Ryan took a deep breath and typed out a casual response:
"Be there in 20 - can barely wait to see you tonight"
He deleted the alternative text he had drafted:
"Emma, we need to talk about your past..."
Deciding to charm her tonight and confront her secrets later.
Twenty minutes later, Ryan arrived at Emma's doorstep, looking dashing in a navy suit.
Emma opened the door, stunning in a red evening gown, her hair styled perfectly.
Ryan's heart skipped a beat - he was falling for her hard.
As they drove to the restaurant, conversation flowed easily, but Ryan's mind wandered back to the secret.
Over candlelit dinner, Emma reached across the table, her hand brushing against his:
"Tonight feels like a dream. I'm so glad we're doing this for real."
Ryan's guilt over not telling her what he knew mingled with his growing feelings.
Should he enjoy this magical night or ruin it by asking about her past?