Chapter 244: That Kind of Comedy
At Lancaster Ancestral Mansion
Rock paced anxiously on his balcony, casting glances at the road below as he awaited Ben and Melanie’s return. Since they’d left, he hadn’t been able to shake the nervous energy building inside him. Tonight was the night Ben planned to propose, and while Rock was rooting for a "yes," he couldn’t help the niggling doubt creeping into his mind.
In the time he’d spent around Melanie, he’d come to know her as warm yet guarded. She and Ben clearly had a strong connection, and Rock sensed she was falling for him too. But he also knew Melanie’s illness weighed heavily on her, possibly making her hesitant to fully commit despite her feelings.
Rock exhaled slowly, hoping she’d be able to see past her fears and trust in Ben’s love.
Rock’s eyes lit up when he saw Ben approaching. "They’re back!" he muttered with a hopeful smile, his excitement building as he waited a few moments before heading out of his room. But as he neared Ben’s room, Rock paused, noticing his friend standing at the bar, pouring himself a drink.
The sight of Ben’s somber expression made Rock’s heart sink. Taking a deep breath, he walked over quietly, pulling up a seat beside him.
Ben sighed, swirling the amber liquid in his glass before finally murmuring, "She rejected me. Said she just wants us to stay friends..."
Rock nodded, giving Ben a reassuring pat on the back. "It’s early, Ben. Don’t lose hope just yet. Melanie’s been through a lot, and it’s not easy for her to let herself open up. Give her time, but don’t let her forget how much she means to you," he said, his tone encouraging. "Maybe she just needs to feel a little more freedom, to understand what it’s like to stand on her own before she can lean on someone else fully."
A hint of determination flickered in Ben’s eyes, and Rock continued, "Let her feel your presence in her life. Show her, without pressuring her, how much you want to build a future together. Sometimes, that quiet persistence means more than words."