"Dad… I'm so sorry. I should have known," Lisa knelt before her father, her voice trembling as she begged for understanding.
"Please forgive me… my eyes were blinded by love," she continued, tears streaming down her cheeks, hoping her father could see the depth of her remorse.
Richard's heart ached as he watched his beloved daughter suffer because of a man unworthy of her trust. He stepped forward, his gaze softening.
"I forgave you a long time ago," he said gently. "I was just hoping you'd realize your mistakes before it was too late, and you did."
Relief washed over Lisa. Richard chose not to pressure her about marriage, giving her the time she needed to heal.
"She's back?" Eric asked later at their usual meeting spot, seeking confirmation.
Richard nodded. Eric's face lit up with satisfaction; his plan might finally succeed.
Several days passed, and Lisa grew stronger, brighter, and more composed than before.
"Dad, I'm ready," she said one morning during breakfast, a spark of excitement in her eyes. She wanted to meet Richmond and get to know him better.
Richard smiled, proud of his daughter and happy to see her taking a step forward.
The date was set, and they met at a fancy restaurant.
Richmond had arrived earlier than expected, pleasantly surprising Lisa.
"Wow… this is unexpected," she said, smiling. Usually, she was the one to arrive early for every one of her date, but this time he had shown initiative.
The evening unfolded beautifully. Every conversation flowed naturally, laughter filled the air, and Lisa found herself enjoying every moment.
By the end of the night, she couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for the future. Richmond had made a strong, positive impression, and the night became a memory she would cherish.
Several dates followed, each one reinforcing Lisa's growing admiration for Richmond. He was gentle, a good listener, intelligent, and knew how to spark meaningful conversation.
Lisa found herself genuinely liking him.
"Are you ready?" Richard asked Lisa during breakfast one morning, gauging her willingness to take the next step.
She hesitated for a moment, but looking at Richmond's happy smile gave her the courage to answer. "Yes… I'm ready, Daddy," she said warmly, her eyes sparkling.
Richard beamed with pride and happiness. That evening, he invited Eric and Richmond over for dinner, celebrating this new chapter in Lisa's life.
Eric was overjoyed when Richard shared the news of Lisa agreeing to marry Richmond.
Everyone raised their glasses in celebration.
"Cheers to us and to newfound love," Richard said, lifting his glass.
"I wish your mom were here to witness this. She would be really proud of you," Richard added, as he and Lisa stood together, gazing at a painting on the wall.
Both of them breathed deeply and exhaled in relief.
"So this is it, Daddy?" Lisa asked softly, her hand brushing against his.
"This is it," Richard replied warmly. "And I'll always be here with you through it all."
"Thank you, Daddy… you're the best," Lisa whispered, as they hugged tightly, a bond stronger than ever before.
Days passed as wedding preparations began in full swing. They went for dress fittings, cake tastings, venue inspections, and every detail necessary to make the wedding perfect.
"Finally…" Eric whispered to himself, a sly smile on his face as he imagined his problems soon being resolved.
A day before the wedding, Lisa went to her usual coffee shop to grab a cup of coffee for herself.
"Hey… we need to talk. I'm really sorry for what happened and how I treated you," Jasper said, leaning against Lisa's car. He had been following her, hoping to get a chance to speak.
"I have no business with you. Now get off my car," Lisa said sharply, her heart sinking the moment she saw him.
"I still love you, Lisa. I want you back," Jasper pleaded, his eyes searching hers.
Lisa pushed him off her car, her hands trembling, and drove away, refusing to give him another chance.