's pretty crazy."

The night goes on and by the time we leave the restaurant, we're bombarded by paparazzi again outside our vehicle already waiting for us.

I usher Marnie into the car first and then I slide in beside her. The ride to her penthouse was filled with a light conversation about the last two years. Our chat flows naturally. It's nice to talk to Marnie again and catch up on all the amazing adventures we were lucky enough to see and we even promised to keep in contact.

If I can be Marnie's friend, then that's what I'll be. I want to be in her life rather than not being in her life at all. That's enough for me. I hope.

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