A new beginning

The days passed by quickly after David's unexpected visit. Lily found herself thinking about him often, and wondering what the future could hold. She couldn't deny that she still had feelings for him, but she also couldn't forget the pain that he had caused her in the past.

Despite her reservations, Lily decided to meet with David again. They met at a small coffee shop in town, and talked for hours about everything under the sun. As they parted ways that day, Lily found herself feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time.

Days turned into weeks, and Lily and David started to spend more time together. They went on long walks by the river, had picnics in the park, and even attended a few events together in town.

Lily found herself falling for David all over again, and she couldn't help but feel happy when she was with him.

But she knew that there was still something holding her back. She was scared of getting hurt again, and she wasn't sure if she was ready for a serious relationship.

One evening, as they were walking home from dinner, David stopped her.

"Lily, I know that I hurt you in the past," he said, taking her hands in his. "But I want you to know that I am willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. I love you, Lily, and I want to be with you."

Lily felt her heart skip a beat at his words. She had been waiting to hear them for so long, but now that she had, she wasn't sure what to say.

"I love you too, David," she said finally. "But I'm scared. I don't know if I'm ready for a serious relationship again."

David nodded understandingly. "I know it's going to take time," he said. "But I'm willing to wait for you, Lily. I believe that we can make this work, if we both want it."

Lily felt a sense of peace wash over her at his words. She knew that she wasn't alone in this journey, and that she had someone who would be there for her no matter what.

They continued to date, taking things slow and enjoying each other's company. Lily found herself opening up to David more and more, and he listened attentively to everything she had to say.

As the weeks turned into months, Lily started to feel more confident in her relationship with David. She knew that there would be bumps in the road, but she was willing to take a chance on him.

One evening, as they were walking by the river, David stopped and got down on one knee.

"Lily, I know that we've had our ups and downs," he said, holding out a small velvet box. "But I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

Lily felt tears prick her eyes as she looked down at the ring in the box. It was a simple band with a small diamond in the center, but to her, it was everything.

"Yes, David," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I will marry you."

David stood up and slipped the ring onto her finger, and they shared a kiss as the sun set behind them.

Lily knew that there would be challenges ahead, but she was ready to face them with David by her side. She had found a new beginning, and she was excited to see what the future held for them.