We Took A Chance

Thankfully I had the perfect dress for the occasion. My mom, after seeing some paparazzi pictures of me and Niall, sent me a few dresses. She said I should dress better because I was a celebrity now. I rolled my eyes so hard at her that time but I accepted the dresses anyway. Then I proceeded to tell her I wasn't a celebrity and that the only reason I was in the public eye was because of Niall.

I smoothed out the skirt of the short red dress I chose in preparation to head out. After taking one last look at myself in the mirror, I grabbed my mandatory coat and the black clutch I had stuffed with my belongings earlier and rushed to the lobby. My cab was waiting for me and after giving him the place's name we were on our way. Moro's was a place close to campus usually filled with students. This seemed odd to me as this posed a bigger chance for Niall to get recognized. Then again, he was at the campus a lot, every morning and afternoon to be exact, and he had only been approached a few times.

Either way, on the short ride there, my mind could only focus on one thing. I had let my imagination run wild and psyched myself up for a possible proposal. The whole time I was getting ready, I practiced my reaction for when, or if, he got on one knee. I even decided that I would want a winter wedding. It seemed silly to get so carried away but every girl thinks about these things at one time or another. I felt I'd be ok to let my mind wander. Worse case scenario, Niall really only wanted to have dinner because he hadn't seen me all day.

I paid the driver and quickly exited the black vehicle onto the sidewalk. Inside, the host, a friendly petite redhead, greeted me. I informed her that someone was waiting for me and gave her my name. She instructed me to follow her and I did. We traveled to the back where less people were seated.

As we approached the table, I could tell by the back of the head that this person wasn't Niall. A lump formed in my throat when I recognized Andrew sitting at the table. What was he doing in London? What did he want?

"Andrew, what are you doing here?" I managed to croak out as he stood to pull out my chair. I remained standing.
"Zoe, please take a seat. Hear me out." he pleaded still holding on to the chair.
"This is not a good idea. I should go." I turned to leave but was startled when he grabbed my arm.
"Zoe, please. I've come this far, just listen." his pleading voice urged me to stay. I guess he did have a point. London is a long way away from home.
"You have 5 minutes." I warn with a sigh and take a seat across from him not bothering to take off my coat. I didn't really want to hear what he had to say but I figured I owed him since Niall dismissed him over the phone when he called.
"I'm just going to come out and say it. Zoe Allen, I love you. I never stopped loving you even after you broke up with me. I tried to move on but I can't. I still love you and I can't stand you being here so far away with some... Popstar! I know you said that you didn't love me anymore but I can tell you still do. What we had was something irreplaceable and I can't go on knowing I didn't do everything in my power to get you back." Andrew blurted out leaving me dumbfounded. My mouth hung agape a bit unable to fully process what he just said.
"Zoe," he started before standing from his seat and kneeling on one knee next to me with a shiny ring inside a box in his hand, "Will you marry me?" his words made my hand shoot to my mouth. It was not of happiness, it was of surprise. This was not the proposal I had prepared myself for.

Andrew stayed in the kneeling position for what seemed like hours. People around us curiously staring our way probably waiting for my answer. So many emotions were running through me. Yet, none of them were happiness or love.

"Andrew... I'm sorry but I can't marry you." I responded with a sudden rush of guilt.
"Zoe, marry me." he stated, his eyes urging me to agree.

I pressed my lights tightly together trying to find the right words. I stood from my seat and took Andrew's large hand in mine making him stand from his kneeling position. I then motioned for him to take his seat instead and I followed. The eyes of the few strangers around us burning on my skin. I could tell they were all watching, waiting for the outcome.

"Andrew, what we had was lovely. You were my first love. I can never forget that. I just can't marry you." I told him shaking my head lightly.
"Do you love him?" his question caught me off guard but I could tell he wanted confirmation.
"I do, very much." I answered honestly very well knowing who he was talking about.

Andrew carefully put away the small ring box he had offered me just moments earlier. He wasn't putting up a further fight and I felt glad.

"I shouldn't have come here. I'm sorry, Zoe." he apologized looking down embarrassed.
"I must say, you really did come a long way for me. How did you even know how to find me?" I asked genuinely curious.
Andrew closed his eyes shut tightly and sighed, "I looked through your emails. You still have the same password from when we were dating." he admitted and I remembered the mysteriously opened emails I found. So, Andrew was the one snooping after all.

Before I could reply to his confession, a waiter approached us asking for our drink order. He said he didn't want to intrude during the proposal. We politely declined drinks and watched as the waiter left our table looking confused. I took this as the perfect opportunity to excuse myself.

"I have to go, Andrew." I said standing from my seat.

He nodded and stood with me. Shooting a warm smile his way, I began to walk towards the front of the restaurant. I took a deep breath once the cool London air hit my face. The tension was so high in there, being outside was a huge relief. I still couldn't believe Andrew had come all the way to London to propose.

I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened had I not been with Niall. Would I have accepted? A small smile spread on my lips as I began to walk down the street, no particular destination in mind. I wrapped my coat tighter against my body then reached into my small clutch. I fished out my phone and scrolled to find Niall's number.

"Hello, princess." he answered almost immediately making me smile.

"Niall... I love you." I blurted out the three words I hadn't brought myself to say all this time.

"Where are you? I need to see you." he responded, a certain tone in his voice. I looked around me and waved to a cab that seemed to be vacant.

"I'm on my way to your place. See you in a few." I assured him before stepping into the black vehicle who had stopped a few feet from me.

Notes

Who saw that one coming?
Do you think Zoe said the L word too soon?
Will Niall say it back?

We have 3 chapters left in this story. I have started the sequel. On what note do ya'll believe this story will end in?

I will try to update again soon as I really want to be done with the story by New Year's! Happy Holidays to all!