The Next Day – Morning
Rhett arrives at 11 a.m. for his dressing change. Neva, true to her nature, cooks him breakfast. He insists on helping with the dishes after.
Last night, she had mentioned he could stop by for a meal if he wanted—now, he doesn't want his food any other way.
In their little while together, he flirts like always, teasing her just enough to earn a few of her classic sighs.
Eventually, he leaves, mentioning some work he needs to finish.
---
That Evening
Neva dresses up—a strappy, vintage beige floral maxi, modestly paired with a light knitted cardigan. Her natural makeup glows softly on her face.
Her pretty delicate floral drop earrings and a few accessories complete the look.
She strolls to the garden park, the place Emma told her they'd meet. Children's laughter, gentle gossip from mothers, and the soft rustling of yellow-orange leaves mix with the serenity of the lakeside. The beauty of it draws a calm sigh from her.
After looking around, Neva dials Emma.
"Hello, Neva!" Emma immediately answers, sounding breathless.
"Where are you?" Neva asks, standing awkwardly at the park's edge.
"Just a few minutes away! Wait by the white bench near the lake!" And with that, Emma hangs up.
Neva sighs and makes her way toward the lake.
Her eyes land on a white Victorian-style bench—but someone's already sitting there. As she gets closer, recognition dawns.
"Rhett?" she calls.
He turns to her, eyes lighting up like the sky over the lake. A black jacket draped over his shoulder, a white shirt, blue jeans—casual, but effortlessly striking.
'He's quiet handsome,' Neva thinks quietly.
'Heaven… she's gorgeous.' Rhett says in the treasure of his mind.
His eyes scan her from head to toe, admiration written all over his face.
"I was waiting for you," he says, smirking.
Neva frowns. "Why would you wait for me?"
"Aren't we going on a double date?" he replies like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
Her eyes widen. That darned Emma.
Before she can explode, a shrill voice interrupts.
"Hey guys!!" Emma calls, jogging over with a man in tow.
"Sorry for making you wait!" She bends forward, catching her breath. Neva crosses her arms, glaring.
"Explain," she demands, gesturing toward Rhett.
It was only supposed to be a girls evening out.
"Oh, Neva—you look gorgeous!" Emma squeals, grabbing her arms. Neva doesn't budge.
Emma steps back, apologetic. "Sorry for not telling you earlier. But it's just a friendly date! You two are friends, right?"
Neva arches an eyebrow.
Emma smirks. "Unless you're mad because it's not just a friendly date…"
Meanwhile, the two men exchange polite greetings. They've met before—Zedd and Rhett—as boss and employee.
Rhett had considered ignoring Emma's strange call the night before. She'd found his number through Zedd and roped him in, all to set Neva up.
He didn't refuse.
---
Later – Post-Movie and Shopping
The movie ends. Emma and Neva enjoyed it thoroughly. Zedd, on the other hand, had fallen asleep ten minutes in. Rhett? He didn't watch the movie—his gaze stayed on Neva.
Shopping follows. Each man dutifully carries the bags and offers opinions, good or bad.
Eventually, the group splits up. Neva ends up with her half-boyfriend once again.
As the evening fades, they stop by a café. It's past six, the sun already tucked behind the horizon.
As they leave, blending into the buzz of the glowing town, Rhett pauses.
"Wait here," he says and hurries across the street to a flower shop.
Moments later, he returns—with a bouquet of purple and white roses.
Neva blinks, surprised.
"Because you're the most beautiful woman in my eyes," he says, offering the bouquet with a smile.
Her cheeks flush. She bites her lip to suppress a smile, but it's useless. She takes the flowers gently, warmth rising to her skin.
Emma and Zedd watch, stunned.
Why aren't they a couple already? Emma wonders, already imagining their future wedding. The two of them looks perfect.
Zedd, for his part, is speechless.
He's only ever seen Rhett serious and distant at the workshop. But here? Rhett is a whole different man.
The magic of love truly is strange.
Emma suddenly narrows her eyes at Zedd. Something's off.
He senses her stare, stiffens, and turns slowly. The chill down his spine confirms it: he's doomed.
---
The two couples part ways—each headed home. Behind one of them, a poor man walks slightly hunched, already enduring the beginning of a reckless, playful nagging.