Ryder returned home, feeling hopeful that Emma might consider his proposal. He knew he had a long way to go to regain her trust, but he was willing to do whatever it took.
As he entered his apartment, he was greeted by Sophia, who was waiting for him in the living room. "Ryder, where have you been?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Ryder sighed, feeling a sense of dread. He had forgotten about Sophia's ultimatum. "Sophia, we need to talk," he said, trying to prepare her for the worst.
But Sophia was determined to get what she wanted. She manipulated the conversation, making Ryder feel guilty and obligated to her. She played the victim, telling Ryder that she had given him space and time, but he was still dragging his feet.
Ryder, feeling trapped and unsure of how to get out of the situation, reluctantly agreed to marry her. He told himself it was the easiest way out, but deep down, he knew he was making a mistake.
As Ryder and Sophia finalized their engagement, Emma was struggling to make a decision about Ryder's proposal. She wanted to believe that he had changed, but she was scared of getting hurt again. After much contemplation, she decided to take a chance on Ryder, hoping that he would prove himself to be a good partner and father.
When she called Ryder to tell him about her decision, Sophia answered his phone. Emma's heart sank as she heard Sophia's voice, and she realized that she had made a terrible mistake.
"Hello?" Sophia said, her voice sweet and innocent.
"Ryder, is this your phone?" Emma asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
There was a pause, and then Ryder's voice came on the line. "Emma, I...can explain..."
But Emma didn't want to hear it. She hung up the phone, feeling betrayed and heartbroken. She had trusted Ryder again, and he had hurt her once more.
As the reality of the situation sunk in, Emma felt like her world was crashing down around her. She had given Ryder another chance, and he had thrown it back in her face. She couldn't believe she had been so blind, so stupid.
The days that followed were dark and difficult for Emma. She went through the motions, but she felt like she was living in a nightmare. She couldn't eat, she couldn't sleep, and she couldn't shake the feeling of heartbreak that had settled in her chest.
Ryder, on the other hand, was torn between his feelings for Emma and his obligation to Sophia. He realized too late that he had made a grave mistake, and now he might lose the love of his life.