Page 152 of When Hearts Collide

“You? Emotional support?” I can’t help the incredulity seeping through my voice.

“Totally! I’m a breath of positive energy today. See my nose stud today? It’s a smiley face.”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “Do I get any say in this? Anything at all?”

“No!” A resounding chorus.

What on earth is going on now?

“Why are we here?” The girls are dragging me down 5th Avenue toward Central Park.

The crowds are bigger today—a beautiful weekend in spring after a dreary rain has drawn out locals and tourists alike. The sun is low in the skies, twirling a final pirouette before dipping into a curtsy and disappearing behind the veil of the night. The girls spent an hour primping me, dressing me in an elegant white sundress with pink roses, arranging my hair in loose waves, then applying light makeup on my face.

Despite my complaints and questions, none of them have told me what on earth is going on. And now, they are pulling me into one of the main entrances of Central Park and dressed in this getup, I feel completely out of place with the other people wearing jeans and T-shirts.

“Eeek! I’m so excited.” Grace claps her hands with the enthusiasm of a toddler.

“Calm your horses, Grace. I’ll reserve my approval until I see it. And even then…” Taylor sounds skeptical.

“You two. Zip it. Don’t ruin it for her.” Belle whips her head toward the sisters, who look down sheepishly at the ground.

A few minutes later, I see the Conservatory Garden Center Fountain in the distance. The gentle breeze rustles the leaves in the carefully groomed trees and shrubbery, the lush, vibrant green of nature calming to the senses after a long winter. A light scent of wildflowers permeates the air, especially from the sweetness of the peonies and lilacs in bloom.

As I stroll through one of my favorite places in Central Park, the Conservatory Garden, I feel the heaviness in my chest lifting and my spirits lightening. Perhaps the girls are onto something by taking me here.

Before long, we stand in front of a new building on the sprawling lawn of the Italian-style Central Garden, one of the three unique gardens in this area.

The new exotic blooms exhibit.

“What are we doing here? The exhibit doesn’t open until next week. Chloe said she was going to text you guys to see if we should all go together,” I murmur while I stare at the impressive structure in front of me.

The tall building sits on a raised concrete foundation and is constructed entirely of glass and copper frames, which will oxidize to a wonderful pale green in the years to come. There are intricate carvings on the windowpanes, reminding me of the palaces in Europe.

The architect and interior designer must have taken great pains to blend the building into its surroundings, because it looks like it belonged there all along. A blue cloth drapes over a large sign by the entrance. I assume it’s the name of the building, which will be unveiled at the grand opening.

“Okay. Watch this. This popped on my newsfeed this morning.” Belle shoves her phone in front of my face and clicks on a link which redirects to a trending video on the Gossip Times website.

“What?” I frown.

“Shh!” Belle hushes me.

My breath freezes in my throat as I see Ryland standing behind the podium, answering questions about his company’s stock performance.

I look at the girls in confusion. Taylor shrugs. “Grace and I didn’t know about this until Belle sent it to us this morning. Ryland didn’t tell us anything either. But even I have to say I’m touched. Just watch it.”

I turn my attention back to the video.

“Mr. Anderson, can you tell us why you’re posting romantic messages online?” a blonde reporter asks.

Ryland stills, a muscle twitching in his jaw. The room is silent.

He slowly adjusts his gray tie and leans forward on the podium. Clearing his throat, he stares straight into the camera.

“Little lark, if you’re watching this, know that you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Gasps erupt in the room and he holds up his hand for silence.

“If I could take back everything I’ve done, every tear you’ve shed, I would. I’m so sorry for hurting you and my days are miserable without you. The only reason I’m not screaming your name at the top of my lungs is because you’ve sacrificed a lot for me, and I don’t want to unwind your efforts. This time, my heart is laid bare at your feet. This time, the choice is yours. I love you and I know I don’t deserve you. I can only hope one day you’ll forgive me, and you’ll give me a chance to love you once more.”

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